The death of elderly Miss Alice Auchinschloss was the beginning of a series of secrets, mysteries and murder which involved Miss Alice’s carer Rosie Hart. Rosie had been in Airlie Falls for some months looking after the old lady and had grown fond of her. She was a lady with few friends, but Rosie couldn’t see why. It was when the lawyer informed Rosie that she was Miss Alice’s heir, and the discovery that Miss Alice had in fact been murdered, that Rosie knew she had to clear her name – for she was top on the sheriff’s list of suspects.

With the help and support of many of the town’s residents – including four elderly ladies from the retirement home plus Jonah and his parents – Rosie investigated; it seemed the long ago past was going to feature in this crazy puzzle. But why? Rosie was struggling to piece it all together but she knew she had to hurry with terrible things happening almost daily.

Chocolate and Old Lace is the 1st in the Rosie Hart Mystery series by Aussie author Kaz Delaney and I really enjoyed it. Along with the mystery and intrigue, there was lots of food baked by the intrepid Rosie, an adorable dog called Tiny (who wasn’t), and a delightful town in Texas that is Rosie’s new home. An entertaining cosy mystery which I highly recommend.2019-release aussie-authors cosy-mystery ...more23 s Helen2,442 11

Oh this is a fun, fabulous story a real page turner, and the start of a series woohoo, I think Rosie Hart is going to become a friend as she uses her sleuthing skills to solve murders and who knows what else, truly this is a story that I just about inhaled and I would suggest that you make sure you have nothing else to do when you pick this one up.

Rosie Hart has come to Airlie Falls Texas from Dallas to care for aging and ill Alice Auchinschloss, Alice is a loner and has no visitors or family, but Rosie gets on well with her and they often solve mysteries from the books they read, but when Alice passes away and Rosie is made her heir and then no one comes to her funeral, this has Rosie thinking, and then when the house is ransacked and the coroner discovers that Miz Alice was poisoned, Rosie is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery especially since she seems to be the prime suspect.

Rosie meets up with a handsome cowboy Jonah at the entrance to Alice’s place and this starts a real friendship with Jonah and his parents, Fiona and Clay they are all convinced that Rosie is innocent and when there are more murders and Rosie is also assaulted, things start to move, and there are a few octogenarians who are very willing to help uncover a mystery that started over fifty years ago.

Truly I loved this story, MS Delaney you had me laughing, smiling and cheering Rosie and The Fab Four on so many times and there are so many things happening I was guessing till the very end and as I said the start of new series what more could you want. This is a story that I highly recommend, I also look forward to seeing Rosie and Jonah move their relationship from friends to more, there are so many fabulous characters in this story it is a book you should not miss out on and I look forward to book two.
8 s Alice Hazelbaker946 10

This is the first book in this series and I received a free advance copy from BookSirens. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with it’s well-developed characters and interesting story line. Rosie Hart has left her job in the city and has taken a temporary job as a companion for Miss Alice, a cantankerous old women the town seems to hate. When she dies and leaves Rosie her entire estate, no one is more surprised than Rosie, but when the autopsy shows poisoning, Rosie winds up the main suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, she sets out to investigate and winds up dealing with a past suspicious death of a young boy and a lot of confusion surrounding it. It’s fun to watch as she meets and makes friends with people around town, finding out she’s not as all alone as she thought. There’s even a possible romance with a good looking cowboy! I highly recommend this book for all cozy mystery readers, and write this review voluntarily.3 s Janie1,400 15

"Chocolate and Old Lace (Rosie Hart Mystery Series #1)" by Kaz Delaney was really good, and not my usual type of reading. In the small town of Airlie Falls, Texas it is most small towns and people are in other people's business. Rosie Hart was a caregiver to Alice Auchinschloss and when 'Cancer' claims her life Rosie finds that she is now heir to the property. Things are not what they seem in this small town. Lots, and lots of secrets.
3 s Michelle DouglasAuthor 339 books95

Great good fun. Rosie Hart and I are going to become the best of friends.3 s Lise775

Synopsis
Rosie Hart is, sadly, the only person at her elderly client's funeral. When Rosie is proclaimed heir to the estate and almost simultaneously the sole suspect in the senior's murder, she is left reeling. Rosie knows that she isn't the killer, so who is?

