Audiobook Review: Leprechauns and Lemon Bars by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Leprechauns and Lemon Bars

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #3.5

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Pages: 487 

Published: September 1, 2024

Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: Shamrocks, rainbows, pots of gold, and … one irate leprechaun.

Spring has sprung, and I’m finally getting out of town with my monster-hunting boyfriend. However, our cozy little rental cabin in the woods turns out to have a serious problem—an angry leprechaun infestation.

Before we can get back to our romantic rendezvous, we have to prove we didn’t steal a magic hat.

Piece of cake, right?

Review:

Weeeee! I needed a nice short. This filled that need for sure. 

Our little couple is finally getting some alone time with a romantic rendezvous. Just when things are getting good, they are disrupted by a Leprechaun who's magical hat has been stolen. Will they find the hat? Will they get to save their vacation? Most importantly...will they get the door fixed so they get their deposit back?

You need to read the past books before reading this little number. There is a lot of backstory between Orion and Ella in order to truly appreciate this story. 

But yes, this is short. Super short. Maybe too short. 

There is romance and mystery. The mystery was a little cut and dry for my liking. I would've liked maybe a red herring or maybe a fun twist. Sadly, it was an easy mystery to solve for our epic duo. 

Honestly, I don't think we needed the mystery. I would've been completely A-OK with just a story of Ella and Orion exploring the woods and the town and each other (*waggles brows*). They rarely get alone time and they were apart for a while because of his work. Maybe the mystery could've been something even smaller than a missing hat. Maybe a mystery of the music playing or where to get their next meal. LOL. IDK but I do not think we needed a mystery in this short. 

Maybe I'm wrong......maybe this is a lead up to more especially with the gift they were given at the end there. We shall see. 

Narration? Amazing as per usual. I love Amanda Ronconi!

Overall, this was cute. The mystery was meh, but I loved seeing our epic duo together again after such a long time apart. Cuties!!!! 3 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Ella and Orion of course

Least Favorite Character(s): n/a

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #28

- Cloak & Dagger #14

Audiobook Review: Hexes and Honey Buns by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Hexes and Honey Buns

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #3

Genre: Mystery, Paranormal

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 29, 2022

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

The pen is mightier than the sword—but what’s a witch to do when she has writer’s block? After landing my first official journalist job I thought the ideas would be spilling out faster than I could type. But it turns out life in the shadow of my debut piece is a little … make that a lot , harder than I expected. So, when a convicted murderer reaches out begging for help in proving her innocence, I jump at the chance to dig into another investigation. The only problem? This trail is ice cold. I don’t want to give up on a good story, or let down a witch desperate for my help, but I’m not sure where to turn and I’m running out of time. Will my last ditch effort pan out, or will I be forced to give my editor a blank page?

Review:

I'm really adoring this world and these characters so I couldn't resist starting the next one. 

Rosella is settling in and making her way. She has accepted a 2nd job as a writer in an official journalist job. After a successful piece, Rosella is struggling with her next piece. However, a possible story lands on her lap, aka email, when a convicted murderer reaches out to her begging for help. The murderer says she is innocent but the trail is ice cold. Rosella takes it on but she keeps bumping into walls. Will she solve an old murder or be forced to give her editor a blank page?

Awww Rosella. What a lil sweetie. I just want her to be happy and do well but she is struggling with trying to get a good story out, her cousin, her boyfriend, and feeling okay being back home. She is having so many conflicting emotions. I just wanna hug her!

Honestly, the mystery came at the right time for her. She needs to get her mind busy and get another great story out! This seems like a cut and dry case, but not all is what it seems. The mystery was good and TBH....the twist was great. I was worried it was going to be too easy, but the author didn't fall into an easy solution or answer. 

The ending was great! I have hope but a part of me is curious about the one cop. Mmmmmmmmmmm. I will say no more, but I do wonder. 

ANYWAY!

I'm not amused with how the cousin is allowed to be a B word to our girl while no one says ANYTHING to her and now they are making her a cake for like free? WHAT? Ugh. I get family and etc, but come on!

Great narration OF COURSE. Everything she touches turns to gold. 

Loving this series. I can't wait to start the next one! I would give this 5, but the scenes with the cousin niggled at my brain a bit. 4 stars overall. 

