Showing results by author "Karen Rose Smith" in All Categories

Restaurant critic Derek Schumaker, notorious for his bitter reviews, is about to visit Daisy's Tea Garden, and Daisy and Aunt Iris are simmering with anxiety. A bad word from the culinary curmudgeon could really hurt their business. But how can he resist her cucumber sandwiches with pimento spread - not to mention the cheesy cauliflower soup and strawberry walnut salad? Schumaker takes a to-go order when the afternoon tea service is done, which Daisy hopes is a good sign. But when he perishes from a seizure, it looks like his food was dosed with something deadly.

As local merchants unite to attract tourists for a much anticipated weekend quilting event, business is sure to spill over into eateries like Daisy's Tea Garden. Gorgeous craftwork is hanging everywhere - but among the quilts, potholders, and placemats, one gallery owner is wrapped up in some dangerous affairs....Reese Masemer had been dating one of Daisy's employees, Tessa, an artist, though their last interaction was as strained as a cup of loose leaf tea. Now Reese has been found dead near a covered bridge where Tessa's been practicing her sketches.

Daisy, a widowed mom of two teenagers, is used to feeling protective - so when Iris started dating the wealthy and not-quite-divorced Harvey Fitz, she worried...especially after his bitter ex stormed in and caused a scene at the party Daisy's Tea Garden was catering. Then there was the gossip she overheard about Harvey's grown children being cut out of his will. Daisy didn't want her aunt to wind up with a broken heart - but she never expected Iris to wind up a suspect in Harvey's murder.

The Gentleman's Bake-off is not only good for the town's tourism, it's bound to boost business at Tomes & Tea. The celebrity judges of the contest—chefs, bakers, restauranteurs—will all be signing their cookbooks at Jazzi's shop. But with all the big personalities and inflated egos, she's starting to wonder if there are—as the saying goes—too many cooks. The competition is far from killer, with mostly residents and neighbors vying for bragging rights. But when local photographer Finn Yarrow takes first place, someone commits a most ungentlemanly act.

Karen Rose Smith presents Book 10 in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series.

Daisy's worried one of her employees at Daisy's Tea Garden may be in a spot of trouble. Lately Karina's been loading up on soup and second-day baked goods at the end of her shift - and while the shop's scrumptious treats may be hard to resist, Daisy suspects there's more going on, especially since Karina has been seen hanging out in a rundown part of Willow Creek. Planning her own daughter's wedding is enough to keep her busy, but Daisy can't help feeling a protective maternal instinct - and an instinct to investigate.

Restaurant critic Derek Schumaker, notorious for his bitter reviews, is about to visit Daisy's Tea Garden, and Daisy and Aunt Iris are simmering with anxiety. A bad word from the culinary curmudgeon could really hurt their business, but Daisy tries to stay confident. After all, how can he resist her cucumber sandwiches with pimento spread—not to mention the cheesy cauliflower soup and strawberry walnut salad?

The faculty of Willow Creek High School are having a get-together after the spring concert with refreshments provided, courtesy of Daisy's Tea Garden. Oolong tea and chocolate biscuits are just what the staff needs to help them unwind from Althea Higgins's demanding curriculum. Her lessons on such controversial subjects as school uniforms and under qualified substitute teachers are earning her an F from her colleagues. But a failing grade was preferable to Althea falling victim to foul play.

Daisy's orange pekoe is flowing at a fundraiser - and she's also made a new friend, Piper, a young woman whose hopes for motherhood were dashed by a foul-up at a fertility clinic. But before they can settle into a long conversation, the event is disrupted by masked protestors who object to building a shelter in Willow Creek. Among the angry crowd is Eli - who left his Amish community some time ago, with help from a lawyer named Hiram.

As local merchants unite to attract tourists for a much anticipated weekend quilting event, business is sure to spill over into eateries like Daisy's Tea Garden. Reese Masemer had been dating one of Daisy's employees, Tessa, an artist, though their last interaction was as strained as a cup of loose leaf tea. Now Reese has been found dead near a covered bridge where Tessa's been practicing her sketches.

