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    Wedding Cake Murder
    Wedding Cake Murder
    Wedding Cake Murder
    Ebook413 pages6 hours

    Wedding Cake Murder

    By Joanne Fluke

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Hannah Swensen’s getting married—but first she has to solve the murder of a notorious celebrity chef—in this entry in the New York Times-bestselling series.
     
    Folks in Lake Eden, Minnesota, may have had their doubts, but at long last, Hannah Swensen is getting married! And her excitement only grows when she learns the man of her dreams will be able to join her on her trip to New York City for the Food Channel’s dessert chef contest. They get a taste of the Big Apple before Hannah wins the Hometown Challenge—and the producers bring all the contestants to Lake Eden to tape the remainder of the show.
     
    It’s nerve-wracking enough being judged by Alain Duquesne, a celebrity chef with a nasty reputation. But it’s even more chilling to find him stabbed to death in the Lake Eden Inn’s walk-in cooler—before he’s even had a chance to taste Hannah’s Butterscotch Sugar Cookies! Now Hannah has not only lost her advantage, she’ll have to solve a mystery with more layers than a five-tiered wedding cake…
     
    “Fluke’s cast is lively and winsome.”—Publishers Weekly
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherKensington Books
    Release dateMar 1, 2016
    ISBN9781617732171
    Author

    Joanne Fluke

    JOANNE FLUKE is the New York Times bestselling author of the Hannah Swensen mysteries, which include Chocolate Cream Pie Murder, Raspberry Danish Murder, Cinnamon Roll Murder, and the book that started it all, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. That first installment in the series premiered as Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. Like Hannah Swensen, Joanne Fluke was born and raised in a small town in rural Minnesota, but now lives in Southern California. Please visit her online at www.JoanneFluke.com.

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    Reviews for Wedding Cake Murder

    3.5/5

    132 ratings31 reviews

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    • 1/5
      Stick a fork in it, I'm done. Like so many cozy series that have come before it, I must finally say enough is enough. I'm done wasting precious time, and eyesight, hanging on to a group of characters and lackluster plots that have become worse than predictable and lazily written. If the author, editor and publisher don't have enough respect for me the reader to bring out a quality product I can no longer be loyal to a once beloved series.
      I don't mean to dump all my frustrations on to this seemingly nice author, but this is not the first long running series that I've abandoned recently for the same reasons.


    • 3/5
      I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.What I Liked:-The food competition! I love cooking competition shows, so I loved all the included (fictional) reality show moments.-The mystery! Once it got started, it had a lot of suspects, and a lot of twists and turns.-The dessert descriptions! I was craving cookies, cakes, and pies the whole book.-The characters! They are generally very likable, and those that aren't get their just desserts (pun very much intended).What I Didn't Like So Much:-The bad jokes. Imagine my bad pun from above, but over and over, and given multiple lines of dialogue.-The delayed mystery. The murder didn't actually occur until almost halfway through the book, not ideal when the book has murder in the title and is billed as a mystery.-The dropped story lines/wrapped up too quickly story lines. Yes, this book has both. Hints are dropped that something is off about the main character's fiance, but that is never followed up on. Two other characters are in love with the main character, but seem to become her true friends almost instantaneously after she explains to them how much she loves her fiance, and they even agree to be in her wedding party.I had expected to love this book, given how much I've heard about Joanne Fluke and her many Hannah Swensen cozy mysteries. But while I did enjoy the book (particularly once the mystery got going), I found myself disappointed. This book was fine, but nothing special. There are a lot of other cozy mystery series I will be picking up instead.
    • 2/5
      Hannah Swensen is finally going to be walking down the aisle and saying "I do." After a few years of dating Mike and Norman, she has finally made a choice...Ross Barton, her college crush. Her mother and sisters are handling the arranging of the wedding and the reception, down to the last detail. All Hannah has to do is choose a dress and show up. She is also in the middle of planning what she will be baking when she is in New York City for the Food Channel's dessert chef contest.Hannah selects her sister, Michelle, as a partner and is excited to find that Ross will also be going to New York to tape her appearance. Another exciting thing is the contest will move to the hometown of the winner of the first bakeoff!Hannah wins and the contestants, and technical team come to Lake Eden to tape the rest of the competition. Lake Eden Inn is the site of the activity since they have the kitchen capeabilities. But things go bad when one of the judeges is found dead in the walk-in cooler. Now Hannah has another project! Find who the murder is and why it was done.During Hannah's investigation she finds there are a number of people who end up on her suspects list. It seems the victim did not endear himself to many of the people he dealt with.Hannah is really under pressure: to win the competition, to solve the murder and to be done and to her wedding on time the day after the end of the competition.I'm not as enthused with this book as I have been with the others. Hannah has seemed like she had a pretty good head on her shoulders and her feet fairly planted on solid ground. In this book not so much. She is giddy about her upcoming marriage (I get that). She just gives in to letting her family orchestrate her wedding. Her friends and sister seem to be the ones running the business. Ross reappears, sweeps her off her feet and she makes a life changing decision in a snap, and Mike and Norman have agreed to stay friends with her as they are also friends of Ross'. One part I felt was more in the vein of the previous books was when Norman told her how he felt about her marrying Ross. He has always professed to love Hannah.Hannah has always been one to not like hurting people's feelings, but the way she tries to tippy-toe around telling Mike and Norman about her decision, and it being her mother who is the one to tell the two men just seemed a bit out of character.I have two more in the series to read, that have been loaned to me and hopefully Hannah will be back to being the Hannah I've read previously and not the sappy one she seems to have become.
    • 3/5
      3 stars for the story, 4 stars for the recipes (which sound delicious, but seem a bit complicated).

      I've read several books in this cozy mystery series, and was excited to see a wedding-themed one scheduled for release. Most of the books are fairly successful stand-alone mysteries: I never made any effort to read them in any particular order, and never felt like I was handicapped in understanding who someone was or why they were doing what they were doing.

      This time, though, I felt like I had missed a few things. I guess I didn't read the last book (or few books?) because somewhere along the way, Hannah apparently had three suitors fighting for her hand. She picked one (who is now her fiance in this book), and the other two are still her friends, but things are a little awkward. I found myself wishing I knew more of the backstory, because I couldn't really figure out the other two guys' motivations or their real feelings about Hannah's fiance.

