Hi. Jenna Hart here. I can’t believe it, but Rhett and I are finally going to tie the knot. We’ve been dating for quite a while. Our schedules haven’t been in sync, which him managing his French bistro and me running the Cookbook Nook with my aunt, but we’re ready. Life comes at you fast if you don’t pay attention, my aunt is always telling me. Meaning . . . I’d better grab love in all its glory while I can.
You know Aunt Vera. She’s always good for an adage. When she’s not in charge of the culinary bookshop that we own together, she’s telling fortunes. In fact, she’s giving one right now to a local bigwig. Sometimes I listen in, but honestly, I don’t buy into the Tarot and such. I mean, I get it. I understand the cards and everything, but cards don’t determine fate. Our actions do, right? Aunt Vera believes that she can give people hope through fortune telling. Who am I to argue with that?
As for me, today I’m restocking cookbooks and culinary fiction books as well as aprons and other fun kitchen items that we carry. We hate to run low on anything. And then I’ll be taste testing wedding cakes. Whee! Katie—she’s a good friend and the chef we hired for the Nook Café next door—is making all sorts of flavors. I love cake. I adore icing. I hope with all the taste testing I have been doing that I will still fit into my dress. Ha!
After that, I’m meeting with Rhett and the wedding planner—a delightful go-getter named Harmony Bold—and we’re going to the Bride’s Dream Expo. It comes to town every year and is a huge affair set in a gigantic tent in the parking lot for the aquarium. I can’t wait to see what’s the hot thing this year. We’ve done the basics like flowers and photographer, but we still need to choose a DJ, and . . . Honestly, I have so much to think about, I feel like my head is going to explode.
So why today, of all days, did I learn that Sarita Strachline has been released from jail and has returned in town? Given what she did to Rhett, nearly making him the fall guy for the arson at the Grotto—a restaurant where Rhett was the chef—just makes me want to blow my top. But I will keep it together. No histrionics. No pyrotechnics. I’ll keep cool.
I will. It’s my new mantra. I will. I will. I hope.
Simmering With Resentment, A Cookbook Nook Mystery #11
Genre: Cozy
Release: April 2022
Purchase Link
The Agatha Award–winning author of Wining and Dying returns to the Cookbook Nook, where a killer’s explosive vengeance may lead to Jenna Hart’s happily never after . . .
With Bride’s Dream Expo in town, it’s all things wedding in Crystal Cove, including at the Cookbook Nook, where owner Jenna Hart is preparing for her own wedding in just a few short weeks. But there’s a dark cloud hanging over the festive mood by the name of Sarita Strachline, a woman Jenna helped convict of arson who is now out of jail and bent on revenge. And when Jenna and Rhett’s intimate prenuptial dinner is rocked by an explosion that nearly takes Rhett’s life, Jenna can’t help but think Sarita is to blame.
Desperate to prove Sarita’s guilt but consumed by worries over Rhett’s condition, Jenna reluctantly lays her case out for the police and leaves the investigation in their methodical hands. Still, she can’t help piecing together the clues, and as the evidence begins to mount, Jenna realizes that revenge may be a dish best served cold, but she can cook up a scheme of her own to bring the culprit to justice—she just has to hope it doesn’t blow up in her face . . .
Includes mouthwatering recipes!
About the author
Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mysteries as well as the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. Daryl also writes the Aspen Adams novels of suspense as well as stand-alone suspense. Daryl loves to cook, garden, and read, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle who keeps her in line!
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Have you signed up to receive my newsletter? I send one out every month and with a new release. In the monthly, there is always a GIVEAWAY to one (or more) subscribers. Check it out here and make the call. There’s always a recipe, a bit about Sparky, what I’m reading, etc.
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Giveaway: Do you have any people from your past whom you’d rather avoid? Have you ever attended an expo of any kind? Was it fun? Leave a comment below for your chance to win one of the books in the “Cookbook Nook” series, either Kindle/Nook (open to everyone) or paperback (U.S. residents only), winner’s choice. Giveaway ends April 28, 2022. Good luck everyone!
All comments are welcomed.
I had to walk away from my best friend several years ago because of her behavior. I definitely want to avoid her, at all costs.
