Nancy CoCo is a new to me Author and I’m impressed with the first book of her’s that I’ve read. I loved her writing style and she has completely won me over. Three Fudges and a Baby is the twelfth book in CoCo’s Candy Coated Mysteries. I didn’t have a bit of trouble keeping up with the story. I was drawn into the book and my interest was further peaked as I turned the pages. I do feel it’s better to start a series with book one but I had an opportunity to read an arc copy and thought I would give it a try. I loved the book and I have found a new Cozy mystery Author. I loved that the geographical location for these murder mysteries is Mackinac Island in Michigan. I’m familiar with this area.
Early in the book main character, sleuth Allie and her friend Jenn come upon a dead body while they are out for a walk. Jenn’s doula is in a daze and covered with blood. She’s holding a smoking gun and sitting on a stairway from her apartment, that comes down to the street . The murder victim is the doula’s fiancé. It doesn’t look good for Hannah Riverslund. She’s holding a gun at the scene of the crime. Earlier that morning Hannah and the victim, Matthew Jones were heard arguing loudly and now he’s dead. But there wasn’t any witnesses and no one heard a gunshot. Allie questions the new D.A. decision to arrest Hannah for the murder of her fiancé. Something isn’t right and everyone says Hannah wouldn’t kill anyone. If there is even a shred of doubt Allie feels led to investigate the murder. She wants to be sure the wrong person hasn’t been arrested while the real murderer runs free.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and to Fans of the Author. This book is scheduled to be released on 3/26/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#ThreeFudgesandaBaby #NetGalleyarc-copies cozy-mysteries netgalley24 s5 comments Cozy Reader Lady591 43

"Three Fudges and a Baby (Candy-Coated Mysteries #12)" by Nancy Coco is mostly baby themed. However, this one annoyed me more than previous books on the series for a couple of reasons. I am going to be a bit harsher than I usually am. Sorry.

First was Allie's mother and Allie being a push over to her. Her mom shows up with zero warning expecting Allie to entertain her and an ex of Allie's, that she got to bring her. She goes so far as to basically call Allie rude for not being available. Yes, Allie has so much time while running a business that she can drop everything when her mom is unexpectedly around. Then Allie pretty much lets Jenn be the reason she can't do-things instead of just pointing out to her mother that's how things are when you warning of a visit and you run a business. If she can run the business she can stick up for herself with her mom a bit more. Not just try then give up after one comment.

The second thing that really bothered me is the in book continuity issues or Allie's lack of memory for things she's told or talked about. I've come to expect that of this series but this one has been the worst for that. She's told numerous times about a suspect's relationship to another and the victim, acts she never knew. Gets told by the primary suspect information that is then never talked about and then changed. Seriously, at one point she's told some crucial information about the culprit but it goes right over her head with a different conclusion and can't get past that it's not a particular suspect she's already focused on. If she had been logical about it she would have caught the culprit sooner. Instead this one just keeps going on.

Over all though, it was a nice story for the Jenn narrative side of things. We get the birth of Jenn and Shane's baby. We still have relationship drama for Ali (which I hope is finally over in the next book). Honestly, it feels the series is winding down to its final book or two. Which is probably good. They're getting to that repetitive spot some series hit.all-my-cozies6 s1 comment Nancy469 19

It had been yet another hectic week for Allie, the owner of the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop. Heading to a meeting with Jenn’s doula, Allie and her best friend Jenn stumbled upon a dead body. Unfortunately, that grim discovery wasn’t the only unpleasant shock of the week. With relationship issues, mother troubles, and a murder investigation underway, one wonders if Allie’s situation could get any worse?

This latest installment in the Candy-Coated Mystery series is an entertaining addition. The book presents an engaging mystery set against the picturesque backdrop of Mackinac Island, featuring a varied ensemble of characters. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are mine.3 s Rachel2,220 93

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco is a sweet culinary cozy mystery that is the 12 th book in the delightful Candy-Coated Mystery series.

I have really enjoyed all twelve books in this series thus far. This was a nice addition. Mackinac Island is such a unique and special location, amd makes for a perfect local for this series. I also d that Allie’s friend, Jenn, gets a spotlight in this installment when her doula is the suspect in a murder…Allie and company to the rescue…

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/26/24.3 s Tracy Wood1,029 12

As the weather begins to warm up a little on Mackinac Island, Allie McMurphy, local hotelier and award winning fudge maker, is very busy indeed. Alongside all her usual tasks, she is keeping a watchful eye on her best friend, Jenn, who is now two weeks over her due date and desperate for her first baby to arrive. When Hannah Riversbend, the carefully chosen doula, is suddenly the main suspect in a murder case, panic ensues. Jenn is sure the young woman is innocent and absolutely certain she can't give birth without her there and begs Allie to find the real killer fast.

