SIMMERING WITH RESENTMENT is the eleventh book in the Cookbook Nook Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber. I’ve been a longtime fan of this series and I was so excited that it appeared protagonist Jenna Hart’s upcoming nuptials to Rhett Baxter were finally going to take place. Adding to the wedding festivities, as she counts down the day to walking down the aisle, is the town’s bridal expo where brides and those dreaming of the big day flock to Crystal Cove to take part. But all doesn’t go according to plan when an explosion at Rhett’s restaurant puts him in the hospital and Jenna narrowly escapes injury herself. Will they ever have the chance to say their vows when it appears someone might be targeting them both? Ms. Gerber’s storytelling prowess pulled me in from the very start and kept me glued to the pages. One of the strengths of this series is the growth of characters over the course of books, and this newest release adds to it.

With Jenna having an invested interest in finding out who might have wanted to kill her and Rhett, she begins poking around and asking questions. Certain she’s found the culprit who had reasons to exact revenge, her theory vanishes as another explosion kills her suspect. The author’s story has twists and turns that kept me guessing, erroneously, about not only who the culprit could be but why. With a suspenseful reveal, the threads came together with a layer of tragic emotion woven in. Thankfully, Ms. Gerber doesn’t end there but continues with a couple heartwarming chapters that leaves the reader looking forward to catching up with Jenna and her pals in the next book!

Daryl Wood Gerber expertly captures the culinary cozy mystery genre in more ways than one. Not only are there mouthwatering descriptions of a large variety of dishes and desserts mentioned throughout the story, but with Jenna as the owner of the Cookbook Nook, a culinary bookshop, there are several delightful mentions of actual cookbooks. And then there are the actual recipes Ms. Gerber includes at the back of the book. It’s almost like getting a mini cookbook and each recipe sounds fabulous!

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Simmering with Resentment is an excellent entry in this series. The mystery is solid and interesting and will keep you wanting to know more until the very end. There are many aspects to the story as well as many layers. As with the previous books, Jenna, Aunt Vera and Bailey are great characters. They really help to the enjoyment of the books in this series. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, it is best when read in sequence in the series, as character development is always interesting. Great book!

Have not read this series before but this one just caught my eye. I loved this cozy mystery. The Amateur sleuth Jenna really knows her stuff and doesn't stop at anything to get answers, even though Cinnamon doesn't like her butting in. This series is one that I am going to have to binge read. A GOOD READ.

Life is good. Jenna Hart is making the final arrangements for her wedding to Rhett.Business is brisk at the Cookbook Nook and the Nook Cafe with the Bride's Dream Expo taking place in Crystal Cove. As Jenna checks on the goodies at the show, she sees Sarita Strachline, the woman who burned down her own restaurant and skipped town, leaving Rhett to take the blame. Now she's back after her release from prison and she's a holding a grudge. Jenna is worried. I could understand why. The woman is vicious. When a bomb explodes at Intime and Rhett is injured, Jenna is convinced that Sarita was the culprit. Is she right? I wasn't sure neither was the Chief of Police. When Sarita is killed by an explosion on her sailboat, Jenna realizes that the cases are more complicated than she thought. Are they connected? There were many people who wanted Sarita dead. I knew that Jenna was going to investigate. She's still struggling with the bomb that almost killed Rhett. This was an exciting mystery that was filled with misdirection and unexpected twists. I worried if the wedding wouldn't take place. I enjoy coming to this beautiful setting. I feel as if I'm a member of the Crystal Cove family. I like the people. They are an interesting mix - just like real life. I know that Sheriff Cinnamon Pritchett is in a difficult position. She's Jenna's friend but she must also follow official protocol. Jenna doesn't make it easy. Simmering With Resentment is a great mystery. I always enjoy The Cookbook Nook Myster. Daryl Wood Gerber has a easy enjoyable writing style that keeps me entertained. I'm looking forward to more adventures.

Simmering with Resentment Earns 5/5 Bombshells…Deliciously Engaging!