      The title is "Wedding Cake Murder," which -- unlike most titles in this genre -- is neither punny nor alliterative. But it does give you fair warning that one of the characters will turn up dead! And Joanne Fluke has a solid grasp of mystery basics. There are plenty of people with obvious motives, and some with not-so-obvious motives, so the solution isn't immediately obvious. There are some mild surprises as Hannah does her investigating (often utilizing her baking skills -- should we call it investigabaking?). And the setting -- a baking competition that could easily be a pitch for the next Food Network show -- is lots of fun. My only criticism is that the tone sometimes gets a little too folksy, verging on condescending. Do we really need Hannah not to know how to access a program recorded on her DVR to show that she's a small-town, old-fashioned girl? Do we need two pages of explanation about what cardamom is and where it comes from because no one's ever heard of this strange, "mysterious" spice?

      Regardless, the real reason to read this particular series of cozy mysteries is for the mouth-watering cake and cookie recipes. They're varied and delicious-sounding, and had me editing my grocery list mid-chapter. That said, most of them recommend having a stand mixer, and many require making dough well in advance and refrigerating it overnight, so if you're craving an immediate sugar fix, it might be better to stick with the refrigerated cookie dough in the dairy aisle. But if you're feeling ambitious, I can't imagine a better place to start than with a two-layer white cake swirled with six colors of Jell-O powder. (It actually sounds like it would be fantastic for a coming-out party, or a kid's unicorn-themed birthday.)

      All things considered, this is a tasty #Sundayquickreads that won't tax your brain and could definitely help you kill a couple of hours on your coach-class flight to New York. If you're in first class, though, you won't need it, because it will be so comfortable that you'll fall asleep immediately and not wake up til you're on approach. (But if you're Hannah, you'll be mystified by the big-city jet-setter expression "on approach." "What are we approaching?" Oh, Hannah.)