Unfortunately, as the investigation begins to take shape Allie’s mom arrives on the island with an old flame she hasn't seen since they graduated college together, when he proposed! With Jenn's doctor wanting her to head to the mainland to be induced, and Allie’s boyfriend, police officer Rex Manning, not at all thrilled by the arrival of Brett or her mother, both of whom want more of her than she has to spare, Allie isn't sure she won't be breaking the promise she made to her BFF especially as one of the consequences of that promise could ruin her reputation on Mackinac forever.

Book thirteen in this fun cosy series did have a few problems but was still a good read and set the scene for exciting times ahead. Allie, Rex, and Jenn were on great form, and I enjoyed her Mom's visit very much, especially as she was such an awful woman! My main concern was the actual killer’s identity because when the relevant information was discovered no one seemed able to take the next logical step when I think most of the readers would which proved to be both a disappointing and anticlimactic way to finish the investigation. I gave the book 3.5/4 stars because the rest of the storyline, which didn't include the latter part of the whodunnit, were great, and I enjoyed them the most.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Although this didn't hit all the high notes, there is a teaser chapter from book 14, and I definitely can't wait to read that.01-netgalley-20243 s Brenda536 27

Three Fudges and a Baby is the twelfth installment in the Candy Coated Mystery series set on Mackinac Island and featuring fudge maker Allie McMurphy. Allie is starting her third season on the island and business has been great at her family's Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop.

Allie's best friend Jenn Carpenter is expecting her first baby with husband Shane. Jenn has hired a midwife and doula so that she can have the baby on the island. When Hannah Riversbend, the doula doesn't answer Jenn's texts, Allie and Jenn along with Allie's furry companion Mal, make their way to Hannah's house. There they find the woman sitting on the steps, holding a gun and the body of her finance dead just feet away.

Convinced that Hannah wouldn't hurt a fly, Jenn asks Allie to please find the real killer and clear Hannah's name in time for the birth of her son. Allie teams up with boyfriend, Officer Rex Manning to solve the murder and along the way has to deal with her overbearing mother and an ex-boyfriend.

A great addition to the series with a surprising twist at the end. Featuring returning characters, furry companions and delicious recipes, this installment proved to be another fun filled romp on Mackinac Island.

I received an advanced copy of Three Fudges and a Baby from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.netgalley2 s Bobbie Kirkland649 13

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of THREE FUDGES AND A BABY (Book 12 of the Candy Coated Mystery series) by Nancy Coco in exchange for an honest review. Jenn Carpenter, Allie’s event planner and best friend, is overdue. Jenn’s pregnancy has run two weeks late, and Jenn refuses to give birth without the assistance of her doula. That is a problem because the doula, Hannah Riversbend, is currently under arrest for murdering her fiancé. To get Jenn her doula, Allie has to cut a deal with a devil Meanwhile, Allie’s mom causes trouble between Allie and her boyfriend; Allie’s mom shows up with Allie’s highly successful high school boyfriend and pushes Allie to re-ignite the relationship. In order to avoid the matchmaking of her mamma and to help out Hannah and Jenn, Allie once again tries to catch a killer.

I the book and the series. I recommend this book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring family businesses, island life, candy making, tourist seasons, and furry friends.

#ThreeFudgesandaBaby #NetGalley2 s Lisa~Ilovemypug~ Currier1,885 69

#ThreeFudgesandaBaby #NetGalley Allie McMurphy is back in the 12th addition to this wonderful series.
Allie's best friend Jenn is 2 weeks overdue for her baby, she's tired, uncomfortable, and cranky. All she wants is to have her baby, but when her Doula is suspected of murder, Jenn begs Allie to find the real killer.
I really loved this book, there were so many emotions and twists and turns that I stayed up late to finish it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.candy-fudge-shop candy-making cats ...more2 s Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy1,154 31

Fudgie season is about to blow wide open on Mackinac Island, which means that Allie is about to be very busy. More importantly, her bestie, Jenn, is about to give birth. As a matter of fact, she is two weeks overdue. When Hanna (Jenn's doula) is found standing over her the dead body of her future husband, Allie knows everything is about to implode. She does not believe that mild-mannered Hanna, who makes her living helping new mothers during the birthing process, would hurt a flea, much less her future husband. However, she is literally holding the smoking gun, which means it does not look good for her.

