Samantha Sweet

"Connie Shelton has another winner," --The Book ReportSamantha Sweet is about to realize her dream of opening her pastry shop, Sweet's Sweets, in picturesque Taos, New Mexico. Juggling the crazy amount of work to get her new business off the ground, with her old job of breaking into houses, she's got her hands full. When a blood-soaked garment is found among the discards at one of her properties, and a friend makes a shocking confession, Sam finds herself pulled into a pair of mysteries.The wooden box that came into her possession (in Sweet Masterpiece) is still working its magic, giving Sam the power to see inside people's secrets and figure out who the killer is. There's a little romance, a little magic and a whole lot of chocolate in this delightful cozy mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton.Readers are raving about these lighthearted, relaxing, well-written books-Samantha may not be young, beautiful or have the perfect body, but she is intelligent, independent, and hard working, the kind of person you feel you already know.Praise for Connie Shelton's previous mysteries:"Shelton continues to combine suspenseful storytelling with sensitive portrayals of complex family relationships." --Booklist"Fans of Southwestern mysteries will find that Shelton's engaging story, likable heroine, and comfortable prose make this a good choice." – Library Journal There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

Praise for USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton's previous mysteries:"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life."-Albuquerque Journal"Connie Shelton has another winner!" –The Book ReportIn this fifth installment in the Samantha Sweet mystery series, it's the height of the wedding season at Sweet's Sweets and Sam has all she can do to stay ahead of the rush of bakery orders. Plus, her side job-breaking into houses-isn't allowing much summer time off either. Not to mention that her mother is pressuring Sam and Beau to set their wedding date.When Sam encounters two older women who then die suddenly, it appears that there may be a serial killer on the loose. Sam and Beau are shocked to consider that Beau's own mother may have been an earlier victim of someone who operates by preying on the women's trusting natures. As they begin to investigate, a number of suspects emerge and it looks like someone is out to keep Sam quiet."Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." -The Midwest Book Review* * *Connie Shelton is the USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen books in her Charlie Parker mysteries and the Samantha Sweet mystery series. She has taught writing, is the creator of the Novel In A Weekend™ writing course, and was a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul. She lives with her husband and two dogs in northern New Mexico. There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

Praise for Connie Shelton's previous mysteries:"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." -The Midwest Book ReviewShelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -Albuquerque JournalUSA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton throws a twist into this sixth episode in her most popular cozy mystery series. Samantha Sweet and Beau Cardwell are getting ready for their September wedding in Taos, with the whole Sweet clan about to show up for the celebration. Dealing with her mother may turn out to be the least of Sam's problems when an unwelcome visitor walks into her pastry shop-Sam's old heart-throb, the charmer, Jake Calendar. Jake wants money for a Hollywood get-rich-quick scheme and he wants Sam to finance the deal. Can Sam convince him that the answer is 'no' or will he sabotage the plans for her wedding?"Shelton continues to combine suspenseful storytelling with sensitive portrayals of complex family relationships." – Booklist"Fans of Southwestern mysteries will find that Shelton's engaging story, likable heroine, and comfortable prose make this a good choice." – Library Journal There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

Praise for USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton's previous mysteries:"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." –The Midwest Book Review"Once again Connie Shelton has given "us readers" another great book. Both of Connie's series are a must read." -online reviewer, 5 stars"Shelton continues to combine suspenseful storytelling with sensitive portrayals of complex family relationships." --BooklistIn this seventh book in Connie Shelton's bestselling cozy mystery series, Samantha Sweet learns that an Irish great-uncle left her an inheritance, so she and Beau change their honeymoon plans and go to the Emerald Isle. Will the gift be something lavish and wonderful, or is there no pot of gold waiting for Sam?Meanwhile, before Sam fully has the answers to her questions, a new mystery presents itself when a local charter boat is found adrift near the rocky Irish coast, its occupants missing. The family of the captain wants answers and when it looks like a group of Americans might be implicated, the Galway homicide detective in charge of the case enlists Beau's help. With all the extra excitement, the honeymooners begin to wonder if they will ever find some romantic time alone."Love this new series. Can't wait for the next!" --5 stars, SmashwordsAbout the author:Connie Shelton is the author of the USA Today bestselling Charlie Parker mysteries and the Samantha Sweet mystery series, along with several award-winning short stories and essays, and was a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul. She has taught writing-both fiction and nonfiction-and is the creator of the Novel In A Weekend™ writing course. She and her husband and two dogs live in northern New Mexico. There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

