Getting A Jump On The Day With Charlotte Bessette! by Avery Aames

Feb 2, 2015 | A Day In My Life

As Gouda As DeadI’ve always been an early riser, and I love breakfast! It’s that one meal I won’t skip, even if it’s a quickie, like the one I’ve got in mind for today. There is so much to do today. Quiches to bake at the shop. Deliveries of fine cheeses coming in at ten. A group meeting about who is crafting which gift basket for this coming week’s event. My lovely grandmother, bless her, came up with a spectacular Lovers Trail theme, including cheese tastings, wine tastings, sleigh rides, and more.

And did I mention I’m getting married in a few days, too? Yipes! Married!! To the man I adore!!!

“Rags! Get in here! We’ve got to get a move on.” I banged a wooden spoon on Rag’s cat food bowl. He didn’t scamper into the kitchen. “Rags!” I peeked in the laundry room. My sweet Ragdoll cat was nowhere to be seen. “You snooze, you lose.” I rattled the food in his bowl and set the bowl on the floor. “It’s your fault if you miss out.”

Me? I had to eat. Pronto. I whisked open the door to the refrigerator, pulled an English muffin from a pack, split it open with a fork, and swathed it with homemade strawberry jam. Then I nabbed two slices of Pace Hill Farm Double-cream Gouda, one of my favorite cheeses. Nutty and firm but it melts like a dream. I popped my mini-meal into a toaster oven and set the timer.

“Ragsie!” I yelled again. Where was the little beast? I heard a meow and a scratch. “What the heck?” I whipped open the door leading to the backyard. Rags scampered in. “Did I lock you out after I fetched the newspaper? I’m so sorry.” I nuzzled his head. He marched past me. Not mad, not hissy. He went to work with me. He knew I wouldn’t leave without finding him.

Ding! I hurried to the toaster, fetched my meal, and read the front pages of both of the newspaper sections while I ate. Providence didn’t produce a huge paper, just enough to keep locals and tourists informed. Today: no crime; no obituaries. Photos of upcoming events filled the front page: the Ice Castle was sponsoring a competition; the Bozzuto Winery was offering a wine tasting with live music; the Igloo Ice Cream Parlor was setting out a number of kiosks so we could get ice cream any time, anywhere. A balloon vendor, his cart loaded with heart-shaped balloons, was featured, too.

As I washed Rags’s and my dishes, I hummed an Irish tune, the one that would play after my beloved and I said, “I do.”

Yes, indeed, love is in the air. It is going to be a perfect day. Nothing can spoil it. Have you ever felt as upbeat as me?

You can read more about Charlotte in As Gouda As Dead, the 6th book in the “Cheese Shop” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is The Long Quiche Goodbye.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on February 9 for the chance to win your “choice” of any title in the Cheese Shop Mystery Series plus some fun swag. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes.

About the author
Daryl Wood Gerber writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series. As Avery Aames, she pens the DarylGnationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series. Next Cookbook Nook release: Fudging the Books, August 2015. Latest Cheese Shop Mystery: As Gouda As Dead, Feb 2015. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more. Visit Daryl or Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com. She loves to cook and test recipes. She blogs & shares many recipes on Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen.

134 Comments

  1. Pat Walker Pinkston
    Pat Walker Pinkston on February 2, 2015 at 1:05 am

    Love the Cheese Shop mysteries. Would like As Gouda As Dead.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:14 am

      Pat, thank you for chiming in!

      Daryl/ Avery

  2. Jen
    Jen on February 2, 2015 at 1:06 am

    Cheese Shop Mystery Series is a great read, and I am looking forward to getting my hands on As Gouda As Dead. Thank you for the giveaway!
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:14 am

      Thanks so much, Jen!!

      Daryl / Avery

  3. candace knight
    candace knight on February 2, 2015 at 2:43 am

    I love these books. Can’t wait to read this one. Thank you for the chance.

  4. Dawn Frazier
    Dawn Frazier on February 2, 2015 at 5:59 am

    Can’t wait to read this!

  5. Della williamson
    Della williamson on February 2, 2015 at 7:09 am

    When good things are happening. Spring is in the air. Up feel as upbeat as Charlotte.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:14 am

      I’m so glad you feel as upbeat. May it always last!

      Daryl / Avery

  6. Lisa Cobb Sabatini
    Lisa Cobb Sabatini on February 2, 2015 at 7:11 am

    Everything she writes, under any name, is wonderful.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:13 am

      Ah, sweet! Thank you. You made my day!