Oh, Brenda, I’m so sorry to hear that. No fun. ~ Daryl
I have been to health fairs fun psychic fairs fun and 1 bridal expo which was stressful and annoying…with an engaged friend!!!!
I went to a bridal expo with my roommate. Talk about overwhelming, and I wasn’t even the one getting married! Looking forward to this!
Holdenj, that’s exactly what I was going for. It can be overwhelming going to ANY expo. 🙂 ~ Daryl
Not really avoid, but a few people I just don’t care about seeing again. The only expo I’ve been to was a home show thing as a kid when my parents were looking at things for the house.
Really looking forward to this book! Can’t wait to see what happens!
Alicia, I remember traipsing around with my mom to events. Big yawn sometimes. Othertimes, a blast. LOL ~ Daryl
Congratulations on another book! There are several people I hope I never see again and some I wish I could. I’ve been to a couple of Home and Garden Expos. They were interesting. I liked the demos and the swag.
Violet, I love home and garden expos. So much to see and smell and dream about putting in my own garden. ~ Daryl
Yes. Mostly my ex-husband. I’ve never been to an expo, but depending on the subject it could be fun. Thanks for the chance to win!
Auto215, sorry about the ex. No fun when there’s love lost. Sigh. ~ Daryl
As a teacher I’ve been to a couple of expos. I’ve worked with people I don’t care to ever see again.
Rita, I get it. School expos might be interesting, though. Lots of supplies and visual aids I bet.
I have been to home and garden rxpos and pet expos. Congratulations on your new release. Looking forward to reading the book.
I’ve avoided a few bullies from high school. I’ve gone to a home show and a cooking expo put on by a magazine. The cooking expo was fun and I won a door prize
Rochelle, that sounds like fun. There is a prize for this expo for a new bride and groom in this book. And Katie does a cooking demo at the shop, too. ~ Daryl
I avoid those people who have wronged me. No contact nor communication. I have been to expos and enjoyed them greatly. A health expo, a packaging expo.
Anne, what is a packaging expo? Sounds like maybe paper and wrapping and such? That could be a bunch of fun! ~ Daryl
In life I have encountered individuals whom I now avoid. Unfortunately it is better this way as I have been betrayed and hurt too many times. I have been to a few expos years ago. It was tiring but fun.
Sharon, betrayal is never nice. I remember having to “fogive” someone who betrayed me. I was glad I did to her in person – she apologized – but I never saw the woman after that. Once was enough. ~ Daryl
Sharon, I do think for our own health, we need to make distance where distance is needed. ~ Daryl
I walked away from a good friend, because she was not telling the truth when telling people things about me. She would not tell the whole story and make me look bad!!!
Oh, Joan, isn’t that sad that she couldn’t come clean? Friendships are tough. ~ Daryl
I avoid people from high school. It wasn’t a great time in my life and I have no good friends from then, so I avoid contact. I have been to gluten free food exposure when first diagnosed and learned a lot and had great samples and introductions to new products. Congrats on the new book. I can’t wait to read it!!
Lori, I’m so sorry to hear HS wasn’t a good experience. I know so many people who have said that. Sigh. ~ Daryl
Yes there have been a few acquaintances with toxic personalities that I try to stay away from at all costs. I can forgive but not forget.
Verna, that’s it. Toxic. Such a potent word for what stirs the nasty juices of a human being. ~ Daryl
I’d avoid ex step parents and high school people. Don’t need the drama.
I have attended a few autism expo’s as my son is autistic. I also went to a pet expo which was fun.
Melissa, how much fun going to a pet expo. I’m sorry to hear your son is autistic, but if you’re attending expos for him, that just shows what a wonderful support system he has! ~ daryl
There are people from my past I try to avoid. Thanks for your great generosity.
Linda, clearly by all the comments, you are not alone. ~ Daryl
Do gift shows count? I used to buy for and manage a small gift shop and went to a few shows back in the day. Definitely overwhelming at times. As for avoiding people, yes, over the last 5 years or so there are a few people I try not to be around any more than necessary. Our beliefs and opinions are just too divergent and things can get a bit too testy for my taste.