- Favorite Character(s): Rosella

- Least Favorite Character(s): THAT cousin. >_> Ugh. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #21

- Cloak & Dagger #10

Audiobook Review: Sugar Cookies and Sirens by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Sugar Cookies and Sirens

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2.5

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Novella, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published:  September 1, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

The witch who can talk to animals meets the witch with a talking cat. What could go wrong? It’s Valentine’s Day in Winterspell, but not everyone appears to be feeling the love. And no, I’m not talking about my date-less self.

Instead of being wooed by candlelight, I’m working in a candle shop. Cora Hearth, Winterspell’s magical chandler, has teamed up with Sugar Shack to create party favors for the lucky couples, and they’re counting on us to spark some magic for their special night.

So, when a thief breaks into my delivery van and swipes the goodies, Cora and I—and her persnickety talking cat—have to join forces to track down the culprit in time to save Valentine’s Day.

Review:

I'm loving this series so much. It's such a fun town and world. 

It is Valentine's day at the Sugar Shake and Winterspell. Love is in the air and our girl is...alone. Her boyfriend is off on a mission and probably won't make it home in time to celebrate. It's okay...she has her work. Sugar Shake and Cora Hearth have teamed up to create party favors for couples. However, things go sideways when a thief breaks into the delivery van and swipes the goodies. It will be up to Ella, Cora, and Cora's cat familiar to find the thief to save Valentine's Day!

This was a cute little number. So much fun. Again....I'm really loving this world the author created. There is another series set in this same town that I need to dive into eventually. Such a vibe and I'm here for it!!!

The mystery was entertaining. At some point it dawned on me and I figured it out. It was a bit on the nose. I won't spoil which moment made the light bulb go off for me. It was a little easy, but still fun to watch unravel. And do I dare say........ it was kinda cute?

I missed Ella's beau but I was excited to see Ella maybe make a new friend. I hope Cora shows up in the future! She and her cat familiar were a gem and so much fun. Honestly, there seems to be some more backstory with these two. Curious to learn more. The name does sound familiar. Maybe Cora was in that Xmas short I read a while back? Who knows lol. 

The narrator is one of my favorites ever. Love, love, LOVE her voices. Always fun, always a blast. 

In the end, this was short but very sweet and nice. 4 stars. The mystery was a little on the nose, but I still enjoyed it immensely.  

- Favorite Character(s): Ella and Cora

- Least Favorite Character(s): mmmmmmmm no one I guess

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #18

- Cloak and Dagger #8

Best of February

Here are our bests from February!!!! 

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

"I have to chose this one as the best book of the month because ALL the feels."

Carole - Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1-2 series

"I'm loving these! Book 1, book 1.5, and 2 are sooooo good."

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  Downton Abbey (2019)

"Such a great continuation of the show. Weeeee!"

Blodeuedd - Nadda

"Best movie, as always I do not remember. I did watch one with a man and his daughter renovating a villa. And sure you could watch it, but I do not even remember the title so..."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Ghosts (s1) & Love is Blind

"I watched s1 of Ghosts, finally! And also lots of Love is Blind. I just need that drama."

Carole - Downton Abbey (S 6)

"Wah. What am I going to do now that I am done? SOOO good."

Best Cover of the Month:

Carole's pick: Can't stop looking at it. 

Blodeuedd's pick: "Much prettier in RL."

Audiobook Review: Mermaids and Meringue by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Mermaids and Meringue

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  September 1, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

It’s New Year’s Eve and Rosella Midnight has a date with danger.

A handsome date for New Year’s Eve? Check.

Red lipstick and a killer party dress? Double check.

A kiss when the clock strikes twelve? Undecided.

If I’m going to be stuck in Winterspell a little longer, I may as well have fun with it. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...

When my romantic evening turns into a kidnapping investigation, I can’t wait around to watch the ball drop. There’s a mermaid-snatching monster on the loose, and it’s up to me to stop them.

Luckily for me, my date always comes loaded for dragon.

Review:

Weeee! Book 2!

We continue following Ella who is trying to make something of herself after everything went wrong. It's New Year's Eve and she has a date! However, her nice romantic evening turns into a kidnapping investigation. It's up to Ella and Orion to solve the mystery and save some mermaids. 

Can I just say that I am tickled pink that we have drifted away (for now) from a possible love triangle? Don't get me wrong, I love a lil love jealousy and triangles IF done right. However, I'm 100% Team Orion. It's nice to see Ella's walls coming down a teeny tiny bit. 

We get to see them more together here working, flirting, having some deeper convos, and saving the day. Loved it. 

