A Day in the Life of Jenna Hart by Daryl Wood Gerber

Aug 3, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Fudging The BooksPirates and Chocolate and Murder, oh my!

Some people ask if I miss my life at the advertising company in San Francisco. Nope. Not one bit. I’m thrilled that I moved home to Crystal Cove. I’m so happy running The Cookbook Nook, a culinary bookshop, and The Nook Café, a darling restaurant that abuts the bookshop. Please note: I’m not the chef. I’m still getting my sea legs in a kitchen, so you don’t have to worry about that. Whew! The meals are prepared by Chef Katie, and she’s a wonder. Trust me, I am a foodie; I know great food!

What you can look forward to in Crystal Cove, as I do, in addition to visiting the fun store that I own with my Aunt Vera, are all the terrific activities that our charming town has to offer. We’re located on the coast of California, not far from Santa Cruz. We have a perfect, almost Mediterranean climate, and our energetic mayor is always dreaming up some new event. Like now. It’s Pirate Week. Arr, matey. People have come from all over to celebrate. There’s a pirate ship in the harbor. The Pirates of Penzance is playing at the local theater. All the stores have done up their display windows with skulls and crossbones and such. And I’ve stocked the store with lots of fun pirate-themed cookbooks. Yum!

It’s also National Chocolate Month. Yes, month! Yay! So Bailey—she’s my best friend and assistant at the shop—started a chocolate cookbook club. In fact tonight is our first meeting. We’re having a chocolate-themed dinner, especially designed by Chef Katie! And we have asked a local chocolate maker, Coco Chastain, to share some of her knowledge and sign her latest book: Sweet Sensations: All Things Chocolate, from the Delicious to the Fantabulous. Don’t you love the title?

Coco’s publisher, Alison, has come to celebrate, too. She is a former local and a good friend of Bailey’s. She invited a couple of her colleagues to accompany her. The photographer is a real pirate-phile. I think he might have a crush on Alison. Coco swears I’m wrong. The other coworker, the copy editor, is a little uptight. She really wasn’t happy a few minutes ago when Coco and Alison staged a mock-fight. It was silly, really. Coco was telling Alison that she couldn’t change a word of Coco’s writing, or else.

I mean, c’mon. Or else what? She would kill her? Over a few measly edits?

Find out what happens in Fudging The Books, the fourth book in the “Cookbook Nook” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first three books in the series are Final Sentence, Inherit the Word, and Stirring the Plot.

Giveaway: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on August 10 for the chance to win a print copy of Fudging The Books. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected.

About the author
Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, set in the fictional coastal town of Crystal Cove, California. The 4th in the series, Fudging The Books, is in bookstores now. As Avery Aames, she also writes the Cheese Shop Mysteries, set in quaint Providence, Ohio. The 7th in that series, For Cheddar or Worse, will be released February 2016. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote”. She is married, loves to cook, and has a darling, frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky. Visit Daryl or Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com.

134 Comments

  1. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on August 3, 2015 at 1:15 am

    I love Daryl/Avery’s books. Looking forward to reading this one.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:41 am

      Thanks, Dotty! Nice to see you here.

  2. Kathleen Costa
    Kathleen Costa on August 3, 2015 at 1:33 am

    I am hooked on Daryl Wood Gerber’s tales, and am eager for her new book…pirates, chocolate, murder!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:41 am

      Kathleen, so sweet. Thanks for stopping by!

  3. sallycootie
    sallycootie on August 3, 2015 at 1:36 am

    Love all her books, have been waiting for this one. Pirate Week sounds like so much fun!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Sally, I hope you enjoy Pirate Week as much as the cast of the story does. Arr, matey!

  4. Beverly Guy
    Beverly Guy on August 3, 2015 at 1:36 am

    Oh how adorable this cover is with the cute little kitty swinging over the table…..love, love, love it and thoroughly love, love, love Daryl Wood Gerber’s awesome mysteries! Can’t wait to read this new one!!!! Sure would love to win it!!!! Thank you so much dearest Dru for the chance!!!! God bless you!!!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Beverly, thanks so much. Isn’t Tigger the best!! (And the artist, of course!)