      Daryl / Avery

  7. holdenj
    holdenj on February 2, 2015 at 7:23 am

    I really want Charlotte to get her Happily Ever After. Guess we’ll see! Thanks!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:13 am

      I want her to, too. 🙂 Hmmm, will she or won’t she?

      Daryl / Avery

  8. Gram
    Gram on February 2, 2015 at 7:36 am

    These are always fun!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:15 am

      Thanks, Gram! 🙂
      Daryl / Avery

  9. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on February 2, 2015 at 7:59 am

    Great author and series; thanks for the chance 🙂

  10. sarah
    sarah on February 2, 2015 at 8:30 am

    One of my favorite series!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:11 am

      Yay! Thanks for telling me.

      Daryl/ Avery

  11. Anita Miles
    Anita Miles on February 2, 2015 at 8:39 am

    I would love to start reading this series

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:15 am

      It’s fun to find a new author, a new series. Gives you a whole new group of friends to play with, right?

      Daryl / Avery

  12. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on February 2, 2015 at 8:49 am

    I love Daryl Woods work. Really anxious to read this one. Please let me win.!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:12 am

      Amy, funny. I had to check this again to see if maybe we knew each other from an earlier life when I was only Daryl Wood and not married, thereby, also Gerber. Do we? Did we? Good reading to you!

      Daryl aka Avery (a woman of many names…)

  13. marylouh
    marylouh on February 2, 2015 at 8:50 am

    Love cheese so I’ll get a kick out of this series.
    thanks for the chance to start something new.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:15 am

      Marylou, I love cheese, too. We’re already starting with one thing common. 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  14. Wendy Lee
    Wendy Lee on February 2, 2015 at 9:32 am

    Another series I want to get back to!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:16 am

      Yes, please, come back. 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

      • Wendy Lee
        Wendy Lee on February 3, 2015 at 9:23 am

        Your books to get me back up to date are on my list and are coming up soon. Hate the fact that I haven’t read anything for over 2 years and therefore have a TON of catching up to do. But at the same time, I have so much good reading ahead of me!!!

  15. Betty
    Betty on February 2, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Sounds great~thank you for the contest!

  16. Rita Quante
    Rita Quante on February 2, 2015 at 9:57 am

    Yay! A ‘new’ author for me with an endorsement from someone I trust; looks like I’ll be getting a new series in the house – thank you!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:11 am

      Love when I find a new author, too. I hope you enjoy!

      Daryl/ Avery

  17. Robin Coxon
    Robin Coxon on February 2, 2015 at 10:02 am

    I love this series. The fact that I’m a cheese head helps too. Thanks for this great interview.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:16 am

      Aha, a cheese head. Yes, that helps. But not a requirement. 🙂

      Daryl/ Avery

  18. darylwoodgerber
    darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:11 am

    What fun to hear from so many happy, upbeat people! Thank you to all for joining in the fun. Tell a friend and make them smile! 🙂 Have a glorious day.

    Daryl aka Avery

  19. Patricia
    Patricia on February 2, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Thanks, Dru and Avery/Daryl. So many comments, already! Such a wonderful series…congratulations!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks, Patricia!

      Daryl / Avery

  20. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on February 2, 2015 at 10:24 am

    Not a cheesehead-Go Colts but I love cheese and also this series.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      Yes, a cheese lover can love the series. No need for rivalries! 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  21. Sandy Hemsher
    Sandy Hemsher on February 2, 2015 at 10:30 am

    One of my favorite series!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      You bet, Sandy.

      Daryl / Avery

  22. Becky Prazak
    Becky Prazak on February 2, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Love this series.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      Love fans like you!

      Daryl / Avery

  23. Mary Jane Hopper
    Mary Jane Hopper on February 2, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Aw, another good series to read! Thanks for the giveaway.

  24. Betty Jo English
    Betty Jo English on February 2, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Love the Cheese Shop mysteries. Would love a free copy.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      Betty Jo, thanks so much.

      Daryl / Avery

  25. daniele k
    daniele k on February 2, 2015 at 11:04 am

    Looking forward to reading this installment. If chosen, I would like As Gouda as Dead

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      Daniele, hope you’ll read them all. 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  26. Angie Young
    Angie Young on February 2, 2015 at 11:10 am

    I can’t wait to read this series. It sounds very good!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      Angie, hope you’ll read them all, too.

      Daryl / Avery

  27. Ruth Nixon
    Ruth Nixon on February 2, 2015 at 11:46 am

    As a cheese lover I’d like to win this book. I read her other series but this would be a new to me series.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      Love new readers! Thanks.

