Brew Unto Others

First off, I had not heard of the Maggy Thorson series before and this book was my first. After reading I decided I definitely NEED to start from the beginning! This book was fine as a standalone but I promise you'll love Maggy's character so much you'll definitely want to read all of her books. The characters in this book are all relatable and I loved the overall atmosphere.

If a book is coffee-related—whether it's in the title, cover design, or some element of the story—I'm immediately intrigued and eager to dive in. This was precisely the case with this book: I saw it, wanted it, and read it right away.

I was surprised to discover that this book is part of a thriller series, specifically the 17th installment in Maggy Thorsen's Mystery series. Upon further investigation, I realized I had come across some of the earlier books on social media but hadn't gotten around to reading them. Now, I finally had the chance to immerse myself in the world of a coffee shop owner, and I already want to return! 😊

This series is a bit like Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series and Charlaine Harris' Aurora Teagarden series. However, it centers around a coffee shop owner who constantly encounters corpses and murderers. In this book, the main character, Maggy, attends the funeral of her new coffee shop partner Sarah's mother and is en route to Sarah's sister's place when they find her nearly dead at home. The woman has a faint pulse, and her house is filled with carbon monoxide. Was it intentional poisoning or a suicide attempt? Who is the glamorous woman in a silk scarf from Sarah's mother's funeral who introduced herself differently to everyone? And what secrets lie beneath the seemingly wet painting?

This book is a delightful and humorous read, reminiscent of several Hallmark movies, with action unfolding like a film in front of my eyes. I'm still surprised that this series hasn't been adapted into a TV show—or if it has, I must have missed it. With observant and curious characters, a typical know-it-all community, an investigator's love interest, a passion for good coffee, and yet another mystery requiring the intervention of self-proclaimed detectives, Maggy, Sarah, and Sarah's niece Arial are determined to uncover the truth at any cost. Their unique and indelible personalities make it hard not to want to join them. The women's thoughts race in all directions, and their humor is unparalleled. Even at funerals, they manage to share giggles.

Sandra Balzo's writing is strong, poignant, and impeccable. The characters are carefully crafted and incredibly real, leaving me pleasantly surprised! I highly recommend this book to fans of thrillers or mysteries, as well as those who enjoy Hannah Swensen or Aurora Teagarden books. It has an inexplicably addictive atmosphere that entertains and uplifts the mood. 😊

Thank you so much, NetGallery and Severn House, for this wonderful reading experience!

Review in Estonian (will be published Aug 05, 2024): https://brixieblog.wordpress.com/2024/08/05/brew-unto-others-sandra-balzo/

Sandra Balazo's "Brew Unto Others" is a delightful blend of humor, wit, and a touch of mystery, set against the charming backdrop of a small-town coffee shop. The novel follows the journey of Jenna Harper, a barista with a knack for brewing the perfect cup of coffee and an unfortunate talent for stumbling into trouble.Balazo’s writing shines with her ability to create vivid, relatable characters. Jenna is a lovable protagonist, whose adventures and misadventures in the quaint town of Silver Springs make for an engaging read.One of the standout features of "Brew Unto Others" is its setting. The coffee shop, Brewed Awakening, feels like a character in its own right. Balazo’s descriptions are so evocative that you can almost smell the freshly ground beans and hear the chatter of customers. The cozy atmosphere provides the perfect contrast to the suspenseful elements of the plot.The novel’s pacing is well-crafted, balancing the lighthearted moments with the more serious undertones of the mystery that unfolds. Balazo keeps readers guessing with cleverly placed clues and red herrings, leading to a satisfying and unexpected conclusion."Brew Unto Others" is more than just a mystery; it's a heartwarming tale about community, friendship, and the little joys in life. Balazo’s skillful storytelling and keen sense of humor make this book a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into a world where coffee and camaraderie go hand in hand.In summary, Sandra Balazo's "Brew Unto Others" is a delightful and engaging novel that will charm readers with its memorable characters, cozy setting, and intriguing plot. Whether you're a mystery enthusiast or just in need of a heartwarming story, this book is sure to satisfy.