      I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
    • 3/5
      I don't care for cozies at ll but I read this one for a challenge. Those that like this genre will probably eat it up...no pun intended. I just don't understand the amateur sleuth attitude. Do they actually think they are the only ones capable of solving the case and act as if the police don't exist? Mostly they investigate between taking cookies out of the oven...in this case a five tier wedding cake.
    • 4/5
      Oh MY! Who hasn't met a character like BRIDEZILA. I had to keep reading to see if someone would finally get around to throttling the )(*^%. No spoilers.
    • 4/5
      I received an ALC (Advance Listener's Copy) of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers.As a longtime reader of the Hannah Swensen series, I was interested to learn how the author would handle her wedding. I half expected the groom to turn out to be the murderer, or else some other reason would crop up to keep Hannah from getting to the altar. Despite my fears, Hannah did end up happily married by the end of the book, just not in the fashion she'd hoped for--a small, family-only wedding. Once she realizes that the townsfolk think the reason for the hurried wedding is because she is pregnant, she caves in to pressure and allows her mother and sisters to plan a large wedding to which everyone in Lake Eden is invited. Before the wedding can take place, however, Hannah has to survive a dessert chef competition hosted by the Food Channel Network. The first night's competition is held in New York City; the remaining nights will be held in the home town of the winner, which turns out to be Hannah. Partway through the competition, Hannah's sister Michelle finds the head judge murdered in the walk-in cooler of the facility hosting the competition, and Hannah vows to find the perpetrator. She succeeds in the end, although not without facing a perilous fate and nearly missing her own wedding.I enjoyed the book although the narrator seemed rather lackluster. I also found it disconcerting to have the recipes read in the midst of the story; I know that's how they are in the book, but I thought it would have made more sense to read all the recipes at the end (or not read them at all). As far as the plot was concerned, I was surprised that there was no discussion of the consternation of the Food Channel people that a judge was murdered, should the competition be canceled, should the judge be replaced, etc. There were some other discrepancies which also caught my attention and made me feel the book could have benefited from a bit more editing. Overall, it was an acceptable entry into the Hannah Swensen series and did at least resolve the series-long annoyance of whether Hannah would marry Mike or Norman. This would not be a good choice for first book to read in the series, though--a reader definitely needs to start earlier so they can understand all the side jokes and comments.
    • 4/5
      I enjoy Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen mysteries....so much fun! Hannah is getting married and she is competing in a dessert competition. Hannah is a very busy lady, wedding, contest, and a murder! I enjoyed the book, fun and light hearted....for a murder mystery!I listened to the book and it was sort of like a commercial when the narrator read the recipes...I could actually pay attention to my driving!!!
    • 2/5
      Hannah has a lot going on her life. She is on the brink of marriage and a contestant in the Food Channel’s dessert chef competition. And honestly, she seems more excited about the competition than she does about her upcoming nuptials. Maybe it’s because the groom is Ross, and not Norman or even Mike. At any rate, this novel reads more like a commentary on food than a mystery. Of course, eventually there is a murder, but it is long in coming and then fairly quickly solved. Not a lot of mystery, but an awful lot of food talk and recipes. If you are looking for that, you will be happy with tale. I was disappointed with the ending, and the long and winding road to it. Maybe the author will give Norman a spin-off series. He was the most interesting character in the book, even with his very reduced presence. Not one of Fluke’s best.
    • 5/5
      Wedding Cake Murder by Joanne FlukeWow Can't believe Hannah is gonna get married-finally!? After all the books where she's undecided about marrying Mike the cop or Norman the dentist an old beau comes to town and he's involved in TV broadcasting and she's agreed to marry him.Not only that but all the drama about her and assistant Michelle, her sister entering a contest in NYC! After the first contest the contestants will go to the winner's hometown to finish the competition. So many plans along with recipes and how others like them. Problem is one of the guys is leery of Ross....the ride to the airport, the breakfast prior to boarding, the plane seating and the hotel were all upgraded by Ross for his assistant and the ladies. Hannah knows he can't afford the luxuries on his salary. The men are there to film the contest. Enjoy the parts where the judges tell you some hints as to make the dish just perfect.After another night of competition they are onto the cookie portion and their team is the first to practice but things change when Michelle goes to the walk-in cooler...Love how Hannah sticks her nose and others in the family, into the thick of things to get down to the truth-lots of clues from everybody as there are a lot competing...What I really love is the learning: how to make new recipes by experimenting-love the idea of frozen bananas-will be trying this for sure as I know what happens to butternut squash when frozen. As the girls strive to figure out who the murderer is by just talking to a lot of people and piecing things together...Love the idea of the wedding cake, so colorful and tasty! Shocked at who really did the deed! Love the gift the Food Channel gave to the bride and groom-will Hannah actually get married? Excerpt from another book by the same author: Eyes is included.I received this book from The Kennsington Books in exchange for my honest review
    • 3/5
      Hannah, happily engaged in this 19th installment in this series, after the end of the previous book (no names in case you’ve never read any and would like to read through to see how it all plays out over the books) is getting ready to be married and to participate in a national cooking contest her younger sister secretly entered her into in a previous installment. Her mother, naturally, wants to plan the wedding to ease her load.Things get really tense once the head judge, Alain Duquesne, is found stabbed to death in the cooler. Once again, Hannah, along with help from friends and family, is investigating a murder, still competing in the cooking contest and having to fit in things such as wedding dress fittings. There are plenty of recipes, chiefly desserts with far more sugar in them than I ever use. This is a cozy mystery series, and so a three is a good score for me as while I do listen to them (as I did here) or read them from time to time, they are not something I love. I read a book in this series, #11, for a book scavenger once and then #12 and then the last four or five (not all listed on GR for some reason) to find out who she marries! I will say that the writing level is quite consistent from book to book, based on the ones I’ve read, and since there are no children’s voices, the audio was better than usual (the audiobook narrator does well with women and men, but is terrible with children’s voices; thankfully that’s never been a big part of the books I’ve read.) His name is given in the book jacket, so if you have never read these and want to start from book one, don’t read that description now!
    • 3/5
      I listened to Joanne Fluke’s book, Wedding Cake Murder (Book 19 of the Hannan Swensen series), on CD while commuting back and forth to work. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed having people read to me. Having read many of her books in the past, I expected certain things: Hannah, a local baker in Lake Eden, Minnesota, would find a dead body and would not be able to resist trying to find the murderer. In her earlier mysteries, Hannah has been courted by two eligible bachelors: Mike and Norman. I’ve always wondered who she would choose. And it turns out that she chose Ross, her college crush. In this book, Hannah is now planning her wedding while competing in a televised dessert competition, so there are a lot of things going on. It turns out the deceased was one of the judges…hmmm…I enjoyed the book. It fits into the “cozy mystery” category – very little blood, no bad language, etc. And it comes with bonus recipes at the end of most chapters. That was probably the hardest part of listening to the book (as opposed to reading it). I wanted to bake and eat everything RIGHT NOW – ha!Note: I received this book on CD as an early reviewer.
    • 4/5
      I needed some "brain candy," so I read this book. Ms. Fluke delivered another well balanced story and I was right beside her with my interest from start to finish. I was a little surprised that the character, Hannah, allowed her sister and mother to plan the wedding, but this decision fit right into the plot. I had not figured out who had caused Alain Duquesne's death until right before Ms. Fluke revealed it. This was a great book to read if you are seeking entertainment.
    • 3/5
      Hannah is getting married and it is not what you expected. The usual family members, boyfriends, and community figures put in an appearance along with a killer. This feel good read is very predictable and lacks suspense. The recipes sound fattening and delicious. There are worse ways to spend an afternoon. So grab a cookie or two, a cup of coffee and spend a couple of hours being lazy.
    • 3/5
      I actually enjoyed this book. It was fun, easy, fluff to listen to in the car.However, when I think about reviewing the book all I can think of is all the negative. The book had recipes interspersed in the book and I can't think of anything worse than listening to a recipe on a book on tape so I just skipped those. Next, there were lots of just stupid jokes in the book that were annoying (like saying someone would need to be arrested for attempted murder because their story had so much suspense listening to the story killed me.) Then there is the fact that the main character, Hannah, tries to figure out a murder mystery and for some reason can interview all the suspects and none of the police are interviewing these suspects or preventing her from interfering in a murder mystery. And finally the story is quite predictable in many ways.But again once you get over these negatives, it actually is a fun story to listen to.I received this book on tape as an early reviewer.
    • 4/5
      Hannah wants a small, quiet wedding with Ross, but her grandmother, Mother, and the local rumor mill convince her to upsize her wedding plans. She plans to marry right before her Cooking Channel contest only three weeks away, but suddenly the event gets moved up. The winner of the first event will have home advantage for the rest of the contest. It should come as no surprise to readers that Hannah wins the first event bringing the event to Lake Eden where a murder tied to the event occurs so Hannah can solve it. Hannah's mind works differently than that of many amateur sleuths, making it sometimes difficult for readers to follow what she is thinking. She gets herself into really stupid situations as well. However, in this installment, Suzanne Toren's excellent narration for Recorded Books made up for the plot's shortcomings. It was the perfect companion for my weekend's round-trip drive.While I want a printed copy of a couple of the recipes that were included (and read), I'm sure I can locate a copy at the public library so I can make them. I may seek other installments of this series in audio format rather than in print if they are read by Ms. Toren. I received the audio book CD set through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.
    • 3/5
      I received this recorded book through the Early Reviewers Club. I have read all of Joanne Fluke's books and was looking forward to this latest offering. Hannah did get married to Ross. It's the last sentence. I was rather disappointed in the story. This was my first experience with an audio book. I didn't like it. You have to be right next to the player to rewind it when you get distracted, which happens to me a lot. So that could have a lot to do with my disappointment. I will be giving this book to my local library.
    • 1/5
      I was so disappointed in this book. First of all I didn't realize it was part of a series. The book just seemed to drag on and on. I would have preferred it if the recipes were added at the end of the story or at least at the end of each chapter. By the time they finished telling the recipe I forgot what they were doing! I'm sorry to have wasted my time on this item.
    • 3/5
      I was given this book on CD for a honest review. There were things about this book that I absolutely loved, i.e. the recipes and I do fully intend to make some of the ones that were given as they sound wonderful! BUT...there were more things that I disliked about this book than liked. Although it does have potential because going into this reading, I did not realize it was a series and that helps with some of the confusion/back story I am sure. My first issue was that I was more than half way finished with the book before there was even a hint of a mystery and it made things drag out. The conversation was stilted and I am not sure if that was the writing or the person reading the book as I vacillated back and forth between which was at fault. I do believe that this book has potential, but needed to be tweaked to hold the reader's interest as for the first 5 discs I was on the borderline of saying I can't do this anymore, except that I really wanted to get the recipes. =) I believe if one was not a baker that this would have been a loss by the time the real mystery got started. Once the mystery begins the story did pick up pace and was much more interesting and enjoyable. I am on the fence about reading more by this author. It probably depends on how well the recipes work out!
    • 3/5
      I loved this book, especially because it is an audio book. The narrator did a great job dramatizing the voices. I also liked that the recipes were given after each chapter instead of at the end of the book. I have read a few of the earlier books and was surprised to hear that Hannah is getting married to a college sweetheart instead of Norman or Mike.
    • 4/5
      Ironically, in what is the long-awaited conclusion to Hannah Swensen's decision about who to marry, Joanne Fluke has written one of the weaker books in the series. Readers have endured book after book about whether Hannah will choose Norman, the dentist, or Mike, the policeman. Now, suddenly, we have Hannah all set to marry Ross Barton, her college sweetheart. While trying to arrange a hasty wedding, Hannah also competes in a dessert chef contest, hosted by the "Food Channel". Hannah travels to New York City, where she wins the Hometown Challenge. That brings the rest of the production to Lake Woebegone for the final parts of the contest. They no sooner arrive than one of the judges is found dead in the Lake Eden Inn's walk-in cooler. Of course, Hannah begins her investigation immediately all the while competing, running her business, shopping for a wedding dress and who knows what else. Somehow, it all does not add up to anything really plausible. Nonetheless, Hannah's fans will not want to miss out on this book so they can finally see Hannah married. Cook on, Hannah!
    • 4/5
      This Hannah Swensen mystery had a good plot. It focused on a cooking contest, and one of the judges ends up murdered. Hannah is also planning her wedding.
    • 3/5
      Wedding Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke is the nineteenth book in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. Hannah Swensen is getting married (but not to Mike or Norman much to my dismay)! Hannah is marrying Ross Barton, an independent producer for KCOW Television (they dated in college). Hannah wants a small wedding because of Mike and Norman (does not want to upset them or throw it in their face). However, it comes to Hannah’s attention that this would not be a wise move (she is being manipulated). So Delores (her mother) and Michelle (her sister) get to plan a big wedding. While they work on the wedding, Hannah is preparing for the Dessert Chef Competition. The competition starts in New York and the winner of the first round gets the hometown advantage (the contest will move to the winner’s hometown). When Hannah wins, everybody heads for Eden Lake, Minnesota. Things are going well until the head judge, Chef Alain Duquesne ends up dead. Hannah sets out to solve the murder, win the competition, and find a wedding dress before her big day! Will Hannah be able to solve the crime (probably better than finding a wedding dress she will like)? Fans of the Hannah Swensen series, you will want to read Wedding Cake Murder. It is a simple book (easy to read though) and the mystery is a piece of cake (pun intended). However, Hannah is finally getting married (just not to Norman or Mike). If you have not read any of the previous books in the series, you do not want to start with Wedding Cake Murder (you will be lost). I give Wedding Cake Murder 3 out of 5 stars. There were too many recipes in this book (yes, there is such a thing). There are twenty-two recipes which takes up a third of the novel. Wedding Cake Murder was not of the same caliber as the earlier books in the series. I think it is time for the Hannah Swensen Mystery series to retire (just being honest). I received a complimentary copy of Wedding Cake Murder from NetGalley (and Kensington Books) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
    • 3/5
      Up front, I will say that this is the first book in this series I have read. I was pretty glad when I received a copy from NetGalley to read and review. I have looked at the books in the series in the past, and, based on their popularity, I was ready for a great read. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the book. In this book, Hannah is getting ready to marry her old beau, Ross, having left her other beaus two, Mike and Norman, behind—sort of. Early on, she invites both Mike and Norman to be groomsmen in her wedding, showing more affection for both than she does for Ross throughout the book during their meetings. As the story unfolded, there just seemed to be little chemistry between the couple, Hannah and Ross, who are planning to wed in the immediate future. In the middle of these wedding preparations, Hannah is also prepping for a food contest. A lot of time is spent on the recipes she will use as well as on the new recipes Hannah and her friends try out for possible use during the contest throughout the book, almost more time than the murder and clues. Since I had not read any of the other books, I felt that there was a lot I was missing (mostly subtle nuances) about the characters. Normally, I have found it to be okay if you pick up one book of a series, but, in this case, I felt I was missing information on character and events that had preceded more than I normally do, which, I think, would have helped me understand and follow things more easily. I guess you can read this book as a stand-alone, but be forewarned that you may end up feeling, as I did, that you were missing some elements and back story of the storyline. I found it interesting that the book, put forth as a cozy mystery, with the crime occurring about half way through the book. Instead of a cozy mystery, it seemed like and endless discussion of and presentation of recipes and food ideas, with a mystery murder thrown in for good measure. I think fans of this series will enjoy reading about this next chapter in Hannah’s life. The recipes are also interesting and definitely mouth-watering. One thing I did not care for were the notes after the recipes, explaining or expanding things the author/Hannah felt necessary. The recipes are for the novice, I guess, and a novice would probably need them.
    • 3/5
      While Hannah is the final stages of a hastily put together wedding with her college sweetheart Ross, she is also busy with a nationwide cable network's Dessert Chef competition. In fact, the competition was so interesting, the book almost didn't need a murder to fulfill all the twists and reveals that were part of the television show. I always forget how quickly these read, there are almost twenty recipes sprinkled throughout the book, which makes reading them go very quickly. I enjoyed returning to Lake Eden, Minnesota and happy to report that the resolution to the books-long love triangle seems to be solved.
    • 4/5
      Hannah has finally decided that Ross Barton is the man that she wants and sets the date. However, a switch in the date Dessert Baking contest forces some change of plans but luckily Hannah wins the first contest and the remainder of the segments will take place in Lake Eden rather than NYC. So while Hannah with Michelle's assistance bakes away, wedding plans proceed. Until, of course, Hannah and Michelle find one of the judges dead.I really enjoyed this installment of the Hannah Swensen mysteries. The connections with the murder as well as Hannah's wedding were well-thought out, amusing, and kept the story moving forward.Can't wait to see Hannah in the wifely role.
    • 4/5
      In Wedding Cake Murder, Hannah is about to marry Ross and be in a Food Network cooking challenge. Then one of the judges is murdered and Hannah jumps in to solve the mystery. The judge was not a good person, so there are many suspects and motives. Hannah and her family and friends work to track down alibis. Mike and Norman are still in love with Hannah, but will stand up with Ross at the wedding. Both tell Hannah that she can come to them if she ever needs help. Is this foreshadowing trouble in Hannah's future? We'll have to wait to see. A good, cozy mystery.
    • 4/5
      This is the first book I’ve ever read by this author so not being familiar with prior stories or the characters, my perspective is going to be quite a bit different than someone who has followed the series.Hannah has been accepted to participate in the Dessert Chef Competition put on by the Food Channel. And her wedding to Ross will take place immediately afterward. Of course, as apparently happens in all of the books, there is a murder and Hannah feels the need to investigate. So the story is split up between baking, the competition, murder investigation and the wedding.What made the story of particular interest to me was the Food Channel competition. I’ve watched quite a few of those types of shows on that channel. But I did enjoy the overall story, the characters and there are a number of recipes that I would like to try. Twenty recipes are provided taking up roughly eighty of the printed pages in the ARC.The reader isn’t given a great deal of background on whose who which makes it a little more difficult for a first time reader, but you eventually figure out most of it. By the end of the story, though, I’m still not clear if Grandma Knudson is Hannah’s grandmother or if that’s a title of respect to a local favorite. I expect it’s the latter.The mystery was handled well in that many people have a motive and I didn’t guess whodunit until the author was ready to reveal it. There are a few minor things that annoyed me. The constant use of the word “Mother” whenever Hannah talks to her mother. It’s way overdone, apparently on purpose. There are a few things done that I’m surprised weren’t questioned. And lastly, does Hannah ever make something that isn’t perfect, even when experimenting for the first time? The fact that everything she made was just “wonderful” or “the best” just doesn’t come across as realistic.But I did enjoy the story enough that I’ll be reading more books from the series. Read via an ARC through Amazon Vine
    • 2/5
      I really can't believe that Fluke married off Hannah and to the wrong man. I wanted Hannah to be with Norman, a guy who loved her enough to build her a house she helped to design. My question is will it last, is Ross broke? So some signs of his upgrading to luxury whenever possible. I'll read the next book just to see what happens now that they are married.