      Daryl / Avery

  28. Vivian Shane
    Vivian Shane on February 2, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    I love your series and thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      Thanks, Vivian!

      Daryl / Avery

  29. Debbie S
    Debbie S on February 2, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    I’ve started this series and am enjoying it very much…I know, I have some catching up to do, but what a lot of fun while I am, LOL. I have found a drawback, I keep getting these strong cravings for cheese. As for being as upbeat as Charlotte, I’ve had some days like that: before my own wedding, bringing my children home after giving birth, everyday watching them grow.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:19 pm

      Isn’t catching up fun! You get to “binge read.” Yum!

      Daryl / Avery

  30. Sharon
    Sharon on February 2, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    This is one of my favorite series and I can’t wait to see this book appear on my kindle at midnight.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Thanks, Sharon!

      Daryl / Avery

  31. Kathy Gonzales
    Kathy Gonzales on February 2, 2015 at 2:41 pm

    Excellent series , one Of my favorites !

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Thanks, Kathy.

      Daryl / Avery

  32. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on February 2, 2015 at 3:22 pm

    Double cream Gouda?! Oh, be still my heart! I must find some.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:20 pm

      Libby, it really is special. 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  33. noraadrienne
    noraadrienne on February 2, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    Yes please Dru, I’d love to add another “Cheesie” cozy to my book collection. Toss my hat into the contest ring please.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      Hi, Noraadrienne! Long time no “e-chat.” Hugs.
      Daryl / Avery

  34. kidisitor
    kidisitor on February 2, 2015 at 5:30 pm

    I am a cheese lover! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
    By the way… I don’t think Daryl was very nice in the one Murder She Wrote episode I remember her in! lol 😉 Bad neighbor! :)~

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      Yes, I was a bad neighbor. But it was so much fun working opposite Ms. Lansbury!

      Daryl / Avery

  36. suekey12
    suekey12 on February 2, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    Oops– That’s.com not .co

  37. Tricia Conner
    Tricia Conner on February 2, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    I love cheese! This sounds like a great series to read! On my list it goes!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      Great to know.

      Daryl / Avery

  38. sallycootie
    sallycootie on February 2, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    I must be hungry – that English muffin with the jam and cheese has me practically drooling! And a good story to boot! Thanks for the giveaway.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      Sally, this is one of my all time favorite breakfasts, too. Write what you know. 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  39. Patti.S.
    Patti.S. on February 2, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win.

  40. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on February 2, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    It sounds like a great series. I would love to read this book. Thanks for this chance.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      Wishing you luck.

      Daryl / Avery

  41. Anita Miles
    Anita Miles on February 2, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    I love food😀 and reading about food and murder is perfect

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      Yes, culinary mysteries are the best.

      Daryl / Avery

  42. candace knight
    candace knight on February 2, 2015 at 7:13 pm

    I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you for the chance

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      You are welcome.

      Daryl / Avery

  43. Kay
    Kay on February 2, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    Love this little look into the morning routine of Charlotte. I just loved this book and have been shouting it to my friends and will be getting the reviews out as soon as I can. I would love to read(win, lol) the first, second, or any of this series. This is a wonderful and truly entertaining read. If you havent yet, order it, buy it, read it!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      Ah, Kay, thanks so much. Hope you’ll tell tons of friends!

      Daryl / Avery

  44. Jeanie Dannheim
    Jeanie Dannheim on February 2, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    Would love any book in the series, even the first – as I haven’t started this series yet. But, I did really like the first of the Cookbook mysteries that finally I was able to read in late December! Thanks for the opportunity!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 2, 2015 at 10:23 pm

      I hope you’ll read them all. I’ve had to much fun writing them.

      Daryl / Avery

  45. Karen Hansen
    Karen Hansen on February 2, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway, would like to read any !!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:09 pm

      Karen, you bet!

      Daryl / Avery

  46. Jan Kurtz
    Jan Kurtz on February 2, 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Sounds great!

  47. Kiko
    Kiko on February 2, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    Love cheese shop mystery. Can’t wait to read it.

    xzjh04@gmail.com

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      Kiko, thanks!

      Daryl / Avery

  48. MaryB
    MaryB on February 2, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Love this type of series. Sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      Love cozy readers! 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  49. Alicia Farage
    Alicia Farage on February 2, 2015 at 11:46 pm

    I love cheese and your books. I’d love to win! Thank you for offering one.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Daryl / Avery

  50. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on February 3, 2015 at 12:02 am

    I love this series, looking forward to reading this one.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks, Dotty.