Characters
The main character, Rosie Hart, is an all-around good egg. She'd make a brilliant best friend. Similarly, and for the most part, the people Rosie meets are kind and hard-working. They set the stage for a wonderful small town.

The Setting
The small town of Airlie Falls, Texas is a village surrounded by farms and farmland. It is also an out and out special place. It's the hometown that most communities would love to be. Tight-knit but not exclusionary, its people are the heart of the area.

Thoughts
I had the hardest time putting this book down. It took forever to get things done while I was reading because of "just one more page" syndrome. And, when I learnt who was causing all the mayhem, I was shocked. I hated getting to the end of this book because it felt a warm hug that I didn't want to end. Thankfully there are more books in the series to read!

Highly recommended to cosy lovers.

~~~~~~
Thank you to BookSirens and Kaz Delaney for the opportunity to review this eARC. My opinions are left freely and are, as always, honest and true.3 s Ulrika Gustafsson143 5

This is a lovely book.

I got so caught up in the warm, cozy feeling of the book and I really looked forward to the moments I could sit down and read it.

It’s a murder mystery after all, so of course not everything is cozy. Rosie Hart is very alone in the beginning of the book, when she finds herself suspected of murdering her employer.

But as luck would have it she is taken in by a local family who takes her under their wings. They are so warm and caring to her, it warmed my heart.

Several of the supporting characters are real gems and I kind of want to move inside the book! I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.2 s Emmalynn1,967 18

A pretty solid debut. So many suspects, so little time. It was a fun, fast paced, mystery. The death of her elderly patient results in a windfall inheritable for Rosie Hart. If only it didn’t come with a side of murder. Soon more bodies are dropping and all fingers point to Rosie as the suspect. Determined to clear her name, Rosie and Jonah, set out to clear her name. cozy-mystery mystery-thriller2 s Shelagh1,521 20

A Bittersweet Murder is a lovely introduction to Katz Delaney’s cosy Hart Of Texas Murder Mystery Series. This book is full of tongue-in-cheek humour as heroine Rosie Hart works hard to clear herself of the murder of her employer Alice Auchinschloss. I loved that Rosie headed to the kitchen for a baking session.ion whenever she felt stressed and if you’re into baked goods then you’ll love the mouth watering recipes Katz Delaney has included at the end of this story. This really has been a fun book to read, filled with fabulous characters and just enough plot twists to keep me interested, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.2 s Sandi WallaceAuthor 27 books73

4.5 stars. More in my next Good Reads blog at https://www.sandiwallace.com/blog/ for April.australian-writers-female2 s Amy (Lost in a Good Book)718 67

This review was published on my blog Lost in a Good Book

Note: I was provided with a copy of this book for review.

I have adored Delaney’s young adult novels in the past and now I can confirm that I adore her mystery novels as well. This was a delightful cosy mystery and one I finished in a single sitting. There is a great narrative voice and you fall into the story quickly, pulled along page by page with endearing characters and numerous twists and unexpected nefariousness.

Delaney’s writing style is to be commended. There is humour and warmth, and her ability to shift a scene with a few words means you are always being surprised and intrigued by what’s to come. The mix of twists and surprises is balanced perfectly with great characters and well established settings. From the beginning we are drawn into Rosie’s life and her current circumstances and it’s not long before we are caught up in the unexpected situations and evolving drama alongside her, eagerly turning pages to see where it’s all headed.

There are wonderful moments where we understand the significance of something Rosie has yet to connect which is always a satisfying feeling in a mystery. The urge to rush ahead and see where your own theories lead is high but any great mystery writer Delaney leaves it to the very end to make us realise we missed a myriad of other clues being left behind. The mystery itself is unique and detailed in a fantastic way, and seeing Delaney pull all the threads together at the end was marvellous as you realise how even with the answers in front of you, there are still surprises in store.