Jenn is frantic to get Hanna out of jail before she has her baby. This means Allie and company need to solve the mystery of who killed Matthew quickly. To make matters even more difficult for Allie, her over-bearing mother shows up at the hotel with Allie's ex-boyfriend, Brett. She is convinced that Allie needs to give up the hotel and marry Brett. Her mother drives me crazy. She is so snobby with her nose stuck so high in the air she would drown if it rained. Then you have slimy Brett. I do not trust him as far as I can throw him. I do love all of Allie's friends on the island, and I believe her and Rex belong together. We will just have to wait and see.

This was another fun mystery to solve in the Candy Coated Mystery series. I always enjoy the descriptions of the fudge, and the recipes that are shared will make your mouth water. My favorite character is the little white dog on the cover, Mal. Mal charms everyone she meets. A good cozy mystery is not complete without a cute dog or cat. The mystery was fun to try and solve as there were several suspects to choose from. Caution - reading this book will make you hungry for chocolate.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.1 Michelle Rhoden385 12

I enjoy the Candy Coated Mysteries that Nancy writes. This is the 12th book in the series and it was enjoyable. So many questions surrounding the storyline. You definitely want to keep reading to see if they are answered the way you guessed they would be. Such a fun cozy mystery that you will enjoy for sure.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.1 Debbie Earls101 7

This is a fun cozy mystery read with great characters. Allie and Rex are dating. Allie owns her family's hotel and fudge making businesses on Mackinac Island. Rex is the chief of police. Allie is trying to solve a murder that her friend's doula is accused of. Allie knows she is innocent of killing her fiancé. She is being framed by the killer. Will Allie be able to solve this mystery and clear her friend before it's too late? Read it and find out! I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.fun-cozy-mystery1 Vicki Nichols190 8

Hannah Riversbend, Jenn's doula is accused of murdering her boyfriend , Matthew Jones. Jenn's due to deliver any day and only wants Hannah at her side to help her stay calm. But will Hannah be able to perform her duty or will she be prison bound. Can Allie find a way to clear Hannah if she is indeed innocent, without being the next victim? Will Jenn get her chosen doula or will she be forced to chose another? Must read to find out.1 Shari551 16

This one was a quick read for me and I enjoyed it. Fudge make Allie McMurphy sets out to help her pregnant friend Jenn's doula when she is found in the alley with her dead finance holding the murder weapon. The clock is ticking on this one, as Jenn is already two weeks overdue and could go into labor at any time!

Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.2024 mystery netgalley-arc1 Janet944 12

I so love this series. The location is fun, unique, and there are great able characters. Then there's the fudge talk which always gives me a craving.

This book has us awaiting the birth of Jenn's child. While out with Allie, they come across a murder victim and are shocked at who supposedly did it. All this is at play throughout the book and built to keep us guessing.

We also have some visitors in Allie's life, not related to the murder. It causes her angst, some iffy behavior but I am happy to say things do work out and I am really looking forward to the next book.

Oh, and there is a baby!

5 stars for the fun.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for a fair review. arc netgalley1 ElaineAuthor 1 book3

Another enjoyable addition to this series- it is a pleasure to see the characters continue to develop and grow while the plot lines remain fresh and innovative.1 Susan Willis438 7

A nice addition to this series. You may solve the mystery before the reveal, but following the characters who are now your friends makes it worth the read1 L.M.Author 2 books11

Jenn is about ready to pop with her new baby (son or daughter, we don't know yet!) Her dream is to have her baby on the island but the clinic isn't equipped for that so Jenn finds a midwife and a doula and makes arrangements to allow her to have her baby at the clinic. Everything is going great until her doula, Hannah, is found in the alley behind her apartment with a smoking gun in her hand and her dead fiancé, Matthew, at her feet. Jenn demands that Allie figure out who really killed Matthew so Hannah can be present for her delivery.