In the eleventh book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series, Daryl Wood Gerber has turned the time of joy and celebration into an intense game of survival…I love it! Jenna Hart is planning her wedding to Rhett Jackson, but the appearance of Sarita Strachline, who once vowed revenge for Jenna’s part in her incarceration, is problematic. Ok, that’s too tame…it’s deadly! It’s also too coincidental that Sarita’s release from jail coincides with an explosion at Rhett’s restaurant putting him in the hospital fighting for his life. What a motivator to get involved! Jenna doesn’t go off blindly, she does use the local police (I like this realism), but it’s her experience, knowledge, and motivations that leads to a very surprising conclusion. Gerber’s writing is well-plotted, twisty, rich with food and cookbook references, and having a core batch of characters that often act and react reasonably. She adds humor, friendship, and a nice romance to tickle anyone’s fancy. She adds fifteen recipes to enjoy from appetizers to entries, desserts to drinks, regular to gluten free. Always a pleasure to read one of Daryl’s books and test my skill with her recipes…this one is high up on my “favorite” list!

Jenna and Rhett’s wedding is coming up quickly. They need to get thru the bridal expo and then a wedding in a few weeks. What could go wrong? An old enemy of theirs shows up and bad things start to happen – thrown bricks, bombs, and more. Will they be able to find the villain and get married?

Simmering With Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber find us in June in Crystal Cove and there is a wedding expo happening, as well as Jenna and Rhett's own wedding just thee weeks away. Jenna's first wedding had been beyond simple and so she and Rhett had had decided to go all out on this one. And it was ready to go. Jenna had the perfect wedding planner in Harmony Bold, who was fabulous at keeping all the balls in the air. During the anniversary dinner that Rhett had planned for them, just as she was setting the table, there was an explosion in the kitchen and Rhett was right in the middle of it. She immediately called 911 and paramedics showed up to take him to the clinic. She was left with the police, including Cinnamon, the police chief on one of her best friends. It turned out to be a homemade bomb. Why would someone do that and how did they get it to do it? Jenna rushed to the clinic where Rhett was in surgery.

There were several suspects and she had her favorite until a bomb killed that woman, as well. A brick was thrown through Jenna's window. She needed to postpone the wedding. These were omens. She was hysterical. She was beyond worried about Rhett and now this threat. So many people who had reason to do this second bombing, but why Rhett? Cinnamon warned her to stay out of it every time they spoke. She was but she did hear things, things that a police officer might not hear. It was a good mystery with a very sad ending. The characters, both regulars and new ones, are well written and interesting. Crystal Cove is a fabulous place to live and Jenna had a terrific business and a close circle of friends. These factors make it fun to read and the very definition of a cozy mystery.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Simmering With Resentment by Beyond the Page Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #beyondthepage #darylwoodgerber #simmeringwithresentment

Enjoyable cozy mystery that happens to be #11 in the series...which I didn't realize. I haven't read the other books yet - and I feel like I should have read at least the first couple of books before reading this one - but I think I did ok following along. The interesting characters, the mystery, and danger all made for an intriguing whodunit.
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4

Many thanks to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

This is the 11th book in the series! I hadn't realized there was so many! I def need to go back and read the first 10! The series has had a long run of 'will they/wont they get married' and in this book, that continues, with readers wondering if Rhett and Jenna will EVER get married! It's a fun romp for old fans and new readers alike, while they try to delve thru all the possible suspects, to find the reason for Sarita's death and the danger to Jenna's happiness!

Jenna and her fiance Rhett are looking forward to their upcoming wedding. The problem is that someone who has caused Rhett a lot of trouble just got out of prison and is now causing trouble again. Will she ruin their wedding or even their lives?

So many things are happening in this story. The upcoming nuptials, vandalism, theft, and murder are beautifully interwoven and constantly keep the reader on their toes as they try to figure out who did it. This author paints a vivid picture with her descriptions, as always. Thanks to Beyond the Page and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this well written cozy mystery. This book is the 11th in the Cookbook Nook series.. I always enjoy going back to Crystal Cove!
This time there’s a big wedding expo in town, and Jenna and Rhett are finally getting married! Unfortunately, the woman who burned down Rhett’s old restaurant was killed by a bomb on her boat and a bomb explodes in his new restaurant which leaves in in the hospital.
Jenna is frustrated and worried, so she starts asking questions, much to the chagrin of the police chief, her friend Cinnamon.
It’s a great read with good characters. 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I absolutely loved this newest installment in a favorite series! When a beloved restaurant had an explosion, Jenna couldn't help thinking it was the person who'd blown up the other restaurant where Rhett worked and wondered if they'd been targeting her and him since they were having their private dinner at the time. I just knew Rhett was gonna be okay, but I still worried a little, lol.