Delaney has balanced the mystery and small town charm perfectly that brings a lot of light heartedness to this mystery which is what you expect from your cosies. The characters feel well rounded and even the few minor characters felt they had depth and their own lives outside the pages. Being the first in a series getting to come back to this town and these people is inviting and Delaney has established enough that we can see Rosie making a future in the town. Having thoroughly enjoyed Rosie’s first crime solving misadventures in Airlie Falls I am primed and ready to jump into the next one.2022-reads aussie-authors aww-2022 ...more1 Eleni KonstantineAuthor 6 books49

What a fabulous start to this cozy mystery series where our heroine is accused of murder and tries to clear her name. There are lots of laughs , sorrows, mysteries and secrets in this small town. Let’s not forget the lip smacking cooking with recipes to boot. Add an attractive friend and a family unit who take her in with lots of support. This book is as cozy mysteries should be - full of intrigue, clues and characters you fall in love with. Looking forward to more Rosie Hart Mysteries.


Disclaimers: my alter ego designed the book Cover
While I know the author personally, this doesn’t affect the star rating. 2020 amateur-detective animal-characters ...more Clarabelle 191 8

I really enjoyed this book. It had funny moments, it had sentimental moments, it was a good mix. It was primarily plot driven and it was an interestingIplot. However, I would have d to see my character development, they were mostly able but a little lacking. I think book #2 will probably provide at least some of that character development most series do. I'd recommend this to cozy mystery readers and anyone looking for a lighter read. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series!1 Jen367 2

New to the area and working as a caregiver, Rosie Hart is surprised when after the passing of her client, she is bequeathed the woman's property and possessions. All of this is put in jeopardy, however, when a during chance meeting with a good looking neighbor and the local sheriff, Rosie learns that the woman had been poisoned and she is the prime suspect in her murder.

Thanks to the handsome neighbor and his parents (surprise...he's single!!), Rosie has a place to stay while she sleuths out who the real culprit is and clears her name.

Cozy at its finest. And 4 more to go in the series. audio-books series1 Kristina Birch760 26

Cozy mysteries aren’t my normal go-to but this one sucked me right in!
I loved the fun and quirky small town in Texas and Rosie was the best kind of noisy! I also really d that there was a bit of a romance but it didn’t overshadow what this series is, a fun cozy mystery series. Can’t wait for more of Rosie and Frank (he’s quickly become a favorite of mine)! 1 Delphia Von Heeder 1,106 23

A Bittersweet Murder is Heart of Texas Murder Mysteries Book 1 by Kaz Dilaney. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I thought the characters were great and I d how Kaz Delaney led me on an adventure building the clues to discover the murderer. Rosie Hart is a great character and the romance with Jonah was perfect. I am really looking forward to reading Book 2 and discovering what Rosie and Jonah will get into next! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.1 BevAuthor 3 books10

Lovely cosy fiction ... loveable heroine, kind and encouraging sidekicks. 1 LauraAuthor 18 books412

There were a lot of things to about this book, but overall, I didn't love it. The writing is good. The characters are engaging, if a little too quick to trust each other. But the plot was incredibly convoluted--there were easily enough secrets for two novels, at least. There was a revelation at the end that was just weird. By the time we got to the end, I'd completely forgotten about the beginning. I understand wanting to keep the reader guessing, but it came across as too much for me.

I was very disappointed that key facts that lead to the killer weren't stated in the book. As a reader, I to be able to solve the mystery along with the detective. Learning what the most important clues were only after knowing the killer's identity makes me not want to read any more in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.1 Sue1,263 20

I received this arc of A Bittersweet Murder from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in the Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries by Kaz Delaney. This is my first book by Kaz. I found it a wonderful read. I was completely in the dark as to who the killer was. I tried to guess but I was continuously wrong. The book was so well written that I never guessed correctly.

Book one introduces us to the heroine, Rosie Hart. As the book opens she is attending the funeral of her employer who had died. Alice was not d in the small Texas town and there were no other attendees at the funeral. Soon after, she learns Alice has left her entire estate to her. She meets a local cowboy, Jonah who drops by and ends up helping her. When she enters the house she sees it was ransacked. The sheriff tells her Alice was murdered and she is the suspected murder suspect. Jonah invites her to stay at his parents B&B in town as now it isn’t allowed for her to remain at the house she inherited. Jonah’s parents welcome her and she explains everything that has happened. They console her and let her know they believe her innocence.