Praise for USA Today bestseller, Connie Shelton:"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes."--The Midwest Book ReviewRevenge is often a cold dish, but in the tiny northern New Mexico town of Sembramos emotions are running decidedly hot. When Lee Rodarte and Jessie Starkey, convicted of murdering a local girl, are released from prison after serving only a few years, their convictions overturned, the town's old pain rises to the surface and tempers flare. Samantha Sweet has her hands full with Easter at her pastry shop, Sweet's Sweets, while her husband, Taos County Sheriff Beau Cardwell, is charged with keeping order among the two hundred residents of Sembramos. Topping it off, as part of her sideline job, Sam is assigned another house to break into and must drive to the huge abandoned mansion daily, right through the small war zone where payback seems to be on everyone's mind."Shelton, a major success for Intrigue, can only expand her fan base with this solid effort." -Publisher's Weekly"Shelton continues to combine suspenseful storytelling with sensitive portrayals of complex family relationships." -Booklist"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -Albuquerque Journal* * *About the Author:USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton writes two bestselling mystery series and has had several award-winning short stories and essays. She formerly taught both fiction and non-fiction writing courses, and was a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul. She and her husband and two dogs live in New Mexico. Visit her website at connieshelton.com There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -Albuquerque JournalUSA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton brings a bit of magic and a whole lot of chocolate to the latest in her cozy Sweets series. Two things are weighing on Samantha Sweet's mind this summer-organizing the Sweet Somethings chocolate festival in Taos and tracking down information on the mystical carved wooden box that came into her life nearly two years ago, changing her life forever. At last, she believes she has located the person who can give the answers.The festival is behind schedule, committee members are at each others' throats, competitors are after the big prize money and hungry crowds will soon be gathering at the gates. A slew of conflicting personalities are going at each other, and Sam is holding her breath, certain that this will not turn out well. When someone does indeed turn up dead, the trick is to find out who among the many parties committed the dirty deed.Meanwhile, Sheriff Beau has his own set of problems trying to keep order at an encampment of free-spirited hippies who have moved into the area, so Sam is mostly on her own to keep the chocolate festival on track and find a killer. And the magic box? What Sam learns is that its powers are greater than she ever imagined, its history much more convoluted."Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." -The Midwest Book Review* * *About the Author:Connie Shelton writes two bestselling mystery series and has had several award-winning short stories and essays. She formerly taught both fiction and non-fiction writing courses, and was a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul. She and her husband and two dogs live in New Mexico. Visit her website at connieshelton.com There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

It's Halloween, one of the busiest seasons of the year for Samantha Sweet and the crew at her pastry shop, Sweet's Sweets. After baking a zillion pumpkin cookies, ghostly cupcakes, and an all-black cake for a young witch's wedding, the gang is looking forward to a gala costume party at the neighborhood bookshop. But when one of the guests is murdered and a rare book vanishes-practically in front of their eyes-the evening takes a whole different turn and Sam finds herself in the midst of another mystery.BONUS: Includes 10 recipes from the author's personal collection."This was my first time reading Connie Shelton, but it will not be the last. I love her writing style and love her main character, Samantha Sweet, whose series I will be buying. This was a real whodunit in the classic sense, with actors, a bakery, an antique book store, and witches to enliven the story."- Riverlizzie, 5 stars online"Connie Shelton's Spellbound Sweets novella is delightful. Just reading about Samantha Sweet and friends at her pastry shop will leave you drooling in anticipation of delicious treats.... makes me crave another book in this series." –Joanne K, 5 stars"Spellbound Sweets"- Delectable yet witchy storyline that never wavered from the bakery aroma for too long! The teamwork between Samantha and Beau was a main draw as well as attention to detail, down to the last frosted cookie." – Janine Thiemann, 5 stars