I will start out by saying that I had very definite feelings about a lot of the things that happened in this book. Though I didn't a lot of it, it's a sign of a well-written book if it can evoke strong feelings in the reader. That being said, the things that bothered me were many. Jenn being at least three weeks past her due date when the baby was born was unrealistic. I can't imagine that being allowed to happen, if only because the baby would be enormous and the lihood of being delivered by a midwife at a clinic (particularly one not prepared to perform a C-section) at that point would surely be very, very small.

Another thing that bothered me was Allie's mom. She's really something else. She's only concerned about having grandchildren and having a son-in-law she can brag about. Allie's passions and feelings are meaningless to her mom, she only cares about what she wants for Allie, not what Allie wants for herself. Which unfortunately is very realistic. Also, Allie's mom trying to foist Brett upon Allie even though he's not Allie's type at all was super annoying. Allie's only response to her mom's overstepping was "I love you," which felt almost as though she was inviting the abuse.

I felt the investigation was a bit clunky and marred by some silly arguments that popped up between Allie and Rex. In the past I've felt that Allie's stubbornness when it comes to others worrying about her safety was a bit childish and I felt that here too. She overreacts and assumes people are just trying to tell her what to do and I find that a bit annoying. People who care about her should be telling her to be careful, she shouldn't be faulting them for that. I also thought it was odd that Allie didn't speak to one critical witness until very near the end of the story. The suspects were few and the killer was quite clear from very early in the story. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it took some fun out of the investigation.

Overall, I did enjoy this story though it was probably one of my least favorite of the series. I love the setting on Mackinac Island and the McMurphy Hotel is very cool. The fudge recipes all sound really good, though I have never tried to make any of them. I also appreciate that they're not all chocolate based, some are other flavors and chocolate-free. Though this wasn't my favorite of the series, this is still a series I highly recommend.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.read-cozy-mysteries1 June PriceAuthor 7 books67

Would you be willing to sell your soul to "the devil" to help a friend?

The emotions seem to swirl about in this book. Not only Jenn, past her due date and insistent she just can't have this baby without doula Hannah there, but the family ties that both complicate and comfort, not to mention bumps on the road to romance. If it isn't obvious, I love books that are character driven and this one is that plus. Allie is dealing with all of them, not to mention keeping her fudge business going during off-season on Mackinac Island. I've never been there but have come to adore Mackinac Island's slower moving, ol' fashioned ways. I mean, the cops ride bicycles and we're talking the kind you peddle, not motorized. Horse-drawn carriage meander about with both locals and tourists and Victorian homes seem to dominate much of the area.

Jenn's raw emotions and determination to have her baby on the island with the help of Hannah and a midwife come to dominate Allie's hours, hours complicated by the arrival of her mother with an ol' boyfriend of Allie's in tow. Seems he's done well for himself and flown in on his own plane and dear ol' mom thinks Allie should give him another chance. After all, he may be governor someday. Never mind Allie is in love with Rex, the island's investigative detective. And, oh, my, Allie and Jenn stumble across a murder victim and, yikes, holding the gun is Hannah, who turns out to have been his girlfriend. That's when things get complicated.

That's all I'm going to say about the plot because it's too much fun to immerse yourself in life in Mackinac and Allie's world to spoil anything. Let's just say, things get testy between Rex and Allie as she plows forward trying to help Jenn by investigating. As usual, that means putting herself in danger although I'm glad to see she's gotten far smarter about having backup handy. So, who killed Matthew, a man everyone seems to have d? Could it really have been Hannah? How far will Allie go to help Jenn? What does her mother say that gives Allie pause about her life's plan? Why does having your reputation precede you both help and hinder? How reliable are eye-witnesses? Is Jenn being devious? Who...oh, never mind. Enough teasers. This book is a fun read with great characters and a unique setting. I love how character driven it is, almost to the point that whodunit becomes secondary to trying to mentally sort out the side stories. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonCozies for allowing me this sneak peek at the turmoil and joy surrounding Jenn's blessed event. 7 s L.D.96

Three Fudges & a Baby
(Candy Coated Mysteries)
Nancy Coco




Allie and Rex are at it again!

It’s time for Shane and Jenn’s baby to arrive. In fact, poor Jenn is overdue!

Mal needs a walk and Jenn is meeting her doula Hannah for coffee, so Allie decides to combine the two walks. On the way they find Hannah sitting in shock with Mella, a gun, and a dead man!