    • 3/5
      Hannah’s getting married! But wait . . . First, there’s the Food Channel Dessert competition. Hannah’s off to New York for the initial round [with fiancé Ross gallantly upgrading her airline reservation to first class and her hotel room to a suite]. When her Magic White Chocolate Soufflé wins the first round, the contest moves to Eden Lake for the remaining challenges that will take place before determining the Food Channel’s Top Dessert Chef. But the murder of Alain Duquesne, one of the competition judges, keeps Hannah busier than ever between making new cookies for The Cookie Jar, competing for the top dessert chef title, and searching for the murder. Will she find the murderer? And, now that one of the judges is dead, what will happen to the dessert contest?With Andrea, Michelle, and her mother making all the wedding plans and Norman and Mike cheerfully agreeing to stand with Ross [really?], Hannah has plenty of time to create wonderful desserts, compete, and hunt for the killer. Aside from the wedding to almost-stranger-Ross [who seems a bit smarmy . . . why is he always upgrading and changing things?], the story is relatively straightforward. There are no real twists . . . there’s a last-minute revelation that leads to the unveiling of the murderer, and there are a gazillion recipes guaranteed to provide sugar overload for everyone in Eden Lake. Now the only remaining mystery is Hannah’s groom, Ross. [To be continued in the next book???]