Marcia, that’s a tough one, isn’t it? People with differing opinions can be trying. I would love attending a gift show. That sounds like fun. ~ Daryl
I recently had to walk away from a woman that I thought was my friend, turns out she wasn’t. She was very toxic.
Lynnell, another used the word toxic above. Absolutely perfect in describing those we want to avoid. ~ Daryl
I tend to avoid my ex if at all possible- with a son together, it’s not always possible but I never bad mouth him in front of my son- although son has told me has done so about me…never been to an expo but I think it’s be fun
Amanda, that’s one of the toughest things, isn’t it? Holding one’s tongue. ~ Daryl
My Dad took us to the Chicago Auto show several times when my brothers and I were kids. Pretty cool event, and lots of swag!
Erin, I went to an auto museum. It was so cool!
My husband makes me go to the auto show almost every year. Have also been to the home show and some business expos.
Sharon, I would think an auto show would be fun. Seeing the cars and new-fangled things. I would also love to see an antique car show.
Some “friends” from high school or earlier needed to be left behind.
I have been to the auto show a few times, a few tech/science shows, and different types of literary conventions
Sara, a science expo sounds fabulous! I’m always fascinated by new discoveries.
Yes there are 3 or 4 I would like to forget about. No I don’t think I have ever attended an expo.
Linda, I could list a few too. Life is too short to waste on people who make you miserable, right?
I walked away from a friendship of over 20 years when I found out this person was spreading lies about me. I was so hurt and to this day, I am guarded with friends
I would love to do an expo someday. And I don’t like to have negative people in my life. Haven’t had to cut anyone out.
Jess, you are one lucky lady! ~ Daryl
I am a newsletter subscriber and I really do enjoy your newsletter. I have had some friends that I have had to let go in the past because of how they brought more harm than good. I have attended a few expos in the past related to one of my jobs.
Cherie, thanks for signing up for my newsletter. One of the best ways to keep abreast of the releases. ~ Daryl
I absolutely have people I avoid, for my own mental health.
I have been to a bridal expo and a health fair expo.
Ooh, Jen, you’re the first to say she’s been to a bridal expo. How cool. Hope when you read this story, I’ve done it justice. ~ Daryl
If someone annoys me enough, of course they are going to be out of my life. Just managing to deal with my grown kids and 10 grandkids is more than enough on a day to day basis. Expos? Of course I’ve attended them. I spent 25 years going to Vegas for things like Photokina, and Comdex. I was an independent sales company selling as many different products as I could to make a living.
Wow, Nora, that’s a lot of grandkids. 🙂 And 25 years at expos, that’s an adventure in and of itself! 🙂 ~ Daryl
I am looking forward to attending some mystery expos next year, this year I wasn’t ready but next year, whole other story! Looking forward to reading this next Cookbook Nook story and I am always excited to try out the recipes. As for avoiding people, there are a few at work that would cause me to take the stairs if I need to instead of the elevator, but otherwise I have found that most people are live and let live, just lucky I guess, or maybe it was in the cards for me ;). Thank you for the giveaway and I really enjoy the first person, day in the life of, for cozy characters. I’ve made sure to sign up for the newsletter so I don’t miss anything in the future!
Tracy, thanks so much. Glad you joined the newsletter. As for taking the stairs, yes, I’ve done that on occasion to avoid seeing someone. LOL Good visual. ~ Daryl
I’d avoid a cousin in another state. I asked her to watch our grandma one weekend do zI could have a break but sadly she refused. I haven’t been to an expo.
Maryann, it’s sad when family doesn’t step up, isn’t it? Sigh. ~ Daryl
I’ve read all of the Cookbook Nook books so I don’t need to win. I don’t know of anyone right now that I would like to avoid. Sometimes there are neighbors at our lake home that I would like to not spend time with because it gets to be a long narrative on what they have accomplished. They are not from the past, though. I have attended a couple of expos, they were for my husband’s work. And, yes, they were fun. Thanks for the fun post!
Elaine, thanks so much for stopping by! And thanks for reading all the books. What a lovely fan you are. As for hearing other people’s long sagas? I get it! There are times I don’t want to hear the whole story either. LOL ~ Daryl
**** WINNER ****
Simmering With Resentment is Sharon
Congratulations!