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Brownies and Broomsticks
Brownies and Broomsticks
Brownies and Broomsticks
Audiobook7 hours

Brownies and Broomsticks

Written by Bailey Cates

Narrated by Johanna Parker

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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About this audiobook

Katie Lightfoot's tired of loafing around as the assistant manager of an Ohio bakery. So when her aunt Lucy and uncle Ben open a bakery in Savannah's quaint downtown district and ask Katie to join them, she enthusiastically agrees.

While working at the Honeybee Bakery-named after Lucy's cat-Katie notices that her aunt is adding mysterious herbs to her recipes. Turns out these herbal enhancements aren't just tasty-Aunt Lucy is a witch and her recipes are actually spells!

When a curmudgeonly customer is murdered outside the Honeybee Bakery, Uncle Ben becomes the prime suspect. With the help of handsome journalist Steve Dawes, charming firefighter Declan McCarthy, and a few spells, Katie and Aunt Lucy stir up some toil and trouble to clear Ben's name and find the real killer . . .
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 25, 2013
ISBN9781452682266
Brownies and Broomsticks

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Reviews for Brownies and Broomsticks

Rating: 3.9221698674528302 out of 5 stars
4/5

212 ratings24 reviews

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Interesting book. The audio book cuts off at the end of each chapter in an odd way. I liked the main character. She has dimension other than in her love life. The side story of her decision between two men fell very flat. I'd have liked to hear more about the Honeybee's customers and magic infused sweets. The mystery portion was great, it kept me on my toes, and the author had definitely done their research on pagan/witchcraft practices. When food was mentioned, it was in combos that sounded delicious and had a reason both physically and magically to go together. It was well explained. I wonder if the author has put out a cookbook of all the food mentioned...
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    An enjoyable read but run of the mill mystery with a touch of witchcraft and spells and desserts. I was drawn to the book by the cover. I am not a fan of mysteries and it was hard to finish this book because I just wasn't interested. I really enjoyed the characters however, and basic storyline which revolved around a woman moving to Georgia to open a bakery with her aunt and uncle. I loved reading about all the stuff they baked and made. I was very disappointed to only find 2 recipes in the back of the book when there were a ton of great desserts that I hoped to find.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Not a fan of this type of cozy mystery. It took me a long time to finish and I ended up skipping pages and pages and still felt like I didn't miss anything that would've progressed the mystery. Not surprised by who the murder was.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Witches, Bakeries, Book clubs are three of my favorite things so this book scored on all three along with some great characters and a decent mystery.
    I knew as soon as the elevator accident victim was mentioned that, that would be the motive behind the murder. But it took a long time for who the boyfriend was to actually come up with the killer.

    I'm already looking forward to reading the 2nd book in series
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    So freakin’ cute
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The heroine is a little ditzy in this one. I hope she acts more intelligently in future novels. The premise of the books is very good. She starts a bakery with an older aunt and uncle, and finds out that she's a hereditary witch. Much of her life falls into place; things she'd never been able to explain in her past makes more sense.

    Unfortunately, her brain is taken up by hormones and a touch of fat phobia. There are two men, blah blah, that she finds attractive to a distracting degree. Perhaps because she's sworn off dating for a certain period of time after a bad breakup? Much like dieting, swearing off something makes it so very much more attractive...

    I was also annoyed that there weren't enough clues to figure out the killer until almost the end of the book. Although I was amused that I guessed the correct person anyway.

    I will read more of this author, she has promise. Also - I wanted to mention, it was the audiobook that I listened to, and the reader was GREAT.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a new author and cozy mystery series for me. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was cute.

    Katie Lightfoot has left Ohio after a broken engagement and moved to Savannah to help her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben open a bakery called the "Honeybee" after her cat, in the Historic Downtown District. Shortly after arriving she inherits a little dog she names The Magnificent Mungo and finds out that she is a witch with a lot to learn. Now it all sounds rather cliche but when they find the City's nasty Queenbee strangled in her car the story takes off. When Katie's uncle is accused of murder she knows he had nothing to do with it and is out to prove iteven while putting herself in danger. Throw in a love triangle with the local reporter, Steve and fireman, Declan to add just another dimension to the story. Once Katie realizes that her Aunt Lucy's "book" club ladies each have unique personalities and powers of their own, she begins to seek their help and advice. I hope we learn more about them as the series goes along. When we find out who the killer is you will be surprised as it was someone completely off my radar. I am looking forward to starting the next one in this series. Off course, I have to try the recipes in the back as well. If you like cozy mysteries with food, this is the series for you.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Katie Lightfoot has had a bad breakup with her fiancé, and needs a big change. So she's taken her pastry school education and her experience working in an Akron bakery to Savannah, Georgia. Her Uncle Ben and Aunt Lucy are starting a bakery there, and she's bringing her business and baking experience to the project.