New York State's Belltower Landing is a lakeside resort town where tourists spend their summer days boating, floating, and paddle-boarding on the water. It's also the perfect place to cuddle up with a good book and enjoy a cup of tea, courtesy of Tomes & Tea. Owned and operated by Jazzi and her best friend Dawn Fernsby, the book bar is beloved by vacationers and locals alike, but browsers grabbing brews in the off season aren't enough to help them make ends meet.

Even though spring in Lancaster County is still a bit far off, Daisy Swanson has much to look forward to: setting a date with her fiance Jonas, a whimsical Alice in Wonderland tea event, and an anniversary celebration for her parents at a farm-to-table restaurant in Willow Creek. But a grim discovery turns her thoughts to the troubled present. Meeting up for a hike with her friend, Daisy and her fiance's dog Felix find the woman dead on a trail, a victim of an apparent hit and run.

Joshua is attracted to Alexandra, his aunt's new "friend" and doesn't want to be. But pretty Lexa teases his libido until he realizes he could lose his heart to her. He's playing for keeps but is she? Lexa has a secret that could destroy their chance at happiness. Can she trust Josh enough to find everlasting love? True love is just a jingle bell away! Includes consummated love scenes.

Alex Woodsides is a single dad who wants the best for his daughter. His daughter Kristy believes her father needs a wife and she needs a mom! When Kristy lets her math grade drop, she suggests Amanda Carson - her best friend's mom who is a third grade teacher - tutor her over the summer. She believes Mrs. Carson is the perfect mom and would make a wonderful wife for her dad. Neither Alex nor Amanda suspect they're being pushed together by two nine-year-old matchmakers until it's too late.

Melanie Carlotti lost everything, including her eyesight. Because of a donor, she regained it again. But with this gift came haunting dreams, a man's face and questions to be answered. Thanks to the help of a psychic, Melanie discovers the identity of her donor. She steps into the life of her donor's husband Zack and toddler Amy, finding clues but not the definitive answer and peace.

Tessa Kahill, renowned journalist who traveled the world, is falling in love with her best friend's husband all over again! Tessa and Max Winthrop dated before he met Leslie. Then Tessa left with secrets and dreams to follow her career, and Max married her friend. With a child and a "perfect" marriage, Max was devastated when he lost his wife, his son's mother, and Tessa's best friend. A rocky road, a man and woman who are searching for love, and a little boy who holds his own secret.

April is keeping a secret from Gabe. When April's sister Vanessa was dying, she confessed to April that she'd been unfaithful to Gabe and... the little girl he believes is his daughter isn't his! Once in love with Gabe herself, April is torn by the promise she made her sister to never tell Gabe the truth. But now she's returned to her hometown. Should she be honest with Gabe about his daughter's parentage? Or should she remain silent about everything but her love for him?

When Clare Thaddeus' sister was abducted, she was five and her family fell apart. Now, twenty-seven years later, there's a chance Lynnie could still be alive! Divorced parents, a rebellious daughter, and a devoted sister find their lives in turmoil once again. This time, will crisis tear them apart or will forgotten love knit them together once more?

Kit Saunders, a public relations expert, never turns down a challenge. She never gets involved with clients. But Greyson Corey is both challenging and too hunky for words. Is he as down-to-earth and honest as he seems? Kit was fooled by a con man who stole her financial well-being...but more importantly her sense of trust. When Grey has commitments that he won't explain, Kit's radar senses trouble. She won't fall in love with a man with secrets. Two people search for the meaning of love in a real world. Can a few mind-boggling kisses lead to happily-ever-after?

The widow of a firefighter, Shara fears Nate will take unnecessary chances as he chases danger. She doesn't believe he can make a commitment to the stable life she and her child need. Nate teaches Shara how to grab the moment. But will a new assignment tear them apart or teach Nate that he needs more than the chase for danger? Maybe a life with Shara and little Danny is what he's actually searching for.