There were plenty of suspects to consider, and Jenna had a whole bridal expo to do sleuthing in. Along with being a bride herself and wanting to enjoy part of the expo, Jenna had an agenda despite Cinnamon's usual warnings. I thought Cinnamon was especially nicer to her in this book. I know they've become friends, but probably since things were aimed at Jenna and her sweetie, Cinnamon felt a little more protective/sisterly of her.

It was like I knew but I didn't know whodunit and that'll make sense once anyone reads it. The showdown was exciting but not drawn out too long to make readers overly nervous lol. And the ending was just perfect!

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

Another fantastic installment in this series. I love that the author continues to grow and advance the characters. This was another great who-dun-it that included fun twists and turns to keep me guessing and engaged. Can’t wait for the next one!

Jenna Hart is getting ready for her upcoming nuptials and is looking forward to the Bride's Dream Expo that is in town. She can't wait to visit and see if there are any last minute things she wants to to add to her own wedding. While visiting the expo she runs into someone unexpected, Sarita Strachline, she helped get Sarita convicted of arson and thought the woman was still locked up. Jenna hates to tell Rhett about the woman being let out but knows she can't keep it a secret. While Rhett is fixing a dinner for the two at his restaurant she lets him know what is going on. Dinner is soon ruined when the kitchen explodes and almost kills Rhett. Jenna is furious and thinks Sarita is behind the attempted killing. She jumps right into an investigation and soon learns that not everything is as it seems. Follow along as Jenna follows the clues in hopes of finding a killer. Will she succeed in the end or will a murderer remain at large?

Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber is the 11th instalment in 'A Cookbook Nook Mystery' series and my 4th book in this series. In this fabulous cozy mystery, it is the Bride’s Dream Expo in the Californian town of Crystal Cove, and Cookbook Nook owner Jenna Hart is herself to be a bride in a few weeks' time when she marries Rhett. Sarita Strachline is also in town; she burnt down her restaurant and was jailed but has been released. Does she have vengeance on her mind?

The writing style of Daryl Wood Gerber is excellent and continues to impress me and even with the plethora of cast members, the story is easy to follow. Jenna is a great character and I love her for her savvy. The story whizzes onward and the whodunit aspect was great with plenty of opportunities for the most diligent of armchair detectives to play along. I adore my visits to Crystal Cove with its quaint shops, mostly friendly residents and the seaside locale. Jenna has an amazing group of family and friends who are there for her. Although I have come into this series late in the day, starting at book eight, the story is self-contained enough to still be immensely enjoyable. This tremendous series is a hit for me and I am looking forward to starting it from the beginning. If you adore a fantastic cozy mystery, don't miss out on Simmering with Resentment.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Another entertaining addition to this series. i was glad to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
Entertaining and compelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A Cookbook Nook Mystery #11

This is the eleventh book in this series and I would recommend you read them all!

We are back in Crystal Cove, with Jenna and the gang at the Cookbook Nook, and the town has been taken over by brides! The Bride’s Dream Expo is in town and people are losing their minds over wedding stuff. Jenna has set up displays in the shop and these women are buying everything! Jenna is also attending the expo for any last-minute things to add to her own wedding in a few weeks to Rhett.

The last person she expected to see was Sarita Stachline. Who knew she was out of prison? A place Jenna helped to put her after she proved that Sarita had burned down her own restaurant and left with a ton of money. But here she is live and in-person making new enemies and annoying everyone.

It only gets worse when a bomb goes off in the kitchen of Rhett’s new restaurant while Jenna and Rhett are inside. While Jenna is okay, Rhett is not and Jenna is certain this is revenge brought about by Sarita.

She makes her case to the detectives and they tell her to back off. Which is what Sarita said. The next day those words are on a brick that sails through Jenna’s window. Who is feeling guilty? There are so many shady ladies and gentlemen in here. Secrets kept for years, a lot of red herrings, and a lot of really yummy-sounding recipes!

