3.5 stars. I always enjoy spending time with these characters! I thoroughly enjoy this series. This novella, though, didn't have any "punch" for me. It's a simple case/mystery without much suspense. I did get a kick out of the pigs in this book, but Aiden's mom is starting to get on my nerves. That might just be from the concentrated dose of her in this novella. I am looking forward to digging into the next full-length mystery in this series, releasing in May.

In this lovely short read Bailey's parents have come to town for the Mothers Day weekend. They rarely visit so it's exciting that they are going to be in town, Bailey can't wait to spend time with them. The candy shop has agreed to donate sweets for an upcoming Mothers Day Tea, the tea will be donating its proceeds to a local woman's support group that helps drug addicted women. Bailey has bought tickets to the tea for the ladies of her family and looks forward to spending a special day with them. The tea is going well, the food is delicious, the company lovely, and the setting just right. At the end of the tea it comes to light that someone has stolen all the money that has been raised.that day. Who would steal from women in need and why? Bailey makes it her mission to find out, you see if the support group doesn't find the money it will have to close its doors. Follow along as Bailey follows clues in hopes of finding a thief and making things right for a group of women who truly need the money.

This was a such a fun little fill-in while waiting for the next regular size book! I always enjoy reading about little Jethro the pig, he's pretty awesome! Juliet cracks me up hauling him everywhere, but even Bailey has warmed up to him a lot since she first met him. Bailey's parents were in town for Mother's Day, and this case being a shorter one involved the theft of some charity money.

I'd guessed the person right who stole it and sort of the reason, but it was interesting to see Bailey sleuth it out while "helping" Deputy Little who was nervous about handling a case solo. Aiden was otherwise occupied with other police matters. This book was funny, a little bit tear-jerking and very heartwarming! I'm anxious for the next regular book coming out soon.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower is the second novella length book in the cozy Amish Candy Shop Mystery that also has five full length novels so far. Botched Butterscotch falls between books four and five of the series in chronological order but as with the other books of the series it has it’s own mystery solved within so it could also be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. For those that follow from the beginning in the series though there is character building carrying over from book to book to tie them altogether.

The main character in this series, Bailey King, had been working in New York as a chocolatier before she decided to return to Harvest, Ohio and help her Amish grandmother run their family owned candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. While Bailey is not Amish herself she does find herself fitting into the community with her Amish roots and trusted more than other outsiders. This time around instead of a murder to solve Bailey gets asked to help catch a thief that has run off with money raised for a local charity.

Following this series from the beginning I’ve really enjoyed it overall as it has just that right mix of quirky fun and mystery. I loved how the author has taken a regular American and thrust her into the Amish world giving her the means to fit into both the regular community and Amish people. And as much as I like the characters there’s also plenty of cute critters stealing the show too. Now this go around has brought in Bailey’s parents to give even more depth to her character so a definite two thumbs up to this novella addition to the series!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is book 4.5 in the series but only my 2nd. Although this is a new series to me and I have not read the first books in the series, I am enjoying the books. The characters are interesting and relatable. The mystery is well-plotted with several twists and turns to keep you guessing. I definitely will be reading more in this series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.

When Bailey is asked to bring desserts to a fundraiser/ Mothers Day tea, she has no idea the party will end with the donation money disappearing. Can Bailey help the local deputy find the missing money and bring the thief to justice?

A fun, quick novella in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. I enjoyed it very much.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.

I am a huge fan of Amanda Flower. Her books are a must read for me. Botched Butterscotch is a novella and her parents are meeting Adrien for the first time. No story in this series is complete without Adrien's mother, Juliet, and her comfort pig, Jethro. This story features a different kind of mystery as it's a theft and not a murder. This novella was a complete story and an enjoyable read. I am eagerly awaiting Marshmallow Malice, out next month! Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower is a novella which takes place in the middle of the Amish Candy Shop series, after Bailey and Charlotte have returned from New York and filming the first of their Amish cooing series. As always, Flower insinuates charming and eccentric characters into her story. It is Mother's Day and Bailey's parents are here to visit. It had been many years since Bailey's father had left the Amish to marry her mother, leaving Bailey's only Amish connection her grandparents. Now her grandfather had passed away and Bailey was here helping her grandmother run Swissmen Sweets. All of a sudden, the shop is full: Her grandmother and cousin, her parents, Juliet and her pet pig, Jethro, and of course, Aiden, her Deputy Sheriff boyfriend. Will her mother embarrass her? Undoubtedly.

