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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Blueberry Cupcake Mystery: A Book Review

by Chautona Havig · 10 Comments

When I had the opportunity to review The Blueberry Cupcake Mystery for CelebrateLit, I jumped at it.  C’mon, a whodunnit in a bakery in the heart of Amish country?  Sign me up!  I’d never heard of author Naomi Miller and new nothing of the series, but it sounded intriguing!

blueberry cupcake mystery

Written somewhat in the style of Wisdom and  the Millers by Mildred Martin, I almost wondered if the two women somehow knew one another or were related.  About a chapter or two into the book, I felt foolish.  Some of the problems that I was having with it became clear and understandable as I realized it must be written for youth readers!  DUH!  I felt silly, but it’s a good silly.

So, what’s it about?

The book also has the feel of a Marguerite de Angeli story.  Short–definitely novella size in “adult” fiction lengths–this book is a super fast, super clean, super fun read.  The mystery begins and ends almost before you realize it.  A sweet story, the plot focuses on a young Amish girl working in an “Englisher’s” bakery and discovers that someone has stolen all the Independence Day goodies!  EEEP!

While the police try to uncover who could do such a dastardly deed, young Katie sees proof of who must have done it and the rest of the story becomes about why. It’s a tale of kindness, lovingkindness, and showing grace in adversity.

blueberry cupcake mysteryI give The Blueberry Cupcake Mystery four stars as a youth book or three as “adult” material.  I find it written in a style very much like I’m accustomed to reading for youth (the diction and syntax as well as plot choices), and yet the categories I see on Amazon show I may be wrong about the intended market.  I’m so confused!

Regardless, if you want a short, quick read and a wonderfully wholesome book in the process, grab it. I enjoyed seeing how everything came together at the end, but I do consider the genre of “mystery” to be a bit of a stretch.  I expect some sort of sleuthing and at least one red-herring, but if either of those occurred, I missed it.  The author provided this book to me, and I freely offer my honest opinion of it.

Ready to try a bite?

And have a LOVELY Labor Day.  I’ll be laboring to save the rest of my laptop files before #6 daughter’s boyfriend takes it apart and replaces the Coke-destroyed hard drive.  Yes, a block is failing.  Guess who bought ANOTHER laptop yesterday?  *weeps*

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Comments

  1. Lori D says

    September 6, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    It’s always exciting when a new book comes out and with cupcakes involved?-yum!

    Reply
  2. Cindy says

    September 6, 2016 at 11:47 am

    I have not heard of this author. I love it when you do book reviews!

    Reply
  3. Michelle says

    September 6, 2016 at 8:04 am

    I have not heard of Naomi. I’m always on the lookout for good clean books for my kids!

    Reply
  4. Colleen says

    September 5, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    Naomi is a new author to me. I love a light, quick read on a Sunday afternoon!

    Reply
  5. Rebekah says

    September 5, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    I have not read anything by this author. I am always looking for good books to read.

    Reply
  6. Tina at Mommynificent says

    September 5, 2016 at 4:41 am

    This looks like fun, and I think my daughter might like it. Would you say it’s suitable for a 12-year old?
    Tina

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      September 5, 2016 at 7:16 pm

      YES! Absolutely.

      Reply
  7. Lucinda says

    September 4, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    I haven’t read anything by this author, but I would certainly like the chance!

    Reply
  8. Emma Filbrun says

    September 4, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    Never heard of Naomi Miller. Her name sounds like an Amish name, so maybe she knows what the Amish are like firsthand? I can’t stand most “Amish” novels, but I’d be interested in trying this one if you say it’s good.

    Reply
  9. Ava says

    September 4, 2016 at 7:40 am

    Looks like a fun read! I’ve never heard of her.

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
byChautona Havig

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t new to rom-coms, and her first book in the Sweetheart Series promises to be a literary riot, and it lives up to that promise. I’m only halfway through it and am thinking mean, ugly thoughts of everything keeping me from being able to escape into the crazy small-town politics and quirky characters. So far the com far outweighs the rom, which makes me thrilled to bits. Listen in to discover what makes Lone Star Sweetheart so much fun.

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Why Did This Author Write a Rom-Com about a Loveable Shrew?

Well, I think we can safely blame Shakespeare for that. Shannon Sue Dunlap has taken inspiration from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in her Katherine, but unlike Katerina, Dunlap’s character is actually trying to learn to tame the tongue. Maybe someone should send her over to the book of James. There’s that whole bit about not being able to tame it, being an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

Kate’s isn’t that bad, but not for lack of trying. Or something.

Shannon Sue Dunlap isn’t joking when she says that her Katherine is a “loveable” shrew. Seriously, I love this character. She’s forthright, no-nonsense, and “what you see is what you get” in her approach to life. I respect that. Add to that her boss who has shaken up the town of Sweetheart, Texas, and you’ve got the makings of a great story. I’m loving Lone Star Sweetheart.

But this isn’t all Dunlap has written.

Under the pseudonym, Shannon Kent, you can find her sweet and clean romances (including one Christian romance) inspired by Korean dramas. If you said I’d be not only chomping to read a sweet and clean romance about Korean tour guides and all that entails but also ready to watch a Korean drama on Netflix… Okay, I might not have laughed in your face, but I’d’ve been laughing on the inside.

Best part… one of them ties into her Sweetheart Series

Lone Star Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap

Katherine Bruno’s passionate, unfiltered temper makes her the shrew of small-town Sweetheart, Texas. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife run against her own husband, Katherine meets opposing big city political consultant Ryan Park. The good-looking, flirtatious campaign manager gets under her skin, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his jaded rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

You can find out more about Shannon Sue Dunlap AND get that first novella in the Korean Crush series free on her WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
Episode 231: A Chat with RomCom author, Shannon Sue Dunlap
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Episode 228: A Chat with Author Emilie Haney
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Episode 227: A Chat about the New Jewels of Kalispell Series
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