Rosie realizes it is up to her to solve the mystery of who killed Alice. If she doesn’t figure it out, she will end up in prison for the crime. She learns it could be related to something that happened 60 years ago. Jonah’s mom helps her try to figure out who killed Alice, by taking her to the assisted living facility to enlist the aid of some of the seniors who were around 60 years earlier. There’s so much happening in the book; another murder, a fire and many people who are on Rosie’s suspect list. Unfortunately she is still on the sheriff’s list as the only suspect.

I enjoyed this fast paced mystery story. It was so exciting. I really d the incorporation of things that happened in the long ago past to be included in this story. The interactions between Rosie and the others were so fun to read about. I enjoyed the antics by the seniors and watching them helping Rosie learn about things that happened in the past in their town. It was nice to see the relationship between Jonah and Rosie grow. I look forward to reading the next book. This is a five star book.last-stand-texas-or-texas mystery Julie HowardAuthor 2 books19

I enjoyed this book. There is a lot going on In the story which keeps the story entertaining but it was the characters that won it for me and made it stand out from the rest of the cozy mysteries out there. Roise is a great main character and if the suspicion of murder wasn't hanging over her head she would fit right in to village life or even the readers. I loved the old ladies with the sweet tooths helping out by providing clues and text messages. The mystery has lots of twist as the body fell or people were attacked but that still left lots of suspects to suspect, I think I guessed the killer about the same time as Roise. But this book is so much more than a mystery It's also a feel good story with romance and friendship and paints a lovely picture of what small town life could be . It's definitely a series I will be visiting again and before I was finished reading I was adding it to my audio book must haves.
Rosie is upset that she is the only one attending the funeral of her elderly employer. That is until the Sheriff informs her that Alice was murdered and Rosie is the prime suspect. She's a career not a killer, what possible reason would she have to kill the town recluse? It's seems Alice herself provides the motive for her death by leaving everything to Rosie. Desperate to prove her innocence Rosie sets out to get to know the town's people better and come up with her own suspects. Alice is also on hand to help when she leaves a photo for Rosie to find. Is she providing a four to her killer or why she was killed? The problem is somebody wants the secret to stay buried as the people in the photo start getting killed off and someone tries to burn down the house or the clues left behind. Can Rosie and her new friends solve the murders before anybody else is killed or Rosie herself becomes a victim?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Katy The Sleepy Reader310 34

I have a deep love of mysteries and in the last year or so I have really taken a liking to the sub-genre 'cozy' mysteries. They all have the same basic formula, yet every one of them is different. With endearing characters and perfect locations. This one is no different and I'm glad to say this is looking to be another great series.

Rosie Hart is a caretaker for an elderly woman in the small town of Airlie, Texas. Alice Auchinschloss, is a longtime resident and one whom everyone in the town diss. Rosie is attending her funeral as the book opens and is the only one there. Not one person from the town has shown up for her funeral. After the funeral, Rosie is met with Alice's lawyer and is informed that she is now the recipient of Alices' entire estate.

Not long after that reeling piece of news, more shocking news comes to Rosie. The local sheriff informs her that Alice did not die from natural causes as first suspected but was in fact poisoned. Even worse, it was from something she ate, and Rosie was the only one that prepared her meals. Rosie is now suspect number one.

Things from here don't get much better. There is another murder and two attempted murders and a fire all while Rosie is trying to clear her name and solve a decades old murder mystery. This story was filled with so much intrigue, twists and turns, that you will not be able to put this one down. A real page-turner and I really how everything was wrapped up in the end. I am very much looking forward to seeing what else Rosie gets herself into. This is a series to look out for! I recieved this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.completed-2022 Caley Gredig130 3