    Book preview

    Wedding Cake Murder - Joanne Fluke

    delicious!

    Chapter One

    "No, it’s not the wedding I dreamed of, but it is the wedding I want!" Hannah Swensen’s hands shook slightly as she replaced her cup of coffee in the bone china saucer. She’d been so startled by Grandma Knudson’s question that a few drops had sloshed out of her cup and landed in its matching saucer. The matriarch of Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church was known for being outspoken, but Hannah hadn’t expected to be grilled about her upcoming nuptials when Grandma Knudson had called her at The Cookie Jar, Hannah’s coffee shop and bakery, and invited her to the parsonage for coffee.

    Everyone’s talking, you know, Grandma Knudson confided, leaning forward in her chair. No one can understand why they haven’t been invited to the wedding. I told them you preferred a small, intimate family affair, but they feel left out. And almost everyone from my Bible study group asked me if there was something wrong.

    Wrong? Hannah repeated, not certain what Grandma Knudson meant.

    Yes. People always think that there’s something wrong when a wedding takes place behind closed doors. Weddings aren’t supposed to be private. They’re supposed to be joyous celebrations.

    "I am joyous! I mean, joyful. And so is Ross. I just thought it might be easier for everyone if we didn’t have a big public display."

    Because of Norman and Mike?

    Well . . . yes. That’s part of the reason. This is rather sudden, and they haven’t had time to get used to the idea that Ross and I are getting married. I thought it would be . . . Hannah paused, trying to think of another word, but only one came to mind. "I thought it would be easier for them this way," she finished.

    Grandma Knudson was silent as she stared at Hannah, and that made Hannah want to explain. You know . . . she continued. If I’d invited everyone to a huge wedding and reception, it would be almost like . . . like . . .

    The older woman let her struggle for a moment, and then she gave a nod. Like rubbing their noses in it?

    Yes! I mean, not exactly. But some people might think that that’s what I was doing.

    Perhaps, Grandma Knudson conceded. Tell me about Ross. Did he think that a small, private wedding was a good idea?

    I . . . actually . . . Hannah paused and took a deep breath. Ross and I didn’t really talk about that. He just told me that anything I wanted to do about the wedding would be fine with him.

    I see. Did you at least meet with Mike and Norman and talk to them about what you’d decided?

    No. I wanted to spare their feelings. I thought it might be too painful for them to discuss it.

    "You mean you thought it might be too painful for you to discuss it, don’t you?" Grandma Knudson corrected her bluntly.

    Hannah sighed heavily. She had to be truthful. Perhaps you’re right, she admitted, and made a move to pick up her cup and saucer rather than meet the older woman’s eyes. "I guess I really wasn’t thinking clearly, and I certainly didn’t think that a small wedding would cause all this fuss. I just wanted to get married before I had to leave for the Food Channel Dessert Chef Competition. I thought that Ross could go with me and it would be our honeymoon."

    I see. And the competition is in three weeks?

    That’s right. Hannah managed to take a sip of her coffee and then she put it back down on the table again. Why was Grandma Knudson asking all these questions? There must be a reason. As Hannah sat there, trying to think of why Grandma Knudson was giving her the third degree, the light dawned. Mother! Hannah said with a sigh.

    What did you say?

    "I said Mother. She put you up to this, didn’t she? She wanted me to have a big wedding and I refused. So Mother came running to you to see if you could convince me to change my mind! Isn’t Mother the reason you invited me here for coffee?"

    She’s part of the reason. But the other part is that I wanted you to taste my lemon pie. It’s the easiest pie I’ve ever made. All you need is a lemon, sugar, butter, and eggs. You put everything in a blender, pour it into one of those fancy frozen piecrusts Florence carries down at the Red Owl, and bake it. But you haven’t even sampled it yet.

    Hannah looked down at the dessert plate resting next to her cup and saucer. Grandma Knudson’s pie did look delicious. Is that crème fraiche on the top?

    Yes. It’s your crème fraiche, the one you use on your strawberry shortcake. And if you don’t want to go to the bother of making that, you can use vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream. Taste it, Hannah. I want your opinion.