This is a sweet series, in more ways than one. Bailey has a sweet romance going on with Aiden. Juliet is his mother and always hopes for more but she is busy with her wedding to Reverend Book drawing near. Her mother has no such qualms. But maybe Bailey can keep her too busy to cause trouble. There is the Mother's Day tea, a fundraiser for Abigail's Farm, a non-profit outside of town, which acts as transitional housing for female drug abusers who are not quite ready for real life. Polly Anne runs the place and firmly believes that working with plants and animals helps these women. So far 49 of 50 of her past residents has proven her right. All is going well until the end of the event when the donation box is checked and it is empty! Of course, Bailey can't help but get involved. It was a sweet read. Good story, fabulous characters. I recommend it and all of Amanda Flower's books.

I received a free ARC of Botched Butterscotch from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #botchedbutterscotch

This was an entertaining cozy mystery novella. Located in an Amish community, not all of the characters are part of the Amish fellowship. The interactions are interesting and will have you rolling your eyes, laughing, and thinking that you know someone just like some of the characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is the first book I've read in the series, but I would enjoy joining Bailey for more adventures.

Happy to be back to Harvest, Ohio and meet again Bailey and the cast of characters.
This is a lovely novella that made me smile and kept me hooked till the end.
It's a light, enjoyable and entertaining read and I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower
It’s Mother’s Day weekend and Bailey King has a busy few days ahead of her. Bailey’s parents are visiting from New England. Her father, Silas, left the Amish community of Harvest and Holmes County when he was a young man and the only time he’s ever returned was for the funeral of his father, Bailey’s grandfather, Jerimiah King. Bailey’s mother, Susan, is also a Holmes County native and she has stayed away from her birthplace as well. But this weekend, they have left New England to spend time with Bailey.
Soon after their arrival, Bailey’s parents meet Juliet Brody (and Jethro the pig) and Juliet wastes no time bringing up a marriage between Aiden Brody, Juliet’s son and Bailey’s boyfriend, and Bailey. Silas and Susan aren’t opposed to the idea, but Bailey and Aiden aren’t even engaged and Bailey will be pressed for time trying to keep her parents separated from Juliet and her wedding-to-be plans.
Out of town visitors aren’t the only things taking up Bailey’s time. Margot Rawlins has planned a Mother’s Day tea as a fundraiser for Abigail’s Farm, a place for women battling drug addiction to get a start on a new life. Swissmen’s Sweets, the candy shop started by Bailey’s Amish late grandfather and now co-owned by Bailey and her Amish grandmother Clara King, have donated several types of sweet treats for the event.
On her way into the church to set up for the tea, Bailey’s wagonful of desserts is nearly knocked over by a large man and Bailey is too busy trying to keep her wagon upright to identify him. While Bailey is setting up for the event in the church, she hears an argument between Polly Anne Lind, the owner of Abigail’s Farm, and someone Bailey hears but can’t see. During the tea, Bailey also spots an Amish woman she doesn’t know. Before Bailey can get her grandmother to identify the mystery woman, she’s gone, as is the ten thousand dollars raised at the tea.
The list of suspects for the theft is fairly long and grows longer when Bailey discovers disgruntled neighbors of Abigail’s Farm. These neighbors are unhappy with the fact that these women live next door and would like nothing better than to see them gone. Without the money, Abigail’s Farm will be forced to close. But without any evidence and fearing the cash donations may already be spent, will Bailey be able to find the thief and save the farm?

Botched Butterscotch was a charming read. The characters are interesting and the plot was engaging, especially as it focuses on rehabilitation. There's also the comic relief of the pig owned by Juliet, in addition to Juliet's efforts in planning the wedding of Bailey and Aiden, even if they're not engaged yet.

