“Family is just accident…. They don’t mean to get on your nerves. They don’t even mean to be your family, they just are.” ~Marsha Norman
You know what they say about family, you can’t live with ’em but you can’t live without ’em. Or wait a minute, did that quote have to do with women? Either way, it’s all too true.
I wouldn’t trade any member of my family for any amount of money, but on the other hand, having them all visit at once, all crammed onto my little Key West island? I may need a couple of weeks on my friend Eric’s psychotherapy couch when this is over.
But it’s all going to be worth it, because my best friend Connie is getting married to her adorable boyfriend Ray. We’ve got the most amazing spot reserved on the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Park for the ceremony. And Jennifer at Small Chef is catering a Hemingway-style dinner. I know, we thought it sounded hokey too, until we read the small print–the coconut shrimp, the crabmeat-encrusted grouper, the white cake with chocolate ganache frosting…my mouth is already watering. And I’m also making two hundred lime cupcakes, because I’m the maid of honor and that’s what Connie wanted.
And as my mother points out, when a girl is getting married but neither of her parents are there to witness the big occasion, there’s bound to be some underlying sadness. So that’s what I’ll try to keep in mind when everyone piles into the Casa Marina Hotel, picking at old family scabs as though they were itching like the dickens. And I do mean everyone. Mom, mom’s boyfriend Sam, my stepmother Allison, Dad, and even my 15 year old stepbrother Rory. And did I mention it’s spring break? Spring break in Key West is just hormone-driven, beer-fueled madness.
Just keep the positive thoughts coming, okay? I think I’m going to need them!
You can read more about Hayley in Murder With Ganache, the fourth book in the “Key West Food Critic” mystery series, published by Obsidian. The first book in the series is An Appetite For Murder. Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
In MURDER WITH GANACHE by Lucy Burdette, Hayley Snow’s extended family is descending on Key West like a category 3 hurricane for her best friend’s wedding. When her stepbrother disappears into the spring break party scene, she must put the baking of cupcakes and other wedding chores on hold in order to search for her brother. The book features Hemingway cats, and cupcakes, and wedding drama–and a murder mystery of course. But in the end it’s about finding and embracing family in whatever form they come.
GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by noon EST on February 4, and you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of Murder With Ganache. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.
Meet the author
Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleib is a clinical psychologist and the author of twelve mysteries, including MURDER WITH GANACHE. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards.
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What better than a book well written that has a good catching storyline, mystery, love, spring break and cupcakes! Love to read this book. Thank you
Yes! Count me in… 🙂
I love this series!
This is a new to me series, it looks great! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Sounds good! Thanks for the chance to win!
I love this series, I can’t wait to read about the family, I think I might empathize with her, LOL.
I love this series! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Love this series!
I love this series! Can’t wait to read Murder with Ganache.
What a fun looking book. Thank you for the chance to win
I’m new to the series and excited about reading the books! Murder with Ganache sounds like another winner!
I understand about when family members visit and create havoc – that is one of the charms of having family – right?
This is a new series to me and I would love to get introduced to it via a copy of this book.
Love the series! thank you for the giveaway
That’s so true about families. I’d love to read this series!
I love everything Key West and I’m interested in reading this.
This book has a whole lot going for it: a mystery with humor and cupcakes!
totally looking forward to this one, great series
Look forward to reading the latest book. One of my favorite authors.
I have only read one of the books so far in Lucy’s/Roberta’s series but it was sooooo good, and I am planning on reading another very soon. Reading time just seems to be in short supply these days and I will get to all my favorite authors soon and Lucy/Roberta is one of those favorites. Having been a food columnist for local newspapers some years ago, I had a really great connection to Hayley in this series. What a cute blog post today too. Thank you, Dru and best of luck with everything Lucy/Roberta.
Sincerely,
Cynthia
I have this series on my list to read. They sound great! I’d love to win.
Looks like I’m in good company for a good read. I haven’t read any in the series but hope to do so in 2014. Please put me in the draw.
I might almost volunteer to be the victim in this book. I mean, if you’ve got to be murdered, chocolate ganache might be the best way to go. Thanks.
LOL Carl!
I love the idea of enjoying family time yet being overwhelmed also. Food and fun with a large crew is interesting enough, but add in great mysteries and there is a fun book. Would love to be able to read and write a review for this book.
Sounds like a delicious read! Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you Dru for inviting me to post–and thank you everyone for the kind comments. Good luck on winning MURDER WITH GANACHE!
OH does sound yummy! Love Lucy’s work and hope I get a chance to win it
I can’t imagine how much company I would have if I lived in Key West. I think I’ll like this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sounds perfect for me.
Sounds like great cozy mystery
I love this series so please count me in. Thank you so much for the chance.
Haven’t read any of these. The cake sounds yummy!
Snow today, snow tomorrow… take me away Key West.
This series is always so much fun. Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the giveaway! Hoping my luck is improving. Fingers crossed! 🙂
what an enticing cover!!!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
Love the cover. Please enter me for the giveaway! 🙂
Chocolate, a mystery and Key West – what a great combination to curl up with on a snowy day. Thanks for the chance to win this one.
Love this series!
I love the series as it is set in Key West one of my favorite places!
I wish i was in Key West now… Too cold out here in MD. I loved the first book of this series. Can’t wait to read the next ones. Love the cover art of the books too.
contest is closed.