Quickly accessing the scene Allie sends Jenn away with Mal. After removing the gun, she calls Rex, Mackinac police officer/detective and her boyfriend. Rex rushes over to secure the scene and arrange help for Hannah. Shane is Jenn’s husband and the forensic investigator, assigned to the case. As Allie leaves she runs into the new DA and coroner.

After identifying the victim as Matthew Jones, Hannah’s fiance. A witness claims to have overheard an argument between Hannah and Matthew. But nobody claims to have heard the shooting?!

After returning home, Allie’s mother shows up unannounced with her wealthy ex-boyfriend. She is forced to put them up at the McMurphy. Jenn upon finding out Hannah is being held for Matthew’s murder begins to have Braxton-Hicks and is forced to go to the clinic. She refuses to have the baby without Hannah by her side.

So many lies… will Allie and Rex be able to unmask the real killer before Jenn gives birth? An innocent woman stands accused of a heinous crime. Gossip, deceit, jealousy, and greed lay heavy in this case.

4****
I enjoyed this book a great deal, the mystery was engaging and I love the characters! I did figure out the killer fairly early but it took nothing away from my enjoyment of the story. The surprise at the end… oh my!

I love the recipes and I try many of them. What I have a problem with is the way they were placed directly into the storyline. It was annoying as the recipes had nothing to do with the scenes they were placed in. We receive eight recipes, 5 Fudge, 2 Bars, and a Bonbon. I think unless a recipe or its title is adding to the reading experience they should be indexed in the front or back for easy usage.






Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Coco, and the publisher for the ARC.
#Three Fudges & a Baby #CandyCoatedMysteries #NancyCoco #Cozy #Mackinac #fudge recipes K.A. DavisAuthor 4 books466

THREE FUDGES AND A BABY is the twelfth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco. With action that starts right off the bat, the quick pace held my attention throughout the entire book. The author manages to pack so much into the plot and subplots and seems to effortlessly weave them together into a book worthy of binging on… while eating fudge, of course. In this newest release, protagonist, Allie McMurphy (owner of the historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge shop) is busy juggling her business, her law enforcement boyfriend, her meddling mother and old boyfriend, and anxiously awaiting the birth of her BFF’s baby. Her BFF, Jenn, is already two weeks late giving birth and relies heavily on her doula for support and comfort. I was intrigued about the role a doula plays in a baby’s birth, and appreciated the tidbits of information provided. Ms. Coco’s strong descriptive voice brings the characters and the wonderful setting of Mackinac Island to life and immerses the reader. It makes me want to visit the area and search for Allie’s shop, even if it’s only on the pages.

With anxiety mounting over the delay of Jenn’s baby’s birth, things get even worse when her doula is arrested for murder after literally being found holding the smoking gun. Promising to get the doula out of jail before the birth, tension rise as Allie races to investigate with the help of her adorable Bichon, Marshmallow (Mal), and a group of island seniors (who add some levity). Goodness, there was so much going on with twists that I didn’t see any way to overcome, and some surprises that kept me invested in the story. If you a fast-paced mystery with lots of scrumptious fudge and delightful characters, then I highly recommend Three Fudges and a Baby!

With everything going on in the quest to free the doula and welcome Jenn’s baby to world, Allie still manages to make lots of fudge for her shop. Be prepared to crave chocolate as you read. Or better yet, make one of the many recipes included before you start.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 4 s Anne2,467 20

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco is another fun visit to Mackinac Island, the fudge capitol of the world. Allie is hard at work, as always, between making fudge, shipping it, presenting two demonstrations a day and running a hotel. She really shouldn’t have spare time but she seems to fit things in. Her best friend, Jenn, is due to deliver her first child any day now and much of the book was taken up with that as the murder involved was apparently committed by her doula and it became Allie’s responsibility to get and keep her out of jail. It helped that she was in love with a police officer, Rex Manning, who helped as much as he could. It didn’t help that Allie was the person who discovered Hannah’s fiance’s body with Hannah sitting by it, holding the gun. The DA saw this as a slam dunk so there wasn’t much investigating. This situation is all compounded by a surprise visit from Allie’s mother who wants her daughter to see the hotel and become a society wife. She even brings along the intended groom, Allie’s high school sweetheart.