    Hannah picked up her fork and took a bite. And then she took another bite. It’s delicious, she said. It has exactly the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness.

    I’m glad you like it, but let’s get back to Mike and Norman. You’re not getting off the hot seat so easily. Your mother’s very upset, you know. People have been stopping her on the street and asking when your wedding invitations will arrive.

    Did she tell them that it was a small, private wedding?

    Grandma Knudson shook her head. No. She was too embarrassed. You know as well as I do what people think when you get married so fast in a small, private ceremony.

    They think I’m . . . ? There was no way Hannah could finish her question. She was too shocked.

    Of course they think that. It’s usually the case, especially with a first marriage like yours. There’s even a betting pool that Hal McDermott set up down at the café for the date the baby will be born.

    Hannah’s mouth dropped open and she shut it quickly. And then she gave a rueful laugh. What happens to the betting pool if there’s no baby? Because there isn’t!

    Good question. My guess is that Hal gets to keep the proceeds, and that’s not right. I think I’ll have Bob and Claire go down there and convince him to give all that money to the local charities. That would serve people right for betting on something like that!

    Do you think Hal will agree to give the money to charity?

    He’ll have to. Betting pools are illegal in Winnetka County, and Hal knows it. So is playing poker for money behind that curtain of his in the back room of the café. He’ll knuckle under. You don’t have to worry about that. And if he doesn’t, Bob will give a rousing sermon about gambling the next time Rose drags Hal to church.

    Hannah couldn’t help it. She laughed. Grandma Knudson always got what she wanted, and this would be no exception.

    That’s better, Grandma Knudson commented. It’s good to hear you laugh. Now what are you going to do about Mike and Norman?

    "What do you think I should do? Invite them to be Ross’s groomsmen at a huge church wedding?"

    "I think that’s exactly what you should do! Give Mike and Norman a chance to step up to the plate. As it stands right now, everyone’s buzzing about the fact that their hearts are broken. If both of them are in the wedding party, it’ll put all those wagging tongues to rest. Believe you me, they’ll jump at the chance to do that!"

    Are you sure?

    I’m positive. Grandma Knudson locked eyes with Hannah. Neither one of those men enjoys being the butt of gossip, and both of them like Ross. Of course they’re disappointed that you didn’t choose one of them, but they’ll do the right thing if you ask them.

    Hannah thought about that for a moment. Norman and Mike did like Ross. The three men were friends. And she knew that Ross liked Mike and Norman. If she’d said she wanted a big wedding and asked Ross to choose two men to be groomsmen, he would probably have chosen Mike and Norman.

    Well?

    Grandma Knudson was waiting for an answer, and Hannah hedged a little. You may be right, but I’ll have to ask Ross what he thinks of the idea.

    I did that this morning. I called Ross at work and he said it was fine with him if that was what you wanted. And Mike and Norman are definitely on board. I double-checked with them right afterwards. And both of them told me that they’ll accept if you ask them.

    You called Mike and Norman, too?

    Of course I did. I wanted to make sure this would work.

    Hannah gave a little groan. Railroaded. She’d been railroaded, but Grandma Knudson had a point she couldn’t ignore. If everyone in town was gossiping about her and Hal had even set up a betting pool, she had to do something to turn things around. And then she remembered what Grandma Knudson had said. You said you double-checked with Mike and Norman this morning?

    Yes.

    "If you double-checked, that means you or someone else had checked with them before this morning. Was that someone you?"

    Grandma Knudson looked slightly flustered. Actually . . . no.

    With a burst of lightning clarity, Hannah saw the whole picture. Her eyes narrowed and she faced the matriarch of the church squarely. "Mother checked with them before you did. Is that right?"

    Grandma Knudson sighed. Yes, but she didn’t want you to know that it was her idea.

    That figures, Hannah said with a sigh.

    Your mother is an expert when it comes to gossip, Grandma Knudson attempted to explain, but she was afraid you’d reject her plan out of hand if she was the one to suggest it. That’s why she asked me to talk to you about it. And I did. Your mother, Andrea, and Michelle are already working out the details of your wedding.

    They’re planning my wedding without me?

    Yes, but you know how long wedding plans take. Delores and the girls have everything organized, but nothing’s been firmed up yet. All they need is for you to give them the go-ahead.

    Hannah was silent. She wasn’t quite ready to cave in yet.

    Your mother said to tell you that she knows you’re busy at The Cookie Jar and you have to be in New York for the dessert competition very soon. She’s absolutely certain that everything will be ready so that you can get married, have a reception at the Lake Eden Inn, and leave for New York the next morning.

    Mother can pull off a big wedding in less than three weeks?

    Yes. And you don’t have to do any wedding planning. Your sisters and Delores are completely prepared to arrange everything.

    Again, Hannah was silent. She didn’t like the idea of turning everything over to her mother and sisters, but it seemed like the only reasonable option since she’d made such a mess of it on her own.

    Delores said to tell you that there are only two things you have to do, Grandma Knudson spoke again. The first thing is to choose your wedding dress. Your mother has already consulted with Claire at Beau Monde, and Claire has ordered more than a half-dozen gowns for your approval. When they come in, Claire will let you know so that you can run next door to try them on. All you have to do is choose the one you want to wear and Claire will do any alterations you might need.

    Hannah gave a slight smile. At least they were letting her choose her own wedding gown! And it was true that she didn’t have time to organize a big wedding. The nightmare of trying to arrange Delores’s wedding was still fresh in her mind. There was no way she wanted to get involved in a morass like that again, but she was the bride and it was a bit disconcerting not to be involved in any of the planning. What’s the second thing they want me to do? she asked.

    Show up at the church on time.

    Hannah’s sarcastic nature kicked in, and the question popped out of her mouth before she could exercise restraint. Do they want me to show up with or without Ross?

    Grandma Knudson burst into laughter. With Ross. Not even your mother could accomplish a wedding without a groom. The older woman reached out to take Hannah’s hand. Are you all right with this plan, Hannah? If you’re not, we can try to come up with something else that’ll work.

    Grandma Knudson was waiting for an answer and Hannah took a deep breath. Yes, I’m all right with it as long as Ross and I can get married before the Food Channel competition. Do you think that’s possible?

    Your mother assured me that it was.

    Hannah gave a reluctant nod. All right then. I’ll do it, if you’ll do something for me.

    What’s that?

    I’d like a second piece of your lemon pie, and I’d also like to have the recipe. It’s the best non-meringue lemon pie I’ve ever tasted!

    EASY LEMON PIE

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F., rack in the middle position.