The mystery was good (I won't say much else in fear of spoiling). It seemed a little easy to solve, but I still enjoyed it overall. 

Loved the ending. I'm curious to see how many doors are opened now for our gal. Ella is certainly making a name for herself. 

The narrator is a gem. Perfection!!!!

In the end, I'm really digging this series. I'm liking our characters and the mysteries are fun. Orion is a hunk and perfect for Ella. Bring on the next book! 

5 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Orion and Ella

- Least Favorite Character(s): Ella's cousin (I hope we never see her again. She's terrible) and the baddie of course. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #10

- Cloak & Dagger #5

Audiobook Review: Grimoires and Gingerbread by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Grimoires and Gingerbread

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1.5

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 4, 2020

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Christmas in Winterspell means ice skating, hot cocoa by the barrel, and frosted gingerbread houses.

I was almost looking forward to it.

The merriment screeches to a halt when two elves show up, claiming to have been sent by Santa himself, on a mission to track down an ancient grimoire.

A grimoire with the power of Christmas itself woven through the pages. Without it, Christmas isn’t happening, and Santa himself is in grave danger.

Could Winterspell hold the key to saving Christmas?

Review:

Uhoh. I'm becoming addicted to this series. OooooOooo. 

It is Christmas time in Winterspell! That means ice skating, hot cocoa, cookies, gingerbread houses, and a mystery? Things go wrong and Ella is brought in to help find Santa's ancient grimoire that was stolen. Without it...Christmas won't happen. 

This series is getting under my skin and I'm loving it. I already have book 2 downloaded and ready to go. The town is fun even with some of the a-holes who are scared of Ella and her powers. I'm loving our main characters. I'm loving the mysteries. 

This was a nice short. It COULD be a standalone, but I highly advise reading book 1 first. 

Nice and short with a cool resolution at the end. It made me miss Christmas!

The narrator is the same as the first book and I'm a happy gal! Love her voices. 

All-in-all, I def recommend this and book 1. 

5 stars from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Ella, Orion

- Least Favorite Character(s): The baddie and some of the townfolk. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #9

- Cloak & Dagger #4

Audiobook Review: Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Sprinkles and Sea Serpents

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 23, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

They say you can't go home again. . .oh, if only that were true.

Thanks to a series of unfortunate events - and one backstabbing frenemy - home is exactly where I'm headed. back to Winterspell Lake, the small community in Eastern Washington where magic runs rampant and humans are outlawed.

Faster than you can say hocus pocus I'm unpacking my bags and settling into the guest room of my parents' house, trying to ignore the creeping sensation that I'll never break free again.

The one thing Winterspell has going for it is the sweets shop in the center of town, a bakery filled with magical creations designed to enchant the taste buds and charm even the pickiest of connoisseurs. Luckily for me, I get the friends and family discount since my parents own the famous Sugar Shack. If I want room and board, I have to frost cupcakes and sling macaroons with the rest of the fam.

Unfortunately, things in Winterspell aren't all sugar cookies and rainbows. According to the local news, a dangerous sea serpent has claimed the lives to three missing girls. The journalist in me has to have a look for myself, and what I find is something far more deadly.

Something that makes me wish I'd stayed in the bakery.

Review:

Been meaning to read this series for a bit...especially after I read a crossover in this world. 

Thanks to some unfortunate events Ella is forced to go back home and stay with her family while she picks herself back up. The one thing Winterspell has going for it is the sweets shop in the center of town and her parent's need help at their store Sugar Shack. However, the town is in an uproar about a dangerous sea serpent who supposedly claimed the lives of three girls. Ella, as a previous journalist, can't help herself as she goes digging for answers. 

I was pleasantly surprised when we learn that there is more to Ella than what she describes in the summary. She has a power (which everyone in Winterspell and the magic world has SOME sort of power) that is so cool. People are mean and some have shunned her because of it. I'll leave it as a surprise for people who haven't read the book yet especially since it isn't called out in the summary. But it's cool and I want that power. 

I have a sneaking fear that there will be a love triangle in our future. Maybe not? She is freshly back in town and romance isn't the first thing on her brain, but the heart wants what the heart wants. If there is to be a love triangle that it only lasts for a bit and is realistic. *fingers crossed* Here's to hoping!! 