There was a lot of emotion in this book, much of it stemming from the birth of a baby, but also with Allie re-examining her life. Maybe her mother was right and Rex was not the man for her. Hannah was still in shock and couldn’t really remember what had happened. There were suspects but none of them seemed quite right. It didn’t help that a shop owner saw Hannah and her fiance arguing the day of the murder. It was a confusing mystery and Allie had a little trouble getting hold of it. There were plenty of clues spread throughout the book to help the amateur sleuth who was reading the story arrive at a conclusion before the end. Thanks, Nancy, for another fudgey mystery!

I was invited to read Three Fudges and a Baby by Kensington Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonBooks #NancyCoco #ThreeFudgesAndABaby Kristina3,641 65

Three Fudges and a Baby by Nancy Coco is the twelfth A Candy-Coated Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or who have missed a book or two. Tourist season is getting ready to begin on Mackinac Island and Allie has still not found an assistant to help make fudge. Allie’s bestie, Jenn Carpenter is two weeks overdue which has Jenn and her husband, Shane on edge. Allie’s mother decides to make a surprise visit with Allie’s ex-boyfriend. I did not that the mother expected Allie to drop everything to entertain her. The mother also kept pushing the ex-boyfriend at Allie knowing that she is dating someone. The mystery was simple. I was able to identity the killer before the murder took place. Allie manages to do a little sleuthing in between making fudge, helping Jenn, trying to please her mother, and walking Mal. There is a good wrap up at the end. There are continuity issues in the book. Allie gets told the same detail repeatedly, but she acts she never heard this bit of information previously. I would expect continuity issues to be caught during editing (there are several of them). I was glad that we finally got to know whether Jenn and Shane have a girl or boy. Three Fudges and a Baby is a nice story, but it lacked substance. It makes me wonder if A Candy-Coated Mysteries is winding down (it feels it). Three Fudges and a Baby is a lighthearted tale with an emotional friend, surprise visitors, an accused doula, a meddling mother, boyfriend brouhaha, and scrumptious fudge.2024 cozy-mysteries kensington-books ...more4 s April2,784 14

I enjoy arm chair visits to Mackinac Island every time I read a Candy-Coated mystery. Allie’s friend Jenn is two weeks overdue in her pregnancy as the book opens. Murder happens and seems to involve Jenn’s doula. Even after hearing the definition in the book I’m not sure I get it, but Hannah was important to Jenn.
To help Jenn, Allie gets herself into all sorts of situations in Three Fudges and a Baby. I understand friendship is important, but feel Allie may go to extremes that she wouldn’t if some of her other relationships were healthier.
There is a contrast exposed in Allie’s relationship with her mother. I think Allie goes to the lengths she does because she feels more understood by Jenn and more loyalty toward Jenn than she does in her relationship with her mother or even with Rex, boyfriend.
I’m an amateur at analyzing emotions and motivations in myself and others, so I’ll move on from that aspect of the book.
I the characters and found the book to be an enjoyable read. I spotted the murderer well before the reveal. As usual finding the motive behind the action was not the strong point for me.
Allie often seems to get injured in the course of her investigation and this book was no different.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Three Fudges and a Baby, always enjoy a trip to Mackinac Island and to check out the recipes in the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read the book.e-book mystery netgalley Mary593 18


This is the 12th installment in the Candy-coated mystery series. Allie McMurphy is drawn into another murder investigation as her best friend Jenn’s doula is accused of murder. Allie and Jenn actually find the victim when they go to find Hannah who is late for an appointment with Jenn. Hannah is found with the gun but in shock as her fiancé Matthew is dead. I really love this series and this was a good mystery but frustrated with a few plot lines. The new DA thinks they have an open/shut case so proceeds in booking Hannah immediately within a day when there are so many holes. Also, Allie has been told info and yet throughout the story it seems it gets lost in translation. I also did not the whole Mom showing up with her ex and expecting Allie to be somebody she isn’t and Allie questioning herself in the process. This is a good series but I think whoever is proofreading/editing could have done a better job for the author. Enjoyed the story so 4 stars.
On a side note. First chapter of the next book already has inconsistencies from this story. It is April before big season when Jenn has her baby. Next book has something happening in June and they say Jenn’s baby is about to be 1.. these things although not the biggest issues in the world are frustrating.
Still love this series and author.
2 s Jeanie Jackson2,261 33