This is the second short story in one of my favorite cozy mystery series which is set in an Amish candy shop. The full length novels focus on murder mysteries while the short ones are about solving lesser crimes.

In this story, money for a charity has gone missing. Bailey King (who is not Amish), our candy-making sleuth, takes on the mission to try and figure out both whodunnit and how the crime was accomplished.

Her boyfriend Aiden, a sheriff’s deputy, is busy working other crimes. A deputy with less experience, Deputy Little, is tasked with solving this theft. He welcomes Bailey’s assistance to a point as he feels a little bit over his head.

The story was fun to read and I think you get more out of it if you read the earlier books in the series. However, it doesn’t advance the main story, but gives a side look into some of the characters.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower has Bailey King expecting her parents for Mother’s Day weekend. Bailey has been busy preparing treats for the Mother’s Day Tea at the church that is supporting Abigail’s Farm, a place for women to recover from addiction. While everyone is enjoying the tea and butterscotch bars, a sticky-fingered thief makes off with the contents of the donation box (over $10,000). Detective Little is going solo and Bailey promises to help him nab the crook and recover the cash. Botched Butterscotch is An Amish Candy Shop Mystery Novella (No. 4.5). It can be read on its own (but why would you want to miss any of the books in this entertaining cozy mystery series). I sat down and quickly devoured this humorous story. I love the cast of characters that Amanda Flower has created for this series from Bailey King to Jethro, the polka-dotted pig. The descriptions of the sweet treats from Swissmen’s Sweets will have you craving something yummy (recipe at the end of book). There are delightful laugh-out-loud moments especially with Juliet Brody and her pet pig, Jethro. Juliet is determined her son, Aidan will wed Bailey very soon (they are dating, but no imminent proposal). The setting of Harvest, Ohio is bucolic. I like that it is a combination Amish and English area. The mystery suits the story and I enjoyed following Bailey as she solved the crime while giving Deputy Little credit. Botched Butterscotch is an amusing tale that will tide me over until Marshmallow Malice comes out. Botched Butterscotch is a delightful cozy mystery with precocious pigs, batches of butterscotch bars, a matchmaking mama, purloined philanthropy, and Mother’s Day mayhem.

This little trip back to the world of Swissmen Sweets is delightful. This time around, no murders but a robbery to solve. Bailey's parents have come to spend Mother's Day in Harvest and a fundraising tea becomes another chance for Bailey to solve a mystery.

I've loved this series so much and I'm thrilled NetGalley gave me the chance to read an advance of this novella. All the charming elements of this series are there in just the right proportions. This is the first time that Jethro the pig didn't annoy me. Margot and Juliet aren't overbearing here the way they can sometimes get in the novels and I actually walked away really appreciating Margot in a way I haven't up to this point. We get glimpses of Clara, Charlotte, Aiden, and Deputy Little (seems like something is being set up there for the next book). The church ladies are doing their thing and I became bewitched by this world all over again.

The characters introduced specifically for the mystery are all acting from a place of deep love for their family, which gives this story a warmth that makes it the perfect Mother's Day yarn. If you're new to this series, this is a great way to get an introduction.

The Amish Candy Shop Mystery is one of my very favorite cozy series to read. Enough so, that I even keep up with these short novellas between each book. They offer the perfect quick visit with the character’s of Harvest, Ohio to keep me tied over until a longer story is released.

Bailey and her Maami are lending some of their scrumptious treats to help a good cause. Abigail’s Farm is a safe place where women who are recovering from addiction can ease back into society at their own pace. The founder is excited not only because the farm is in memory of her daughter, but the fundraiser she has brought everyone together for is quite a success. That is until all of the money raised suddenly goes missing.

Perfect timing for this story since it takes place around Mother’s Day. I enjoyed meeting Bailey’s parents and equally rolled my eyes every time Juliet hinted at their two families being joined by marriage in the very near future. I was funny to see her mom shocked by her involvement as an amateur sleuth and slightly appalled by my favorite pig, Jethro.

I loved the idea of the farm and hope to see it play a bigger role in future books.