    What she doesn't know is that Aunt Lucy has a family secret to share with her--one her own parents have been keeping from her.

    Katie's father and mother, her mother's sister Lucy, and Katie herself are all witches. Specifically hedge witches, gifted in the use of herbs and related matters.

    Such as cooking, and baking.

    Katie isn't sure she really believes any of this, but she loves her new home, is excited to be starting the Honeybee Bakery, and likes the ladies of her aunt's "spell book club," i.e., coven. Even with the hassle of being manipulated by the nasty Mrs. Templeton into hosting the Downtown Business Association meeting at the bakery days before they're scheduled to open, it's a good time.

    Then someone breaks Mrs. Templeton's neck and kills her, moments after she and Uncle Ben have had a testy discussion about her refusal to pay the full agreed price for the breakfast meeting. A man fitting Ben's description was seen near her car just before she was found dead. Ben isn't a good suspect, or one that Detective Peter Quinn especially wants, but he's the only suspect.

    Katie is suddenly juggling starting up a new bakery, two cute guys (Declan, a firefighter Ben used to work with when he was fire chief, and Steve, columnist for the local paper), the alarming idea that she's a witch, and an investigation into who really killed Mrs. Templeton, before the police arrest Ben because they don't have anyone else.

    This is an entertaining start to a promising new series. I haven't mentioned Honeybee the cat, or the little terrier, Mungo the Magnificent, who are looking like very promising characters. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the tone.

    Recommended.

    I received a free copy of this audiobook from Audible in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The first book in this mystery series, I borrowed the audiobook from my library. A cozy mystery about a young woman who moves to be near her aunt and uncle for support while opening her new bakery. While dealing with the issues of opening her own business, she discovers that her parents have kept a huge secret from her, and she helps solve the mystery of who killed one of the more cranky ladies of the town so she can keep her uncle, who's the prime suspect, from going to jail. I have to admit I picked this up because the main character is originally from Ohio, my home state. It was a great listen and I really enjoyed the narrator. I plan on reading/listening to the rest of the series at some point.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Audiobook-narration excellent Katie Lightfoot is a witch but even better than, she's a baker. New to her witch side she explores the possibilities while she bakes delights in her aunts new bakery. Everything was going well till an old mean woman came in and threatened the bakery, family and anything else she could think of while stealing money owed to the bakery. The old bat wasn't done there no she went and got her neck broken, complicating matters and leaving some serious accusations on her uncle's shoulders. Katie who just can't stop snooping hunts to true killer using her two hunky new male friends, her aunts coven/book club and her new magical techniques.I really liked this light southern cozy mystery. The characters were fun, interesting and complimented each other well. The nasties were truly nasty, delightfully so. Katie Lightfoot makes scones that had my mouth watering luckily she included her recipe. Yes, I made them, and enjoyed them with some rosemary tea. Great recipe, great reading snack. Double the pleasure, double the fun. I ordered the second book, and I see Biscotti in the title. I'll be baking up some of those very soon.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was a light, quick read and enjoyable for a fairly jaded palette as I read a great many of this genre and yet Bailey Cates managed to keep me entertained. I'm not one to outline the entire tale when reading the book is preferable. I believe you will enjoy this and continue on with the series and consume anything else she has to offer.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This started off as a very stereotypical "grandma mystery" for me. But I was looking for an easy enjoyable read that I could put down and pick up as needed. To my surprise, I really enjoyed this. I liked the characters and story, am even thinking about trying one of the recipes that were included. This had been on the bottom of my to read list but I'm glad I moved it to the top :)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I'm always a little apprehensive when I pick up a first book in a new series, not sure if the book will live up to expectations. But Brownies and Broomsticks was everything I'd hoped it would be: great characters, fantastic setting (I love Savannah), and the plot was solid and unpredictable. The main players in the book were all likeable and interesting, with lots of possibilities for future development. This is especially true about Katie - lots of hints about her abilities as a witch and I'm looking forward to seeing where it all goes. About the only thing I didn't like from the start; it looked like the author is going to try to create a love triangle - and I'm not a fan of that. Still, it became apparent that the two suitors were at least interesting. I just hope Ms. Cates doesn't string it along and make it painful.