A Bittersweet Murder is Kaz Delaney's first book in the Hart of Texas Murder Mystery Series. The book starts out as Rosie Hart is attending the funeral of Alice Auchinschloss, an elderly lady who Rosie had been working for as a daytime companion. Rosie is shocked that she is the only mourner present at the funeral. However, that mystery is soon cleared up when Alice's attorney arrives and tells Rosie that Alice had him publish in the newspaper that the townspeople were not welcome at her funeral. The attorney also informs Rosie that she is Alice's sole heir which promptly lands her in the spot of prime suspect when the sheriff informs her that Alice's death has been ruled homicide as a result of poisoning.

I found that the author wove an interesting tale of intrigue and suspense by creating multidimensional characters many of whom shared in a decades long mysterious death. The story was made even more tantalizing as the interrelationships amongst the people of the town were explored and developed. As I became more entranced with this story, I found myself looking forward to the ultimate conclusion even though with the red herrings and misdirects that were included, it was a total surprise when the culprit was finally revealed.

I look forward to seeing where the author takes Rosie and the townspeople in future installments of this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book free from BookSirens.com and the author and am pleased to voluntarily post this review. Eileen2,075

A Bittersweet Murder by Kaz Delaney, book one in her Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries features Rosie Hart who left her job in the city to take a temporary job in Airlie Falls as a companion to Miss Alice Auchinschloss; a cantankerous old woman the town seems to hate. When Miss Alice dies and leaves Rosie her entire estate, no one is more surprised than Rosie, but when the autopsy shows poisoning, Rosie becomes the main suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, she sets out to investigate and winds up uncovering a series of secrets, mysteries and the suspicious death of a young boy that occurred many years ago; along with a lot of confusion surrounding it. Fortune shines on her when she meets a local cowboy, Jonah who drops by and ends up helping her, inviting her to stay at his parents’ B&B in town; as it wasn’t safe for her to remain at the house she inherited after it was ransacked. With the help and support of many of the town’s residents, including four elderly ladies from the retirement home, Jonah and his parents, Rosie struggles to piece all the clues together before any more people die.

I genuinely enjoyed reading this face paced, sweet and intriguing story and had trouble putting this book down. Ms Delaney kept me on my toes guessing who the killer was, until I turned the last page. Her writing had me feeling as if I was there, watching the events unfold. I never suspected the person who was the murderer. Great job stumping me!! I highly recommend A Bittersweet Murder to other readers and look forward to the next book the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
arc tule Danielle54 1 follower

Rosie Hart was only supposed to be in Airlie Falls, Texas, to take care of Miss Alice. Finding out she’s inherited everything, and is accused of her murder, makes leaving a bit difficult. Being a stranger in a small town is usually awkward, but this takes the cake.

At least the cute cowboy and his family are friendly and caring enough to take her in. They even feed into her need to investigate in an effort to clear her name… something that may not be such a great idea when more mysterious deaths occur. They all seem to be connected to a sixty year old accident that took a life and Miss Alice’s chance at happiness.

Small town atmospheres are such fun to read about, and the characters here don’t disappoint. I especially loved the group of elderly ladies that became one of Rosie’s main source of information. My biggest issue was how fast the relationship between Rosie and Jonah developed. Being the first book in a series, there could have been a bit more buildup.

I look forward to returning to Airlie Falls to see what trouble Rosie gets into next and how her baking business is coming along.

I received a copy of this book and have chosen to write this honest, unbiased review. Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy1,130 30

