Night of Miracles/Elizabeth Berg/261 pgs

This story picks up a few years after Berg’s heartwarming book, The Story of Arthur Truluv ends. Maddie and her daughter, Nola, have moved out of the house Arthur left to Maddie when he died, because she is getting married.  But, Lucille stills lives there.

Lucille is busy with her baking classes that Maddie encouraged her to teach.  In fact, she is so busy that she hires Iris Winters to help her on the business side of things.  Lucille also has new neighbors next door who have a young son who adores Lucille.  Lucille helps out by watching the boy while his parents struggle with his mother’s illness.  This is one of the things that keeps Lucille vital.

But, Lucille being nearly 90 years old starts to show her age.  Lucille reluctantly begins to let Iris handle more of the class preparations and eventually the teaching duties.

Lucille and Iris’s loving hands touch more than just the goods they bake in this heart wrenching story.

Sugar, Butter, Flour / Jenna Hunterson / 160 pages

Sugar, Butter, Flour: The Waitress Pie Book is a pie cookbook based on the recent hit musical with music by Sara Bareilles. Jenna Hunterson is the main character of the story, not the actual author of these recipes. Moment of truth: I didn't bake any of these pies yet. But I did read through the whole book, and it's pretty fun. Be aware that the cookbook is based on the pies from the musical, not the movie. There were a few recipes from the movie I was really hoping to see and didn't--that's not a bad thing, just telling you so you're aware. There were a couple of people who complained about thinking Jenna was a real person, which is silly. The title page has the real author's name as the author of the recipes; not having it on the cover is common for book or movie-based cookbooks. I'm excited to try a few of them and may tweak my review when I do. Suffice it to say, this is a good pie book primarily consisting of classics with a twist. This is a solid choice for people who enjoyed the musical, as well as those who just like trying new and fairly simple pie recipes!

Double Fudge Brownie Murder: Hannah Swensen Book 18/ Joanne Fluke/ 369 pages

The Double Fudge Brownie Murder starts and ends on a wedding note.  Joanne Fluke begins the book as the Swensen sisters join their mother and Doc for a surprise wedding in Vegas.  Their Mom, Delores,  is pleasantly surprised with Doc's plans.  Hannah finds some romance of her own when Ross Barton, her old college flame, is Doc's best man. Of course, Ross has a job prospect in Lake Eden.  Hannah returns to Lake Eden in time to go to trial for an accident in which a man was killed (two books prior).  When Hannah finds the judge who is to try the case has been murdered she's back on the hunt for a killer.  By the end of the book things are looking up for Hannah and three marriage proposals are on the table.  For the reader who is not familiar with this series, about have of the book is the recipes from Hannah's cookie store.  

Red Velvet Cup Cake Murder/ Joanne Fluke/ 323 pages

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder is the 17th book in Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson series.  Hannah is serving attending an open house at the renovated hotel turned condo when her friend, Barbara, falls from the roof.  Hannah is drawn into the investigation when Barbara insists that her brother tried to kill her.  Only problem, Barbara is an only child.  This mystery will appeal to readers who like cozy mysteries and baking.  For more information about this book check out the SCCCLD website.

Blackberry Pie Murder/ Joanne Fluke/ 368 pages

Blackberry Pie Murder, written by Joanne Fluke, is the 17th installment of the Hannah Swenson series.  While driving through a storm, Hannah swerves to miss a fallen tree limb and hits a man.  Hannah and her friends work together to identify the victim while trying to plan her mother's wedding.  Will either have a good ending?
This book would appeal to people who like cozy mysteries, baking and personal relationships.

To learn more about this book and find some read-a-likes check out the SCCCLD website.