    I'm really really looking forward to future books in this series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Cute cozy mystery book from a fairly new author. Very basic, so good for readers just beginning to read cozy mysteries.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I loved it! Simple, light easy to read - simple recipe for getting lost in a fun book!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Brownies and Broomsticks is the first book in the A Magical Bakery Mystery series. And what an enjoyable story it is, too.

    Katie Lightfoot heads for Savannah to put her culinary skills to work in her aunt and uncles' Honeybee Bakery. Katie, her Aunt Lucy and Uncle, and few close friends are busy putting the final touches in the Honeybee Bakery, with opening just a week away. Mavis Templeton of the Downtown Business Association stops in see if the Honeybee Bakery will be able to handle the groups business brunch in a few days. Aunt Lucy speaks up and says no problem. A menu is agreed upon and a price. The day of the brunch comes and the staff is on pins and needles. Most seem to be enjoying the brunch. As the meeting is breaking up Ms.Templeton gives Ben a check for the brunch, but the check is less than the agreed upon amount. They have a somewhat heated discussion about the check. Mavis heads to her car that is parked out front, while Ben heads for the alley behind the bakery to cool off and relax. Within in minutes it is reported that a woman is slumped over the wheel of her car, after having been shot. The woman is Mavis and of course Uncle Ben becomes the prime suspect. Next Katie learns that her aunt and the ladies that have been helping to get the bakery ready are in fact "good" witches. Katie learns that she also has the makings of being a witch, with the help of her aunt, Katie is learning to hone these skills. Throw in that two men, Declan a fireman and friend of Ben's and Steve Dawes a news reporter are eager to help Katie investigate who might have killed Templeton. The problem is that these men can't stand the sight of each other. But soon everyone is on track and using their own skills to determine the killer.

    I think that will be a very enjoyable series and in the first book has given just a taste of the witches using their skills. So those that may stay clear of woo-woo books, give this series a try.

    Since the story centers around the Honeybee Bakery, there are recipes included.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I always love to find new good series, and this book is no exception. This freshman book I won in Goodreads' First Read program was fun, light and a delight to read. Was is perfect? No, it did have a few problems typical of a new series, but they in no way interfered in the enjoyment of this book. I fully intend to pick up the second in the series and I recommend you pick up the first!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I thoroughly enjoyed this debut to a delightful new series. I always love it when I can't guess right off the bat who-dunit. The pacing for this story was just right, not too fast and not too slow. I want to know more about all of the characters so I'm hoping the author fleshes them out a bit more in the next book. What I liked best was the author's treatment of witchcraft. It feels like she did her homework on the subject while adding her own personal touches involving her own philosophies ~ bravo! I can't wait to see what the future holds for Katie and her wonderful new bakery! FTC Advisory: I won a copy of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book kept me interested to the very end and it took me to almost the end of the book to figure out who-dun-it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Tired of her unfulfilling job in Ohio, Katie Lightfoot packs up her possessions and heads south to Savannah. The opportunity to work with her aunt and uncle in their new bakery is too good to pass up. Just days before their grand opening, a woman is murdered just outside the bakery – a woman that Katie’s dear Uncle Ben had just argued with. When a witness says a man fitting Ben’s description was at the scene of the crime, the police make him the prime suspect.

    Knowing that her kindhearted uncle could never harm anyone, Katie starts her own investigation of the murder. With the help of Aunt Lucy and the members of her unusual book club, as well as a sexy newspaper reporter named Steve and a hunky fireman named Declan, Katie uncovers several possible suspects that all wanted the deceased out of the way. But the most shocking thing Katie learns is that Aunt Lucy is a witch, and magical abilities run in the family.

