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Summary: Another winner for Davidson!
Review: I just love these books. They deal with my two favorite things. Mysteries & FOOD! I am always hungry when I'm listening to them! Have a snack nearby! Cherry Jones makes a good Goldy! When is the next one??
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Summary: i tried the scones
Review: i love the stories they are good but i tried the scone recipe and it was great it feels like you are reading about an old friend when you read ms davidsons books
Rating:
Summary: i tried the scones
Review: i love the stories they are good but i tried the scone recipe and it was great it feels like you are reading about an old friend when you read ms davidsons books
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Summary: Keep 'em coming Diane!
Review: I loved this one, as I have loved all the books in this series. Harriet Klausner is my favorite reviewer, and if she likes a book, I know I will too. I'm glad I disregarded the surprisingly negative reviews about this book and went with her again. I totally enjoyed it. The danger was higher this go around - with many twists of the story teasing my assumptions about 'who done it?' - I'm looking forward to the next adventure with Goldy!
Rating: 
Summary: Bitter Aftertaste
Review: I was enjoying this book until the ending which left a bitter aftertaste. In the begining, much was made of Goldy's problems arising from her reporting a case of possible child abuse and the resulting loss of income. At the end of the book, however, no mention is made of the more serious case of abuse--the little girl who was hidden because her parents were not married. This taught the child that she was something to be ashamed of. No amount of toys or other material things could overcome this basic message. Goldy, and the author, don't make any comment on this issue. This also brings up the problems with Archie and his relationship with is father; it is time he showed some understanding of his father's true nature and accept that the man is an abuser and a user of people, esp. Archie. It is a difficult thing to admit and could make for an important sub-text for a book. I will not buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Bitter Aftertaste
Review: I was enjoying this book until the ending which left a bitter aftertaste. In the begining, much was made of Goldy's problems arising from her reporting a case of possible child abuse and the resulting loss of income. At the end of the book, however, no mention is made of the more serious case of abuse--the little girl who was hidden because her parents were not married. This taught the child that she was something to be ashamed of. No amount of toys or other material things could overcome this basic message. Goldy, and the author, don't make any comment on this issue. This also brings up the problems with Archie and his relationship with is father; it is time he showed some understanding of his father's true nature and accept that the man is an abuser and a user of people, esp. Archie. It is a difficult thing to admit and could make for an important sub-text for a book. I will not buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: terrific culinary mystery!
Review: If you aren't familiar with Diane Mott Davidson's wonderful culinary mystery series starring Goldy, the catering amateur sleuth, this is a great book to get you hooked! The novel boasts a wonderful locale (an English castle which has been transported and re-assembled in Aspen Meadow, CO), a clever mystery with lots of twists and turns, and numerous mouth-watering recipes created by Goldy and her assitant--budding vegetarian chef Julian Teller. I can't recommend this book highly enough to keep you entertained. You'll be torn between wanting to finish the book and running to your kitchen to re-create the terrific recipes. Davidson creates a wonderful story involving a colorful cast of characters. It's a terrific, fun read.
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Summary: If you can't stand the heat....
Review: If you can't stand the heat...leave the kitchen and go curl up with Goldy's latest escapade. I've read every one of Davidson's culinary mysteries and I can't get enough. Those reader's who just jump in in the middle or who start with this book may not fully understand the dynamic between the characters (hence another reviewer's mistaken assertion that Davidson is a man-hater). If you've followed along with Goldy Bear Shulz you know that she is a kind and giving woman who, if anything, is entirely tooo forgiving of that Jerk of an ex-husband. I not only recommend Sticks and Scones, I thoroughly recommend that you read ALL of Davidsons books. They're better than dessert!
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Summary: Not Davidson's BEST!!
Review: If you have not read any of her other books, do not start with this one. Being a Davidson fan, it seems to me that she did not tie everything together like she does in her other books. The plot was a little to far-fetched!! It was still pretty good and her recipes in this book sound delicious....
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Summary: The Perils Of Goldie Continue
Review: It's 4:30 on a cold February morning. Goldie's husband, Tom, is out of town on police business. Someone shoots out the front window of the house. Not a pleasant way to wake up. The scene then shifts to a transplanted castle where Goldie has two scheduled catering events coming up. Descriptions of the old English castle were a little tedious in the beginning, but later proved to be essential to the mystery, so I'm glad I paid attention. A map would have been helpful. This was actually a very good mystery. Plenty of separate investigations for Goldie to pursue. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers here, that the characters do seem to be turning a little stale. I wish Goldie would stop referring to her ex-husband as The Jerk. It just seems rather juvenile. The recipes, as always, sound scrumptious. I didn't think I would be interested in recipes for the Elizabethan period, but Davidson has presented them in an updated form. For instance, Kidney Pie has been turned into Shakespeare's Steak Pie. I'm anxious to give that and the Plum Tart a try. I guess this would be described as a "cozy mystery". It was enjoyable, if not exactly riveting. As Goldie finds comfort in food prep, I find comfort in reading about it.
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