This is the first book in a new series, and I can see a great series in the making! Rosie Hart has been living in Airlie Falls while taking care of Miss Alice. Once Miss Alice passes away, Rosie learns that Miss Alice has made her the sole heir of her estate. This is a great surprise to Rosie, but the greater surprise is when everyone learns that Miss Alice died from poison. It does not take a genius to figure out who the number #1 suspect will be (at least in the eyes of the community). The characters are clever and will make you smile, especially the "Fab Four" in the local nursing home! They are a hoot! Imagine Golden Girls on steroids! The mystery was very entertaining, and there is a little romance brewing in the background as well. I the "small town" feel of the book where everyone knows everyone else. I know I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading the upcoming sequels (I believe there are already two in the works). I think Kaz Delaney has a winner! Look out... we have a new amateur sleuth at play and her name is Rosie Hart!

I received this ARC from BookSirens and Tulle Publishing. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Paula3,421 16

This was a first for me, to read a cozy mystery that had a main character be critical of such mysteries at the beginning of the story. It really was such a fun read to see how the character would go back to love her cozy mysteries as she tried to solve the one in A Bittersweet Murder (Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries #1) by Kaz Delaney. Unique and overall fun read.

Having been a great lover of cozy mysteries Rosie Hart also has an analytical mind and strong observational skills. Good thing, since she attended her caregiver patient’s funeral she has needed them all. It was at this funeral that she has a falling out so to speak with the cozies she has always enjoyed. The rest of the book is indeed a cozy mystery, one that she saves herself, finds family and romance while also restoring her faith in those stories she has loved.

Look forward to seeing what happens to Rosie and those of Airlie Falls, Texas in the next book. Please say that there will be a next book.

An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kimberly304 4

*A Thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read this. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I am a big fan of cozy mysteries. They are one of my favorite genres because they are easy to read, typically come in long series that I can binge, and let me sort of turn off my brain. When I saw A Bittersweet Murder and I knew I wanted to read it. I don't often get a cozy mystery at the "start" of a series, so with the prospect of seeing the main character grow in time with releases appealed to me.

So, I really enjoyed the plot as there was more than one mystery to be solved. However, the downfall was the characters. There was just way too many of them that it was really hard to keep track of who did what, that it took away from the plot. Also, I wasn't connecting with Rosie as much as I wanted to. Jonah and his family seemed a little to coincidental, so I had a hard time believing the romance and other aspects. I think I would still be interested in the second book to see how Rosie grows, and what plot elements Delaney uses.

Overall, a good plot but lack luster characters Lesley Olariu70 1 follower

“A Bittersweet Murder” by Kaz Delaney is a cosy mystery set in the small Texan town of Airlie Fields. Rosie Hart is companion to cantankerous Miss Alice and when Alice dies, discovers that she has been left everything. When she alone attends the funeral, Rosie is surprised and disappointed. The death is deemed a murder and Rosie the prime suspect. Needing answers, support arrives in the mayor, his interior design loving wife and handsome son who vow to clear her name and solve the mystery. Meeting other members of the townsfolk she learns more of Alice’s past and connections and starts connecting the dots. More deaths and assaults take place. Could Rosie be next?

This is is the first of a series. Many characters are introduced to be possibly fleshed out in further novels. I didn’t latch on to them all as I should have, so lost the plot occasionally. The romance angle fits with the cosy setting but for me comes across as a little corny.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Hayley324 5

~3.5 stars~

This book was much more exciting than I anticipated. There was plenty of action, suspense, and danger. I wasn’t completely surprised by the culprit, but it wasn’t obvious either. I did think the description of the villain’s motive was a bit weak, but that was only a minor issue.

I loved the secondary characters, especially Jonah, Fiona, and Hank. Jonah had a very sweet, gentle chemistry with Rosie, and the other side characters brought some additional sweetness and humor. There were some pretty slow moments in the middle of the book, but the ending was adorable and made me want to read more about Rosie’s life. The small town feel of the book was quite lovely.

Overall, this was a great example of a cozy mystery novel with a dash of romance and heart. I recommend it to those who enjoy lighthearted suspense.

*I received an ARC of this book. This is my complete and honest review.* Sandra271 3

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