    Note from Grandma Knudson: I got this recipe from my friend, Lois Brown, who lives in Phoenix, AZ. She has a lemon tree in her backyard so she always has lemons to make this pie.

    Hannah’s 1st Note: You can make this recipe in a food processor or a blender. We use a food processor down at The Cookie Jar.

    1 frozen 9-inch piecrust (or one you’ve made yourself)

    1 whole medium-size lemon

    ½ cup butter (1 stick, 4 ounces, ¼ pound)

    1 cup white (granulated) sugar

    4 large eggs

    Sweetened whipped cream to put on top of your pie before serving

    If you used a frozen pie crust, take it out of the package and set it on a cookie sheet with sides while you make the filling for the pie.

    If you made your own piecrust, roll it out, put it in a 9-inch pie pan, cut it to fit the pie pan, and crimp the edges so it looks nice. Then set it on a cookie sheet with sides to wait for its filling.

    Cut the tough ends off your lemon. Cut it in half and then cut each half into 4 slices. (The slices should be round, like wagon wheels.)

    Cut the other half-lemon into 4 similar slices to make 8 slices in all.

    Examine the slices and pick out any seeds. Throw the seeds away.

    Place all 8 seedless slices in a blender (or a food processor).

    Turn on the blender or food processor and process the lemon slices until they are mush. (This is not a regular cooking term, but I bet you know what I mean!)

    Melt the half-cup of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. (If you’d rather do it in the microwave, this should take about 50 seconds on HIGH.)

    Pour the melted butter over the lemon mush in the blender.

    Add the cup of white sugar.

    Crack open the 4 eggs and add them one by one.

    Turn on the blender or food processor and blend everything until it is a homogenous mush. (Another nonregulation cooking term.)

    Pour the lemon mixture into the crust.

    Bake your Easy Lemon Pie at 350 degrees F. for 40 minutes or until the mixture turns solid and the top is brown.

    Take your pie out of the oven and cool it on a cold stove burner or a wire rack. Once it is cool, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

    Hannah’s 2nd Note: I like to use my Crème Fraiche on this pie. Here’s the recipe just in case you don’t have it handy:

    HANNAH’S WHIPPED CRÈME FRAICHE

    (This will hold for several hours. Make it ahead of time and refrigerate it.)

    2 cups heavy whipping cream

    ½ cup white (granulated) sugar

    ½ cup sour cream (you can substitute unflavored yogurt, but it won’t hold as well and you’ll have to do it at the last minute)

    ½ cup brown sugar (to sprinkle on top after you cut your pie into pieces)

    Whip the cream with the white sugar until it holds a firm peak. Test for this by shutting off the mixer, and dotting the surface with your spatula. Once you have firm peaks, gently fold in the sour cream. You can do this by hand or by using the slowest speed on the mixer.

    Transfer the mixture to a covered bowl and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve your Easy Lemon Pie.

    To serve your pie, cut it into 6 generous pieces or 8 smaller slices and put each slice on a pretty dessert plate.

    Top each slice with a generous dollop or two of Hannah’s Whipped Crème Fraiche.

    Sprinkle the top of the Whipped Crème Fraiche with brown sugar.

    Hannah’s 3rd Note: If you want to get really fancy, cut a paper-thin slice of lemon, dip it in granulated sugar, and put it on top of each slice of pie.

    Chapter Two

    Hannah breathed a deep sigh of relief as she hurried in the back door of The Cookie Jar and sat down on a stool at the stainless steel work island. She’d been manipulated by two master manipulators, but she couldn’t be angry with either one of them. If everything Grandma Knudson had told her was correct, she had to change her small, intimate wedding plans and endure a huge church wedding and a reception with all the bells and whistles. Delores, Andrea, and Michelle would plan an elaborate affair, but there was no other recourse. And thankfully, there was nothing for her to do except choose her wedding gown and show up for the ceremony.

    One quick cup of coffee later and Hannah was on her feet, mixing up sugar cookie dough. She was just getting ready to mix in a cup of chopped pecans when Lisa Herman Beese-man, Hannah’s young partner, rushed through the swinging restaurant-style door that separated the coffee shop from the kitchen.

    There’s a phone call for you, Hannah, Lisa announced breathlessly. "It’s somebody named Eric, and he said he was from the Food Channel. I think it’s about the Dessert Chef Competition."

    Hannah handed the wooden spoon to Lisa and gestured toward the bowl. Will you stir in those pecans while I take the call? I’m making a variation of sugar cookies with maple flavoring and pecans.

    Sure. No problem. Aunt Nancy and Michelle have got everything covered out in the coffee shop.

    Lisa began to stir, and Hannah headed for the phone on the kitchen wall. She flipped to a blank page in the shorthand notebook she kept on the counter, picked up a pen, and grabbed the receiver. This is Hannah.

    "Hi, Hannah. It’s Eric Connelly from the Food Channel. We’re in a little time crunch here and we had to move the Dessert Chef Competition up a week and a half. Can you clear the decks back there and be here on October tenth instead of October twentieth?"

    Oh! Hannah was so flustered, it took her a moment to think of something intelligent to say. Yes. Of course I can.

    Good. And I’m telling all four contestants that we’ve added a new wrinkle to the contest.

    He seemed to be waiting for her to respond, and Hannah gave a little nod she knew he couldn’t see. What’s the new wrinkle? Or is that something we’ll find out when we get there?

    Eric laughed, a nice deep laugh that ended in a chuckle. It’s no secret. We just thought it would be more interesting if we went off-location for most of the episodes. We’ll start here in our home studio, but the winner that night will have the hometown advantage from then on.

    Hometown advantage?

    Yes. If you win, the remainder of the contest moves to your hometown in Lake Eden, Minnesota.

    Hannah glanced at the one industrial oven she owned and began to frown. But . . . my place is rather small. I don’t have room for four other chefs.

    I know that. Your sister sent in a photo of your kitchen when she entered you in the competition. I took care of that, Hannah. I checked with your friend Sally Laughlin at the Lake Eden Inn, and she has enough room in her kitchen for four baking stations. That’s only if you win the hometown challenge, of course. The other four contestants all have large restaurants in their home cities, so it’s not a problem for them.

    The frown remained on Hannah’s face. Doesn’t that put me at a disadvantage?

    Not at all. The Lake Eden Inn can hold as many people as the other four restaurants. If you win, it won’t be a problem at all.

    Oh . . . good.

    We’re all set then? I can send you the travel arrangements and you’ll be here on the tenth?

    Hannah blinked twice, trying to clear her thoughts. Yes. That’ll be fine with . . . oh, no!