Personally, I could have done without about a fourth of the descriptive words. Also, Jenna didn’t seem to be involved or care about the wedding preparations and she seemed uncertain about the marriage. I wish we had heard more about the wedding prep before she walked down the aisle.

NetGalley/ April 26th, 2022 by Beyond the Page

We return to Crystal Cove where the yearly Bride’s Dream Expo is taking place. Jenna is doing the final preparations for her wedding to Rhett which will take place in a little over three weeks. Jenna’s happy bubble is burst when she learns Sarita Strachline was released from jail early for good behavior and has returned to Crystal Cove. Jenna worries that Sarita will come after her and Rhett since they are the ones who helped get her convicted for arson. Jenna is at Rhett’s restaurant for an intimate dinner when an explosion occurs in the kitchen. Rhett is thrown six feet from the blast and is unconscious. Jenna is quick to blame Sarita for the crime. Chief Cinnamon Pritchard tells Jenna to focus on Rhett and leave the investigating to her. Jenna cannot help it if information happens to come her way. But then something happens that blow the case wide open. Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber is the eleventh A Cookbook Nook Mystery. For those who are new to the series, each book can be read as a standalone (but you will be missing out on a great series). I find it better to read a series in order because it allows you to get to know the characters and connect with them. I found Simmering with Resentment to be well-written with developed characters. The story moved along at a good pace. I love visiting Crystal Cove with its quaint shops, friendly residents (most of them), and seaside location. Jenna has a wonderful group of friends who are there for her no matter what along with her family. It is time for Jenna and Rhett’s wedding. The wedding planner has everything in hand and there are just a few last-minute decisions to make (DJ or band for example). The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize the town, the bridal expo, the shops, and characters. I could envision myself in Crystal Cove. There are mouthwatering food descriptions (recipes at the end of the book). Jenna and Rhett’s reception is going to have some tasty dishes. I just love Jenna’s cat, Tigger. He is one cute and clever cat. I enjoyed the addition of the kittens that were dropped off at the fire station. They were a sweet addition to the story. The mystery was a fun one to figure out. There are several suspicious suspects along with good clues and misdirection. One person stood out to me, and I could not wait to get to the end to see if I was right (I love solving whodunits). I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story. There are some heartwarming cozy moments that will charm readers. I was a little disappointed with how the story ended. I wanted the complete experience (I would say more but then I would spoil it for you). I am looking forward to my next visit to Crystal Cove. Simmering with Resentment is an explosive cozy mystery with bridal expo excitement, wedding worries, a returning nemesis, an injured groom, a cornucopia of kittens, mouthwatering morsels, and a probing bride.

Simmering with Resentment is book 11 in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber.

Jenna is weeks away from her wedding when a Bridal Expo comes to town. Also in town is Sarita Strachline, who burned down her restaurant years ago and Rhett was accused of the arson.

This was an explosive story. Jenna couldn’t sit back on this one as there was too much at stake. There were so many potential suspects that it kept me guessing. The box of kittens were a great break from the heavy story. I really enjoy seeing how the characters have grown and relationships have progressed through this series.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Simmering with Resentment is the 11th book in Daryl Wood Gerber's A Cookbook Nook Mystery series. While I read the first book nearly five years ago, I caught up on the previous ones throughout the last few months. Finally, I became current in a series, especially since I've read and enjoyed most of the author's other stand-alone and series novels. This collection takes place in California, and it's wonderful to see the growth in so many of the characters in the last decade. From marriages to babies, murders to injuries, they've learned a ton... and in this one, Jenna is about to marry Rhett; except, the woman who set fire to her own restaurant and framed Rhett years ago has been released from prison. She's returned for what seems like vengeance, and when she's blown up, the blame game is intense. I was thrilled with the sheer number of suspects and side characters who could've been guilty. I kept jumping around until settling on someone, but I was wrong. I also didn't like who ended up being guilty, but it made complete sense too. Gerber's series has been a highlight in the last few months, and I really appreciate who easy she's made the books to read, enjoy, and root for. Very family-oriented, they present a strong balance of traditional cozy and modern life in a world of growing technology, being inclusive / diverse, and financial frenzy. Can't wait to see what comes next here.