      Daryl / Avery

  51. Patricia Allen
    Patricia Allen on February 3, 2015 at 1:40 am

    This book sounds great. I have not read any Cheese Shop books yet, but I am going to check them out. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      I hope you enjoy!

      Daryl / Avery

  52. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on February 3, 2015 at 2:51 am

    Love to read this book it sounds great…
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks, Marilyn.

      Daryl / Avery

  53. Dawn Frazier
    Dawn Frazier on February 3, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  54. charlene capodice
    charlene capodice on February 3, 2015 at 10:38 am

    thanks for the chance to win!

  55. Cat
    Cat on February 3, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    She’s a great author whatever the name and this will surely be just as good as all of her others. Thank you for the chance to win.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:11 pm

      Aw, thanks, Cat!! 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  56. Michelle Fidler
    Michelle Fidler on February 3, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    I love cheese and cozies.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on February 3, 2015 at 5:11 pm

      Me, too. 🙂

      Daryl / Avery

  57. bookwoman
    bookwoman on February 3, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    love this series. Happy to see a new one.

  58. Christi K
    Christi K on February 3, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    I know this will be a great book…I love the series! I wish Providence was a real place so I could visit! cking78503@aol.com

  59. Kavitha
    Kavitha on February 3, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    This is an awesome series too!!

  60. kayekillgore
    kayekillgore on February 3, 2015 at 11:26 pm

    I love this series. I would be happy to win.

  61. Karen Terry
    Karen Terry on February 4, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    I love to read about murder and food.

  62. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on February 4, 2015 at 3:20 pm

    Love your work. Would love another of your books.

  63. Kathy Meik
    Kathy Meik on February 4, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    I haven’t read this series yesterday. They first book would be great or any others!!

  64. Kathy Meik
    Kathy Meik on February 4, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    I meant I haven’t read this series yet!!! Lol I need an editor!!

  65. Barbara Tobey
    Barbara Tobey on February 5, 2015 at 12:40 am

    I am trying to limit my intake of cheese, but reading about it is great.

  66. cyn209
    cyn209 on February 5, 2015 at 7:54 am

    This is such a fun series!!!!!
    Thank you for the giveaway!!!

  67. Robin Driscoll
    Robin Driscoll on February 5, 2015 at 10:08 am

    The whole series sounds fun and would love to read any of them

  68. Anita Miles
    Anita Miles on February 5, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Sounds like a good story

  69. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on February 5, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Love your work. Am anxious to try this one.

  70. Nancy M.
    Nancy M. on February 5, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    Love the cover– thanks for the giveaway!!

  71. jagjhd
    jagjhd on February 5, 2015 at 10:19 pm

    Oh, to be wed to the one you adore. Alas, all the ones I have loved have passed on! Except one, and he’s a confirmed bachelor. 😞 But I am delighted for Charlotte.
    Had Fontina tonight.

  72. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on February 6, 2015 at 1:38 am

    Love cozies! Add cheese and Bonus! Thanks for the chance!

  73. Heather S
    Heather S on February 6, 2015 at 11:57 am

    This looks so good! Love the cover!

  74. Sandy Hemsher
    Sandy Hemsher on February 6, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Love this series. Wait anxiously for each new book

  75. Marilyn Horner
    Marilyn Horner on February 6, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    Ilove this series. Would love to win one of these books. Thanks for the chance.

  76. Judy grogan
    Judy grogan on February 6, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    I love these books. Thanks for sharing.

  77. jess dimovski
    jess dimovski on February 6, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    Love this series

  78. bmary8222
    bmary8222 on February 6, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    Thanks for the chance to win. Sounds like a great series.

  79. Jerri Cachero
    Jerri Cachero on February 6, 2015 at 11:59 pm

    HI! Hope I receive a book! Thanks for the chance!

  80. jagjhd
    jagjhd on February 7, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    I have been following Avery on blogs, hoping to win this giveaway. I have also been eating more cheese. A coincidence?

  81. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on February 8, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Just purchased the first book in the series, love to collect the rest so nice add on this would be. Thanks for a chance.

  82. Meg C
    Meg C on February 8, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    I love this series! It’s a great author, great stories, and I’m so looking forward to enjoying what I’m sure will be another fabulous part of the story. Thanks for the chance to win.

  83. Melody Gonser
    Melody Gonser on February 9, 2015 at 2:38 am

    I love all the books you write. I am looking forward to reading As Gouda As Dead. I appreciate all your giveaways and I like swag also.

  84. Dru
    Dru on February 9, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    Thanks Daryl for commenting and interacting with my readers.

    Contest is closed.