The story includes a recipe for Butterscotch Peanut Bars and an excerpt from book five, Marshmallow Malice.

A short story to remind us of all the characters we love in the Amish community of Harvest. Bailey's parents make a Mother's Day visit and Bailey thinks her biggest concern is her Mom and Aiden's mom plotting to plan a wedding for the couple who are not even engaged. However an occurrence at a fund raising tea ends up being Bailey's biggest concern.

This quick look into An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series (book 4.5) is a good way to get everyone excited for book 5, Marshmallow Malice, which will be out soon. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Harvest, Ohio, celebrates most occasion and Mother’s Day is no exception. This year, the local Amish community organizer, Margot Rawlings, has convinced Bailey King to provide desserts for a special Mother’s Day tea fundraiser for a local group home. Not everyone is a fan of Abigail’s Farm, however, as some worry about the type of young women residing there since all are recovering addicts. Meanwhile, Bailey is trying to deal with a rare visit from her parents while keeping her mom and Deputy Aiden Brody’s mom part less they start planning a wedding that neither Aiden nor Bailey is ready for. Just when Bailey thinks things are under control, the money at the tea goes missing. Who stole the money for Abigail’s Farm? Can Bailey help solve another mystery?

I love the ambiance of Harvest, Ohio! Stores like Swissmen Sweets are a true delight to visit and I love each tidbit we get about the chocolate business. BOTCHED BUTTERSCOTCH has some yummy treats mentioned and I can’t wait to try the recipe included! The addition of Abigail’s Farm only made me love Harvest even more as we see some of the Amish community reaching out to help others who have made some negative detours in their life, offering these young women a fresh chance at life.

BOTCHED BUTTERSCOTCH is a novella in the <i>Amish Candy Shop</i> and takes place after the fourth book, TOXIC TOFFEE. Readers can easily jump right in and get a taste of life in Harvest, Ohio, as Amanda Flower ensures that the story stands alone. However, I suspect you’ll want to jump right in and read the full-length books in the series after enjoying BOTCHED BUTTERSCOTCH.

Amanda Flower always writes a fun story and BOTCHED BUTTERSCOTCH is yet another example. After all, who can’t help but love any story featuring an emotional support pig as one of the reoccurring characters? The inclusion of an inspiring community-based program like Abigail’s Farm only made BOTCHED BUTTERSCOTCH all the sweeter- and the need for the crime to be resolved all the more important. I can’t see what troubles Bailey, Aiden, Jethro, and the rest of the residents of Haven find in the next book by Amanda Flower!

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

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reviewer: Clare O'Beara
recommendation: An enjoyable light mystery with a prize pig and
a recipe

This is one of my favorite series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. I loved this next installment with all the great charcters that make this such a perfectly enjoyable cozy mystery series.
My review opinion is my own.. This is a series I highly recommend. This next in series is a Novella.

This is the next installment in Amanda Flower's An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. This series is so charming and endearing to readers.. The author has created a series that readers are drawn to set in a Amish village with a Amish candy shop and great charcters. All the returning charcters are here and this next adventure is so fun I did not part with this book until conclusion.

Bailey is hard at work creating fabulous treats for the Mother's Day celebrations in town and is excited to have her parents finally visit her home town on Mother's Day. Her parents do not approve of her choice to work in her Grandmother's candy shop so Bailey is justifiably nervous to see her Mother. Her Father left the Amish religion 30 years before and does not usually visit. .She has arranged for her Mom to attend a tea with her and her beloved Grandmother that is a fundraiser for a local women's organization. When the money raised is stolen Bailey is determined to find the money and the suspect. Much to her chagrin her Mother is matchmaking as she wants Bailey married off to her boyfriend Detective Brody. As Bailey avoids her Mother's shenanigans she investigates the theft with a new detective who she has yet to work well with but is more determine then ever to save the fund raiser by finding the missing money.

This was another charming addition to the series. I love the pot belly pig that runs about town and is loved by all, her sweet Grandmother and of course the description of the candy shop. The recipe included will give you cavities just reading about it ! Well done to the author. I love revisiting this wonderful series.