Originally I had this going on my romance bingo sheet, but I really feel that there wasn't enough romance for that to happen. Maybe book 2 will have more of the romance element. This seems to be building up for more. Soooooooooooo, I'll leave it off my bingo sheet. 

I liked Ella and I like her granny. I hope to learn more about her family in future books. 

Ryan was sweet. So was Jake. 

I loved the sea serpent! I wish we got to see it more.

There is something brewing and I need to know what is going to happen! EEEE. So yes, I have the next book ready to go already. Hehe. 

The narrator is a personal favorite of mine so I am super biased. She is great and does justice to the characters. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this. I do fear for a love triangle, but if it is done right I'll be happy. Fun, good mystery, nice characters, cool powers.....5 stars.  

- Favorite Character(s): Ella, Grandma Rose

- Least Favorite Character(s): The sheriff. Boo

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #7

- Cloak & Dagger #2

Audiobook Review: A Very Beechwood Christmas by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: A Very Beechwood Christmas 

(Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery)

Genre: Cozy mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, novella
Pages: Audiobook
Published: December 21, 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Christmas is coming to Beechwood Harbor, but will the manor residents be ready for his magical visit? With mischief and mystery at every turn, Holly and friends have to rally to save Christmas before it's too late!

A Very Beechwood Christmas includes four mini mysteries set around a wild and magical Christmas when the real Santa Claus comes to town!

Review: 

Stumbled upon this while looking for some short stories for Xmas season.

The story follows these friends who have to work together to save Christmas after the real Santa turns up missing. We follow Holly, Nick, Scarlett, and Flapjack the ghost cat. It is up to them to solve the mysteries and save Christmas!

This is a collection of short holiday novellas that features characters from the author's other series. These "shorts" all tie into each other to make one bigger story. Honestly it was like five parts just shared in different POVs. It was different and unique. 

I haven't read any of these series by this author. Honestly...I only read one book by this author last year. I should read more. I enjoyed that one and I enjoyed this one. This did well as a standalone, but I'm sure I would appreciate it more if I understood these character's backstories a touch more. 

The mini mysteries were great and I loved the overall mystery. Everything tied into each other and it was well done. The solutions were a little easy, but still enjoyable at the end of it. 

The narrator is a gem. I could listen to her all day. Honestly.....she may be one of my favorite female narrators. She simply brings every story alive. 

All-in-all, I did find myself enjoying this collection. I loved how it was all connected and I got to meet a lot of different characters. I'm now curious about reading more and learning about these guys. 4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Enjoyable

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #56

- Cloak & dagger #23

Book Review: Reindeer Runes by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Title: Reindeer Runes

Series: Winter Witches of Holiday Haven #2

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 174

Published: November 11, 2020

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Lumi Northrop is a powerful guardian of the north--the North Star Reindeer Sanctuary, that is. When Rudolph vanishes the week before Christmas, Lumi is thrust from the peace and quiet of her family's farm, into the magical town of Holiday Haven to help find him. Lumi quickly discovers that Rudolph isn't the only local celebrity who's gone missing. Jack Frost is also MIA, just days before his coronation as the next Frost King. Teaming up with Corbin Frost, Jack's reclusive brother, Lumi finds more questions than answers. What she thinks is an odd coincidence quickly turns into something more sinister. With time running out for Rudolph and Jack, can Lumi use her powers to save the North Pole?

Review:

I picked this up last year but never got around to reading this during Xmas time. I decided to save it for this year. I've honestly not read that many Xmas books this December which is pretty strange for me. Mhmm. 

Here we follow Lumi who is a guardian of the North Star Reindeer Sanctuary. When Rudolph vanishes the week before Christmas, it is up to Lumi to help find him. Soon she will realize that Rudolph isn't the only local celebrity who has gone missing. Jack Frost is gone days before his coronation. She will have to team up with Corbin Frost to find them. 

This is the "2nd" book of the series, but you don't have to have had read book 1 in order to read this. The books really don't tie in together. It feels more like an anthology series if you will. I think later in this "series" some authors show back up with their characters. 

This was refreshing. It reminded me a little of that Jayne Frost series I read (I really should go back and read it again). Love the whole concept for sure. 

There was a huge lull in the middle, but I was able to battle through that and finish the story. The characters were fun and I liked the mystery.

Fun and Xmas-y...def what I needed. 

All-in-all, a nice mystery for the Xmas season. Minus the middle lull...this was a fun read. Cute reindeer, fun characters, and a good mystery. I'll give this 3 stars.