  5. Lisa Wine
    Lisa Wine on August 3, 2015 at 1:37 am

    I love this series and have been looking forward to this new one, especially since it has chocolate and pirates. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:42 am

      Lisa, savor the mystery! 🙂

  6. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on August 3, 2015 at 3:15 am

    This sounds delicious and I would love to win a copy.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

      Nancy, foodie mysteries are often delicious, aren’t they? Enjoy.

  7. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on August 3, 2015 at 4:15 am

    Looks great, thanks for the chance 🙂

  8. Jeanetta
    Jeanetta on August 3, 2015 at 5:36 am

    I love her books, and Fudging The Books sounds like a fun one! (It has Pirates Week! Avast, me hearties!!) Thank you for the giveaway.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

      Jeanetta, that’s it! Get into the spirit. 🙂

  9. Linda Kuzminczuk
    Linda Kuzminczuk on August 3, 2015 at 6:03 am

    I’m already a fan of this author and this series so I can’t wait to read this one. Kuzlin@aol.com

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

      Linda, I love putting out new books for fans.

  10. Kathy Gonzales
    Kathy Gonzales on August 3, 2015 at 7:01 am

    I love this series , thanks for the giveaway ! kathambre@yahoo.com

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

      Kathy, thrilled to hear you love the series. I love writing it.

  11. sarah
    sarah on August 3, 2015 at 7:29 am

    I would love to win!

  12. Donna Gantt
    Donna Gantt on August 3, 2015 at 7:32 am

    I love stories set in a bookstore! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:44 am

      Donna, there’s so much fun to be had browsing all the titles, isn’t there?

  13. Deb Forbes
    Deb Forbes on August 3, 2015 at 7:39 am

    I love this series. Can’t wait to read.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:44 am

      Hi, Deb! Thanks for stopping by!

  14. Pamela James
    Pamela James on August 3, 2015 at 7:40 am

    Oh I be this is a ton of fun to read.

  15. Pamela James
    Pamela James on August 3, 2015 at 7:40 am

    Oh I bet this is a ton of fun to read.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:44 am

      Pamela, I sure hope it’s a ton of fun. That is my aim. 🙂

  16. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on August 3, 2015 at 7:56 am

    Can’t wait to read this one

  17. Peggy
    Peggy on August 3, 2015 at 8:34 am

    Fudging The Books sounds like a great read. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. 🙂

  18. Brian Frauenknecht
    Brian Frauenknecht on August 3, 2015 at 8:50 am

    I love this series. It is one of my absolute favorites by one of my favorite authors. I would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance Dru!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Brian, how sweet for you to say that. Everyone here is making my day! 🙂

  19. Susan Slovinsky
    Susan Slovinsky on August 3, 2015 at 9:16 am

    Great cover and a have to read series. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Susan, I hope you will. Enjoy.

  20. Cheryl Corbitt
    Cheryl Corbitt on August 3, 2015 at 9:32 am

    You had me at chocolate! Sounds like a tasty new series!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Cheryl, to be honest, I had ME at chocolate, too! LOL

  21. Susan Carter
    Susan Carter on August 3, 2015 at 9:37 am

    So excited for this next installment! Thank you!

  22. Judy Walker
    Judy Walker on August 3, 2015 at 9:42 am

    Almost finished with one series of cozies. Would love to read this book

  23. Kathleen Walsh
    Kathleen Walsh on August 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

    This sounds like a great book. Would love to read it!!

  24. Patricia Wagner
    Patricia Wagner on August 3, 2015 at 9:46 am

    can’t wait to read this book

  25. Anne
    Anne on August 3, 2015 at 9:52 am

    All these ‘appe-teasers’ to whet my appetite for your new book, Daryl… love ’em! And I really enjoy the additional insight into Jenna. Thanks!

  26. Patricia T
    Patricia T on August 3, 2015 at 9:56 am

    Thanks, Dru and Daryl. I love this series! Pirates and chocolate and murder…aargh! 🙂

  27. Bettyl
    Bettyl on August 3, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Pirates, chocolates and murder, what more can you ask for in a cozy.