Nancy Coco presents us with another exciting trip to Mackinac Island with Three Fudges and a Baby, the 12th book in her Cany-Coated mystery series. I love all of the central characters in this series; they are the reason I keep coming back; in fact, we met a couple of new people that I hope will be in the next book. The mystery was interesting, but Allie's investigation frustrated me a bit. I think she was off her stride because she was so distracted by her best friend's imminent delivery, her snobbish domineering mother, and her relationship with Rex. Jenn is expecting any minute and her doula, childbirth support person, is under arrest for murder, so the soon-to-be mother and best friend is frantic. I guess a baby running two weeks late could do that to a first-time mother. Allie's demanding mother arrives with a very wealthy ex-boyfriend, and anyone can image how well that goes. I don't feel Allie's love for Rex, and having the rich ex around isn't helping his feelings for her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for allowing me to read Three Fudges and a Baby, a fun, light read reconnecting us with characters we care about.
#NetGalley #KensingtonCozies #KensingtonBooks #NacyCoCo #Candy-CoatedMystery2024-read arcs cozy-amateur Suzie1,792 20

Nancy Coco takes us back to Mackinac Island in Three Fudges and a Baby where we join Allie as she investigates a murder while her bestie wrestles with labor pains. Allie has her hands full in this visit between saving Jenn's doula from a murder charge and keeping her self-absorbed mother happy, while feeling forced to deal with the obnoxious ex her mom came with. Poor Rex seems to be an after thought too much of the time, I wonder where this is heading.

I was excited to return to the Island and these character-friends when the advanced reader copy came. They have their ups and downs just real people do; I am interested to learn how their lives work out. Jenn having her baby is the highlight of this addition to the Candy Coated Mystery series. I have been as excited for this as Shane and Jenn! The storyline of their doula being a suspected killer added so much to the mystery. Allie's mom is difficult to and I would not mind seeing less of her

The fudge recipes included look easy to make and quite tasty. This book is the twelfth in this very enjoyable series. I would recommend it to all culinary cozy lovers and to mystery readers. Thank you to #ThreeFudgesandaBaby #NetGalley, #KensingtonCozies for the early read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.2024-challenge arc-gift cozy-mystery April Brown138 3

Allie McMurphy runs an historic hotel and fudge shop on Mackinac Island. Her best friend Jenn is pregnant and past her due date. Her Doula suddenly becomes the prime suspect in a murder and Jenn begs Allie to clear Hannah before her baby comes. Hannah was found with the gun in her hand so this will not be easy. Her getting involved will not make her police detective boyfriend happy. Allie's mom and ex-boyfriend make a surprise visit and complicate her already complicated situation.

This is the 12th installment of this series. I have only read one other in this series but that was not a deterrent to my enjoyment of the story. I loved this story and was sucked in from the beginning. Allie is the kind of friend we all need. I was able to guess the killer a little over halfway through the book but still enjoyed it to the end. The characters are so well written and able. The story telling is what I love most about this book. I can't wait to visit Mackinac Island again with Allie and her friends. Also, I am a sucker for any book that has cute pets in it!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read this book. Tari2,708 83

This has to be one of Allie’s craziest cases yet but hey, at least she didn’t end up stuck in a tunnel or a basement far but near, lol. I actually figured out the killer fairly early on and stuck with my guess while still enjoying the red herrings presented. Glad I stuck by my first choice because I was right. I d the short and effective showdown, and to yay Allie for getting the evidence she needed as well. After twelve books, she’s getting really good at that!

I absolutely love what happened with Allie and Rex! They’ve been through so much in this series and it really came as no surprise. Carol and her senior book club ladies helped out again, but I believe Carol was happy to stay on the researching end instead of the action end! I always love how there’s a preview chapter for the next book included at the end, so of course I always devour that. I can’t wait for the next book now!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
netgalley LittleRead1,802 45

Spring has sprung and tourist season is just beginning on Mackinac Island. With Jenn due to give birth at any time, Allie is ready when she is. Though when Jenn’s Doula is arrested for the murder of her fiancé, Allie agrees to try and clear the Doula,, so that she can be with Jenn when she gives birth.

Hannah clearly loved her fiancé, but witnesses claim to have seen the fighting right before the shooting and she was found with a smoking gun in her hand. Who really wanted the man dead, or does Hannah just not remember pulling the trigger. Can Ally figure it out before Jenn truly goes into labor?

I have long love this series and enjoy each and every entry. Apparently, I’m not the only one, as this is the 12th book in this sweet and delicious series. I was taking the time away and being able to transport myself to Mackinac Island and trying to solve a mystery right along with Ally and the gang. It is the perfect escape. Maria1,964 75

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