Now that Samantha Sweet has a contract to provide her special handmade chocolates for the wealthy jet-set clients of Book It Travel, Sweet's Sweets bakery is taking on a whole new dimension. Only problem, Sam isn't ready. It's almost Halloween, her pastry shop is bursting at the seams and she needs extra employees but there is no place to put them.Right before the witching day, she comes upon a large Victorian house she can adapt for the business, and it seems her problem is solved. But is it? The mysterious, spooky noises at night are way more than the normal creaks and groans of an old building. Something else is going on and Sam suspects it may be related to her husband's newest case, investigating where an abandoned duffle bag crammed full of cash came from. Beau is dealing with a greedy reward-seeker, a robbery with no leads, and a waif who appears and vanishes. Sam's mystery has her watching for ghosts and working almost around the clock. Is she relying on magic?-well, occasionally.* * * * *Praise for USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton and her mystery books:"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -Albuquerque Journal"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes."-The Midwest Book Review"Just reading about Samantha Sweet and friends at her pastry shop will leave you drooling in anticipation of delicious treats." Joanne K, 5-star review (Spellbound Sweets in Midnight Mysteries)"The teamwork between Samantha and Beau was a main draw as well as attention to detail, down to the last frosted cookie." – Janine Thiemann, 5 stars (Spellbound Sweets in Midnight Mysteries) There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

It's here -- USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton's newest Samantha Sweet cozy mystery. With nearly 2 million books sold and downloaded in more than 60 countries, find out what the fuss is all about!Breaking into another house, creating chocolates worth $200 a box, and helping her sheriff husband solve a traffic accident-turned-murder … Samantha Sweet has her hands more than a little full as the new year begins."Love Connie Shelton's work. She usually has me at the first word."-5 stars, Terry BrownIt's the beginning of a new year at Sweet's Sweets pastry shop and chocolate factory, and Samantha Sweet finds herself busy as ever, especially when her top client comes in with a new idea. His travel firm is selling a new Travel the World itinerary for the jet-set, and Sam is to come up with special chocolates to make the spectacular trip even more memorable for his wealthy clientele. At $200 a box, she can't exactly say no. Things get a little sticky when a friend calls with a problem, which involves Sam going back to her old job (temporarily, at least) of breaking into houses. How she manages to juggle it all ... well, it just might involve a little magic.Meanwhile, Beau answers the call to a traffic fatality that turns way more complex when he realizes he has a murder to solve. The couple's paths cross less frequently than they would like, but as luck would have it, Sam ends up providing some of the critical clues in Beau's case and the answers come as a surprise to both of them."I get started reading and find myself not wanting to stop"-5 stars, Amazon review"I love this series. This is one that is hard to put down when you start to read it."-5 stars, Goodreads"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -Albuquerque Journal"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes."-The Midwest Book Review There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

It's here -- USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton's newest Samantha Sweet cozy mystery. With nearly 2 million books sold and downloaded in more than 60 countries, find out what the fuss is all about!Samantha Sweet's life is a little crazy right now, beginning with her daughter's wedding, which coincides with Sam's receiving a huge new contract for her chocolate factory. The day after the wedding someone takes a shot at Sam and she discovers the bad guys are back. OSM's henchman, Marcus Fitch, who showed up in Taos once before, is more determined than ever to get his hands on the carved box that gives Sam her unusual powers. But as the sheriff's department investigates the shooting, it seems Fitch has an airtight alibi.Meanwhile, Sam's daughter is honeymooning in England where she and her new husband discover some interesting clues that connect to home. As Kelly learns of her mother's secrets, she is pulled into the world of the magical artifacts in ways no one could have foreseen. And Sam discovers that her own world is about to change-forever.~ ~ ~Praise for Connie Shelton's previous mysteries:"Ms. Shelton continues to perfect her craft with every book." -5 stars, Kindle reader"LOVE, LOVE these books!" -5 stars, online review"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -Albuquerque Journal"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." -The Midwest Book Review There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