  28. Darlene Peterson
    Darlene Peterson on August 3, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I did not know there was a chocolate month, but I like the thought. Sounds like a good series. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 10:10 am

      Darlene, there is a month and a day for just about everything!! LOL There’s a cheese month and cheese day and fondue day, too. Isn’t that great!

  29. Celia Fowler
    Celia Fowler on August 3, 2015 at 10:12 am

    Loved this post – I have already pre-ordered a copy and am so excited for tomorrow!

  30. Doward Wilson
    Doward Wilson on August 3, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Great post. I have followed The Cheese Shop books from the beginning and have now started this series. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 11:41 am

      Doward, great to see you here!! Thanks for the shout out for my Cheese Shop series, by Avery, of course. 😉

  31. Ruth Nixon
    Ruth Nixon on August 3, 2015 at 10:36 am

    Enjoyed first three books in the series and this one with chocolate and pirates it a sure winner.As I live in California I often wish I could visit the Shop’

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 11:41 am

      Thanks, Ruth!! I wish I could, too. LOL

  32. Rita Wray
    Rita Wray on August 3, 2015 at 10:39 am

    Sounds great, I can’t wait to read it.

  33. Anne
    Anne on August 3, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Enjoyable and delightful giveaway. Thanks.

  34. dblaser60
    dblaser60 on August 3, 2015 at 11:48 am

    Thank you so much for the chance to win your book! I can’t wait to read it!

  35. dblaser60
    dblaser60 on August 3, 2015 at 11:54 am

    Thank you so much for the chance to win your book!

  36. Kiki
    Kiki on August 3, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Looks like great cozy mystery.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Thanks so much to all of you for chiming in. Delightful to see so many new names! ~ Daryl

  37. Carving Lady
    Carving Lady on August 3, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    Great series!

  38. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on August 3, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Wow all this sounds so good. Please enter me.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

  39. Debbie S
    Debbie S on August 3, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    I love this series, I wish that I could find a Crystal Cove around here. Chocolate and pirates, I don’t think that it can get much better than that. I can’t wait to revisit with my favorite characters again. Thanks for the chance to win.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 3:01 pm

      Debbie, I know, right? There are a lot of coastal towns that have fun events, like Morro Bay, but to get there and live there. That’s the ticket. ~Daryl

  40. elainehroberson
    elainehroberson on August 3, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Love the cover and fudge is one of my favorite things. Sounds like a great series.

  41. Sha
    Sha on August 3, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway! I love this series and I really love fudge so it’s a winning combination in my book!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 6:51 pm

      Thanks, Sha! A winning combo in my book, too. 🙂

  42. MaryAnn Forbes
    MaryAnn Forbes on August 3, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    I’m excited to discover Daryl’s writing and look forward to reading all of her books. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win one. 📖 📚

  43. Annette
    Annette on August 3, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    This is a great series. I can’t wait to read this new book.

  44. Grace Topping
    Grace Topping on August 3, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Hi, Daryl/Avery – We missed you this year at Malice Domestic. Sure hope you can make it next year. Congratulations on the publication of your latest book. I take great delight in all your successes. Wishing you continuing success.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      Thanks so much, Grace. I missed being there! Hugs.

  45. ktbeeblog
    ktbeeblog on August 3, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    Do you know why pirates are so much fun, Daryl? They just ‘Arr’! I’d love to read about Pirate Week & chocolates. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 3, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      Oh, see, I like that joke. Cute! I’m going to share that on my Facebook page.

  46. Bonnie Davis
    Bonnie Davis on August 3, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    I love, love, love this series. I can always visualize what it’d be like to be in the middle of the action; what the characters would be like, what the city is like. Plus there’s always a yummy new recipe to go with it. On top of that, you respond to your readers and you give away so many books and goodies and did I mention the recipes? 🙂

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:02 pm

      Bonnie, I’m so glad you like it all, and I do love my fans, so I like to reward them. 🙂 Thanks.

      ~Daryl

  47. Robyn K
    Robyn K on August 3, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    I love this series. Thank you for this chance!

  48. Lin Casteel-Butler
    Lin Casteel-Butler on August 3, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    Chocolate and pirates what could be better????

  49. Nicole Vickers
    Nicole Vickers on August 3, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again….pirates + chocolate + mystery = fun!!! 😃📖❤️🍫

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:03 pm

      Nicole, so far so fun, as many of the reviewers are saying. Whee. Enjoy.

  51. Jeanie Dannheim
    Jeanie Dannheim on August 3, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    Chocolate and kittens (the orange one on the cover) have me hooked without a second thought! And I have enjoyed this series in the past. Thank you for the chance to win!!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:03 pm

      Jeanie, so glad to hear it. Enjoy one more!

  52. Prentiss Garner
    Prentiss Garner on August 3, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    Sounds like a fun read.

  53. Nicole G
    Nicole G on August 3, 2015 at 8:11 pm

    I’m super excited to read more about Jenna’s adventures! All of the characters in the series are so interesting.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:03 pm

      Nicole, I’m so glad you’re enjoying them. My “second” family at this point in my life. 😉

  54. Linda May
    Linda May on August 3, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    Would love to win a copy of Fudging The Books, thanks for this superb Giveaway.

  55. Daniele K
    Daniele K on August 3, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    This is on my wish list. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      Daniele, make sure you put it on your wish list online, because that will help my “sales” (of all things). Thanks!

  56. Lisa Cobb Sabatini
    Lisa Cobb Sabatini on August 3, 2015 at 9:19 pm

    Looking forward to seeing how all those interesting townsfolk get involved with the pirate theme!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      Lisa, it’s definitely fun times in Crystal Cove.

  57. kayekillgore
    kayekillgore on August 3, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    I love the book cover and the series.

  58. Carol Roberts
    Carol Roberts on August 3, 2015 at 11:09 pm

    Loved the first 3 books in this series and would love to win a copy of Fudging the Books. Thanks for the chance!

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Carol, so happy you’ve read them all!

  59. Kari
    Kari on August 3, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    I really enjoy this series. Happy to see a new one. Congrats

  60. Tami N
    Tami N on August 4, 2015 at 1:08 am

    Reading Inherit the Word right now and Stirring the Plot is waiting for me! It’s a great series!! Would love the newest book.

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Tami, I’m so thrilled you’re reading one right now. Fun! I loved making all the grilled cheese recipes in Inherit the Word. 🙂

  61. Terry Welch
    Terry Welch on August 4, 2015 at 7:32 am

    Sounds delicious!

  62. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on August 4, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Love this series. Want this book.

  63. Jo Anne V
    Jo Anne V on August 4, 2015 at 11:35 am

    sounds really awesome — would love to win a copy — thanks for the chance

    • darylwoodgerber
      darylwoodgerber on August 4, 2015 at 5:06 pm

      Thanks for stopping by and entering!

  64. Lois Rotella
    Lois Rotella on August 4, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    Love the cover with the kitties in the hammock. Who could resist kittie, chocolate, pirates and murder. Thanks for the chance at winning this book.

  65. Patricia Pinkston
    Patricia Pinkston on August 4, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    I love Daryl Wood Gerber’s books. Fudging The Books sounds like another great one. Thanks for the giveaway. I’d love a copy.

  66. cyn209
    cyn209 on August 4, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    Definitly count me in for this giveaway!!!!

  67. bn100
    bn100 on August 4, 2015 at 11:30 pm

    sounds interesting

  68. kidisitor
    kidisitor on August 5, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    Good, fun, clean cozy series! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway! =)

  69. Christi King
    Christi King on August 5, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    One of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  70. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on August 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

    I love Daryl Wood Gerber/Avery Ames books. I haven’t read all, but ones I’ve read are all winners.

  71. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on August 6, 2015 at 6:11 am

    Have the first book in the series and started to read it and work hasn’t allowed me to finish yet but love reading what I have so far. Thank you for the chance.

  72. holdenj
    holdenj on August 6, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    This is a great series! Thanks for the chance to win!

  73. Kristine Peacock (@pudyqat)
    Kristine Peacock (@pudyqat) on August 6, 2015 at 10:22 pm

    This looks like a great book! I love the cover, with the kitty in the hammock!

  74. Karen Terry
    Karen Terry on August 7, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Any book that has chocolate in it is alright with me.

  75. Dru
    Dru on August 10, 2015 at 5:04 am

    Thanks Daryl for commenting and interacting with my readers.

    Contest is closed.