First: Ms. Cates really does owe an apology to Druids everywhere. She briefly tells us that the secret society of quasi-Druids that is featured in the novel is not the norm. But then for the whole rest of the novel, the society and members are referred to as Druids. I found this really offensive, to tell the truth.

In fact, I see nothing Druidic about the society in question, and really, I sincerely wish she had not used that term at all for the group. The average cozy mystery reader is going to come away with a VERY unpleasant and deeply incorrect understanding of Druidry.

I would have bombed this rating as a 1-star because of it, but the rest of the story was kind of interesting in a "this has nothing to do with actual Witchcraft or Paganism or Druidry" way. I do like the protagonist and her coven, and tales of Savannah, but the whole spooky Samhain stuff was a bit much.

All in all, Ms. Cates is making me ache for the far more fun, accurate, and believable Dolores Stewart Riccio's Divine Circle of Ladies series. ( )

As I said in my review for the first book, I'm probably not the best person to review this book. I don't usually read cozies, but a friend pressed this series upon me, so I here I go again.

I still liked the bakery and the scenes about baking, probably because I like to bake myself. I wish there was more of this.

The story veers off into what I would call paranormal urban fantasy, with the introduction of druids and evil spells. But the author knows nothing of actual druids, or their methods of worship and spirituality, so this was disappointing.

As before, the characters were all very flat, there were a lot of them, and I had trouble remembering who was who. I can't keep track of the women in the coven. They all seem alike except for very surface level differences.

Again, very little sense of place.

Love triangle is still irritating and unrealistic.

I should just give up on these, because they just aren't my cup of tea... ( )

This was a lot edgier then the first book in this series and I recommend reading this to fans of Kim Harrison's Hollow series. If you are a fan of the Hollow's I'd recommend skipping book 1 and reading this right off, then if you like this and want a lighter more introductory story then try book 1 which I also enjoyed. ( )

only a few pages, too many clichés

Do not read this if you are on a anti baked good diet. The bakery is at the center of this fun little mystery series and the delights are in mouth watering detailed. This is the series you either break down and hit the local bakery or you put on your apron and make your own, no worries recipes are included. ; p I'm a sucker for bakery settings. I went the bake it myself route, mmmmmmm. The biscotti was scrumptious dipped in my coffee.
The characters make this series a double winner for me. There are quirky witches, wicked witches, druids, wicked druids, sexy firemen, sexy/funny/wicked non magical people, cute animals, and maybe more. They have a history, well developed and written just right for this reader. (doesn't go on forever and ever) The mystery is mysterious and leads into deeper waters, dark and deadly. Who doesn't love that right ? It's not a slam dunk one step easy breezy solve mystery.
I can't tell you anything that happens, it would ruin it for you. If you enjoy a cozy mystery, witches, love triangles and flakey baked goodies you may want to give it a try. ( )