It's spring, Easter is fast approaching, and Samantha Sweet has been so busy at the bakery that she hadn't quite realized that a lot of the yards in Taos are looking a little ragged. It isn't until she overhears the gossip in Sweet's Sweets that she realizes the popular neighborhood gardener and handyman, Victor Martinez, has not come around to do his annual spring cleanup and no one has seen or been able to reach him in months.Sam's next step is to ask her sheriff husband to look into it. But after a quick check, Beau says there's no missing persons report on file and, although calls to Victor don't connect, there's really no evidence that he didn't simply move away without telling his customers.Sam has an uneasy feeling about this and begins to ask around on her own. Rumors run rampant, as some people think Victor has moved away. Others believe he has met with a bad fate. As Sam starts to find clues, theories abound and a number of people can be considered suspects, including a business competitor and Victor's conniving ex-wife.The more questions she asks, the more convoluted the stories become, and Sam wonders if she'll figure out this one at all.Readers are raving about these lighthearted, relaxing, well-written books-Samantha may not be young, beautiful or have the perfect body, but she is intelligent, independent, and hard working, the kind of person you feel you already know.~ ~ ~Praise for Connie Shelton's previous mysteries:"The best yet!! Not only was Sweet Magic fantastic, it left me dying to see where life is headed for Samantha and her family! Heart-gripping, fast-paced, and amazing." – J.J. 5-stars, online review"LOVE, LOVE these books!" -5 stars, online review"Fantastic! Impossible to put down!" – 5 stars, Amazon reader"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -Albuquerque Journal"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." -The Midwest Book Review There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton

On a summer day in 13th century Ireland, a simple Celtic woodworker takes a walk past a half-dead alder tree. Lightning strikes, nearly killing him. With the shattered tree lying all around, John Carver pulls himself up and decides to make the best of it-he takes the usable pieces to his workshop. From the shards of that dead tree John creates three boxes. Then the unexplained happens-shortly after handling one of them, John's touch brings his young son back from the brink of death.When the second box demonstrates an opposite tendency, toward the dark side, Carver is terrified that witch-hunters will learn of the events. Eager to rid himself of the artifacts and desperate for money, he sells the three boxes. As they are each taken by very different buyers-a common Englishman, a worldly merchant, and a bishop-John feels a foreboding about the future.Through the centuries, the boxes travel the world, eventually drawing the attention of two rival organizations, each with very different motives and methods for gaining what they want. Reminiscent of The Red Violin in scope, this historical novel follows the three boxes to the 21st century and a deadly confrontation between the two factions.The Woodcarver's Secret is the prequel and companion novel to Connie Shelton's Samantha Sweet paranormal cozy mystery series (USA Today bestselling author). The Midwest Book Review says: "Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes."Praise for Connie's previous books:"... delightfully complex mystery." -Romantic Times"... always a good read..." -Southwest Book Views"The characters themselves are amazingly real. Bits of history are woven throughout the book. I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book as much as the Samantha Sweet series, but to my mind it is even better. It transcends the series and becomes a remarkable book in its own right." –MossRose, 5 star review"I'm addicted to this series!" --Mollie W. 5 star review"Great series. Holds your interest and leaves you wanting more." --Paula K. 5 stars"If you enjoy well-crafted, well researched and well written historical fiction, 'The Woodcarver's Secret' will capture your imagination." –Skywriter, 5 star online review"… the more I read, the more eager I was to finish the book and learn as much as I could about Samantha's box. The book adds depth to the mystery of the box and its healing powers throughout the series. Each person who handled the box seemed to be a real person in the past. The intensity of the book left me slightly stunned--as though I witnessed all that happened first hand. Ms Shelton has out done herself with this book. I can only recommend that you read it for yourself and be swept away in this creative history lesson."-Illinois reader, 5 stars, online review* * *About the Author:Connie Shelton is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, including two international bestselling mystery series. She has also written several award-winning essays and was a contributor to Chicken Soup For the Writer's Soul. She and her husband live in New Mexico with their two dogs. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at connieshelton.com There's a little romance, a little magic and a lot of mystery in this cozy series from USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton