Valentine’s Day Anthology

Mystery.

Murder.

Lots and lots of chocolate.

Grab a cup of cocoa and get ready to spend Valentine’s Day with a heart-warming collection of ten Valentine’s themed Cozy Mysteries from some of the most popular authors in the genre. There are short stories, novellas and full-length books in the set, all of which are sure to grab you from the first page and take you on a thrill-filled ride through the sweetest holiday of the year.

Short Story: “Sweet Retreat” from The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series by Jodi Rath

Jolie Tucker wished she had gone on a one-time date while the going was good. Now she finds herself spending an entire weekend in adjoining rooms in a suite at Sweet Retreat’s Spa with none other than Detective Mick Meiser. Jolie had been trepidatious since she found out he had made the highest bid at the date auction fund-raiser for the village’s local pet adoption charity. But the possibility of romance disappears when they stumble upon a red silk glove in the parking lot…that has a severed hand inside! Instead, the unlikely duo must investigate who the hand belongs to…and where the rest of the body is.

Review

If you are looking for a quick read over lunch or while waiting at the doctor, this story will fit that description.  I was delighted to learn more about Joie and Mick and see what happened after Mick won Jolie at an auction for a date.  Obviously crime happened.  It was interesting to see how it all came together in a shorter time frame and fewer pages.  There are a few twists and turns that might surprise you as much as they surprised me!

I hope to read the rest of the stories in the book sometime soon.

We give this story 4 paws up.

Series Title: The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series

Book 1 Title: Pineapple Upside Down Murder

Synopsis

Welcome to Leavensport, Ohio where DEATH takes a delicious turn!

Introducing Jolie Tucker, an introverted yet passionate restaurant co-owner of Cast Iron Creations. When her grandma Opal becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Leavensport’s local chocolatier, Jolie goes on a search for answers—only to find out that her family’s secret recipes may not belong to the Tucker family at all. Jolie’s job, family, and livelihood are all on the line.

Release Date:  11/23/18

Check out my review here

Recipe

Cast Iron Creation Valentine’s Day Berry Cake

Use a mini cast iron when baking for one or two!

Recipe adapted from Toaster Oven Love

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup frozen berries (do not thaw)

Optional Toppings

• Ice cream, melted chocolate chips, whipped cream, yogurt

Instructions

1. Preheat toaster oven to 350 F and lightly oil a 3.5 inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a small bowl mix together the flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until well combined, and no oil is sitting on the top. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
3. Pour batter into prepared skillet. Top with frozen berries and sprinkle remaining brown sugar over fruit.
4. Bake at 350 F for 17 to 22 (times may vary depending on your oven) minutes until the cake is lightly golden and the fruit is bubbly. Allow cake to cool 5 to 8 minutes and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

About the Author

Moving into her second decade of working in education, Jodi Rath has decided to begin a life of crime in her The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series. Her passion for both mysteries and education led her to combine the two to create her business MYS ED, where she splits her time between working as an adjunct for Ohio teachers and creating mischief in her fictional writing. She currently resides in a small, cozy village in Ohio with her husband and her seven cats.

Website * Facebook * FB Author Page * Twitter * Goodreads * BookBub * Pinterest