    BROWNIES AND BROOMSTICKS is an enchanting start to a new cozy mystery series. There was much I liked about this story: unique characters, a bakery full of tempting treats, an intriguing mystery, and the perfect location for all of this – Savannah, Georgia. There’s even the start of a complicated love triangle! Steve and Declan have bad blood between them, but they both take a strong liking to new-girl-in-town Katie. I enjoyed the magical aspects of the story, including information on the craft and spell casting. This is a light and fun paranormal cozy, and I will definitely go forward with the series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In Cates mystery novel, baker Katie Lightfoot is thrilled when her aunt and uncle open a bakery in Savannah and invite her to join them in the venture. While working at the Honeybee Bakery, Katie can’t help but notice that her Aunt Lucy tends to add fresh herbs to her recipes and soon learns that her aunt is in fact, a witch. When Uncle Ben is accused of murder, Katie joins forces with a mysterious reporter, a handsome firefighter and her Aunt Lucy as they set out determined to solve the crime and save Ben.Katie is a charming amateur sleuth who also bakes as she learns the art of magic in Savannah, Georgia. With a great plot and interesting characters, this book makes a wonderful debut novel in the A Magical Bakery Mystery series.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I chose to read this book was it had been a while since I had read a cozy. I was a little bit leary to read about witches and magic, but it definitely didn’t disappoint. There were spells cast and introduction to the magic, but it was done in a very cute way.All of the characters were very likeable and interesting. I still wonder if the neighbor will appear in the next installments of the series. I almost wonder if she is a witch as well. I thought Katie made an excellent sleuth. Very strong and smart. The mystery was very well done and I think I had it figured out about halfway through the book, but then decided I was wrong before it was revealed in the end.Of course, in a cozy there are two interested males in the female sleuth. May favorite after reading this book is Declan. Of course Steve was fairly “charming” himself.I recommend this to all readers of cozy mysteries whether you enjoy magic or not.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Katie Lightfoot has relocated to Savannah, GA. to open a bakery with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. After 3 years working as an assistant in a bakery, she is dying to be in her own place so she can express her creativity. Her Aunt Lucy is also adding her own touches that Katie will soon find are more magical than culinary. When a chance to host a luncheon for the Downtown Business Association comes up she and her family are both excited and hesitant. Excited because of the exposure the meeting will give them, but hesitant because the person who is contracting with them is Mavis Templeton, one of Savannah's meanest, and hard to please women. Though all goes well with the luncheon, Mavis refuses to pay the whole amount they agreed on and has a set to with Uncle Ben. When Mavis turns up dead outside the bakery, Ben is the number one suspect and Katie is determined to clear his name. Will her newly discovered magical talents help or hinder her in her pursuit?I liked this mystery more than I expected to. As a matter of fact I almost returned it to the library without reading it. Boy, I am glad I decided to give it a chance. This one is magical and has a nice assortment of characters of the witchy and non-witchy variety. The Savannah setting is very nice. (I have a soft spot for southern settings). I also thought the mystery was well thought out and there was some danger to spice the story up. I like that Katie was unaware of her witch heritage until she gets to Savannah so she is just learning about her capabilities. There is just enough magic. I will definitely be reading the next.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    What drew me to this book was the adorable cover! I had no idea what it was about but knew that it would contain delicious treats and some sort of magical theme to it. And I was right!A quick and light read, Brownie and Broomsticks is the perfect combination of mystery, murder, magic and baked goods, with some memorable characters. Katie, after working as an assistant manager at a high-stressed bakery in Ohio and breaking up with her fiancee, is now relocating to Savannah to work in her aunt and uncle's new bakery. She is independent, stubborn and quick-witted. It was fun to watch her adjust to her new life, meet the locals and get familiar with how things work around town. Her Aunt Lucy is the sweetest lady that you could ever meet. And when her "book club" comes over for their meeting, things seem to get a bit weird around them... making everyone wonder if they're really reading all those books.When a not-so-loved local and customer is murdered right in front of their bakery a week before opening day, Katie's uncle is the prime suspect and Katie is on the mission to find out who really did it.There is hardly any romance in this book, although we do meet two very handsome potential interests - a persistent journalist who is definitely hiding something, and a very charming firefighter who is too good to pass up. But at the moment, Katie has sworn off men and is out to find herself first... is there more to her than just being a baker? It's time for her to sit down and figure out her family tree.What I loved about this mystery is that it really kept me going around in circles. Every time I thought I knew who the real murderer was, proof would pop up that it wasn't. It really kept me going and I was really surprised to find out who it was.I am really looking forward to reading more about Katie, her family and their bakery. If anything will happen with the potential love triangle that is forming. And what mischief Katie and her new coven will be getting into. And more recipes! Oh, did I forget to mention that there are a few recipes including in the back of the book, lol, so sorry! I can't wait to try the Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, which is Katie's favorite comfort food.What I also didn't know is that Bailey Cates is also Cricket McRae, the author to the Home Crafting Series. Book 6 to this series will be released on November 8th, 2012. However, there is no mention of book 2 to the Magical Bakery Mystery, yet.