    "What was the oh, no! for?"

    My wedding! It’s scheduled for Sunday, the eighteenth!

    That’s not a problem. The contest will be over by then. And . . . Eric paused for a moment. "This is just off the top of my head, but maybe we can find a way to incorporate part of your wedding into the Dessert Chef Competition."

    Hannah was genuinely puzzled. How could you do that?

    If you win the hometown challenge, we’ll be in Lake Eden. And we might just stick around to film it. You’re having a reception at a local place, aren’t you?

    Yes. At the Lake Eden Inn.

    Perfect! Let us think about that for a couple of days and see what we can come up with. This could really bump up the ratings. Everyone loves a wedding. And everyone will love you as a bride-to-be. You’ll definitely have the viewer vote. That much is for sure.

    There’s a popular vote in addition to the judges’ decisions?

    No, but that’s what keeps people watching. And that’s what we want . . . viewers.

    Oh, yes. Of course you do. Ratings are everything . . . right?

    Right. Eric chuckled again. All right, Hannah. It was nice talking to you. My secretary will get back to you in the next couple of days with the travel arrangements. I’ve got her working on it right now. You do know that you can bring an assistant chef with you for the competition, don’t you?

    Yes. It was in the letter I received that told me I was a contestant. There was also a copy of the rules.

    Do you know who your assistant will be?

    Yes, I do. My assistant is Michelle Swensen. She’s my youngest sister.

    Good. The audience enjoys getting to know our chefs’ family members. Your sister isn’t under eighteen, is she?

    No, she turned twenty-one this past year.

    Good. The reason I asked is because we have to make special provisions for anyone under the age of eighteen on the set.

    I see, Hannah said, even though she didn’t.

    Now that I think about it, your wedding will make a perfect ending to our competition. We were afraid we’d run short after one of the contestants dropped out for personal reasons. Is your sister one of the bridesmaids?

    Yes, she is. And so is my other sister, Andrea.

    Wonderful! It was too late to add another new contestant so the more bodies we can film, the better.

    Hannah winced slightly. Bodies obviously meant something different to Eric than it meant to her!

    Have you decided which desserts you’ll be baking for the competition?

    No, not yet.

    That’s all right. You have some time. As long as you give us a list of the ingredients you’ll need when you get to New York, it’ll be fine.

    Hannah came close to groaning out loud. She hadn’t done any preparation for the competition. When do you need my list?

    When you get off the plane in New York.

    All right. I’ll have my list ready for you.

    Good. That’s all then, Hannah. We’ll send your itinerary and your plane reservations in the next few days. We’re going to put you up at the Westin in the Theater District.

    That sounds wonderful, Hannah said, and she meant it. Michelle would be thrilled to be in New York’s Theater District.

    We’re all set then. Good luck in the competition, Hannah. I’m looking forward to meeting you and your sister.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you, too. Thank you, Eric.

    Hannah said good-bye and hung up the phone. When she turned to face Lisa, there was a frown on her face. If she won the hometown challenge, they might show her wedding on television! Could Delores and her sisters get everything ready in time? And would the fact that the wedding might be televised throw Delores into a tizzy?

    Lisa looked up from her stirring. When she saw Hannah’s expression, she looked concerned. What’s the matter, Hannah?

    It’s the Food Channel competition. They moved up the date. I have to be in New York by the tenth!

    But how about the wedding?

    They said the competition would be over by then and my wedding can go on as planned. And they’re thinking about televising it!

    Oh boy! You’d better tell your mother right away! It may make a difference in what she plans.

    You’re right. Hannah took a moment to think about that. Actually . . . this might not be a bad thing. I’m sure Mother and Andrea will do a great job. And they can consult with me by phone if there’s a problem when I’m in New York.

    How about Michelle?

    She’s going with me as my assistant, so she’s off the wedding team. I wonder if Mother and Andrea can handle it alone. They may have bitten off more than they can chew.

    I doubt that. Your mother’s a force. She knows how to get things done.

    That’s true. Hannah thought of something else that Eric had told her and she sighed heavily. Will you call your dad and Marge and ask them if they can handle the coffee shop for us while we have a meeting to plan what I’ll bake for the contest?

    I’ll ask them right now. They’re here at a table in the back. Dad will be really pleased. He loves to help out up front and so does Marge.

    Is your Aunt Nancy here today? I know she’s been helping you out in front.

    She’s here. She says it’s a wonderful way to meet the people in Lake Eden, now that she’s moved here.

    Good. I’ll need you, Michelle, and Aunt Nancy to come back here for the meeting. And I’ll text Mother and Andrea to come here right away. I have to decide which desserts to bake so that I can give the producer a list of the ingredients I’ll need.

    Okay. I just filled the display cookie jars and made a fresh pot of coffee. That should hold them out front for at least an hour.

    Thanks, Lisa.

    You’re welcome. Do you want me to make some white chocolate cocoa for us? I’ve got a new recipe that uses cinnamon and white chocolate chips.

    That sounds great. I have to talk to all of you, and we’ll meet right here around the work island.

    Okay. But if this is about the baking contest, why do you need your mother and Andrea? Andrea doesn’t bake anything except whippersnapper cookies, and your mother doesn’t bake at all.

    I know, but both of them have tasted everything we’ve ever baked in here. And if I don’t invite them, I’ll just have to explain everything all over again.

    That makes sense. And you need Aunt Nancy because she’s such a good baker?

    Exactly. Aunt Nancy has more recipes than anyone I know, and she may be able to suggest some desserts that haven’t even occurred to me. I have to come up with some real winning recipes before I leave for the competition, and there’s not that much time.

    How many desserts do you need?

    I need one super dessert for the hometown challenge. That’s on the first night. It has to be the best thing I’ve ever baked.

    What’s the hometown challenge?

    It’s the only part of the competition that’ll be held in New York. The winner of the challenge gets to move the rest of the competition to his or her restaurant.

    "If you win, they’ll move the contest here? Lisa glanced around their kitchen in dismay. But that’s impossible, Hannah! We only have one oven!"

    That’s exactly what I told the producer, but he was one step ahead of me. He called Sally at the Lake Eden Inn, and she agreed to hold the competition in her kitchen if I win the challenge.

    Well, that’s a relief! I was wondering how we could fit all those contestants in here.

    It’s not just the contestants. There’ll be a New York film crew here, too. The Food Channel is going to be airing the whole competition live.

    How many will be in the film crew?

    Hannah shrugged. I’m not sure, but it’s bound to be a lot of people.

    "Thank goodness for Sally’s big

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