The Semi Sweet Hereafter

After a celebrity chef’s murder in London, a globetrotting heiress and chocolate expert can’t escape the spotlight of suspicion . . . Includes recipes! Hayden Mundy Moore is an expert on everything chocolate, helping clients develop new products and revamp recipes until they're irresistible. But sometimes, a dash of murder finds its way into the mix . . . Chocolate whisperer Hayden Mundy Moore is in London to lend her expertise to high-street chocolaterie-pâtisserie Primrose. Nothing more. Really! But when a famous culinary bad boy is found dead under suspicious circumstances (in her lodgings!), Hayden’s eagerness not to be involved (this time) makes her the prime suspect in the ensuing investigation.

As an authority on all things chocolate, Hayden Mundy Moore is traveling across the pond to lend her expertise to the owner of a posh London chocolaterie-pâtisserie. From coconut truffles to chocolate flapjacks, Hayden’s mouthwatering creations quickly impress her client. But her knowledge doesn’t end there. The detective constable is taken by surprise when she identifies an exotic murder weapon: a stone metlapil, used to grind cacao beans—and apparently to bludgeon someone to death—in Hayden’s own lodgings, no less… The victim is a sexy celebrity chef who just happens to be the ex-husband of Hayden’s client. Now, amid the terraced town houses and local pubs, a killer is lurking—and the police have an assortment of suspects: a culinary rival, an ambitious agent, a recently-sacked assistant, and unfortunately, Hayden herself. The talented chocolate whisperer will have to find out what sort of nutter clobbered the famous cook—or her career may come to a bitter end… “The Semi-Sweet Hereafter is another terrific and original mystery from the pen of Colette London, a writer who has become a master of the mystery/suspense genre.” —Midwest Book Review “This mystery, centered around yummy treats and high crime, was a spooky-cute lead up to Halloween. I was hooked from the start, and afterward I was craving a chocolate truffle!” —Lauren Gatcombe, assistant editor, FIRST For Women magazine "Chocoholics and food cozy fans rejoice! With prose as smooth and delicious as its theme, this quality debut cozy by an anonymous best-selling novelist introduces a smart protagonist with an unusual and tasty profession." —Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW) on Criminal Confections

In The Sweet Hereafter, Russell Banks tells a story that begins with a school bus accident. Using four different narrators, Banks creates a small-town morality play that addresses one of life's most agonizing questions: when the worst thing happens, who do you blame?

Spring has sprung in the charming tourist town of Fredericksburg, Texas, and one of the tastiest attractions is a trip to Tally’s Old Tyme Sweets—until a bizarre burglary leaves a bitter aftertaste . . . Tally Holt is thrilled to see her new replicas of vintage sweets displayed in the window of Bella’s Baskets, a gift basket shop owned by her friend, Yolanda Bella. There’s just one problem—the creations appear to be melting. The ladies assume the culprit is the broiling heat of the Texas sun—until that night, the store window is smashed, and there’s only one thing missing: the replicas. Tally is positively stumped. Clearly, the useless fake candies are more special than she bargained for—but why? When a rash of seemingly unrelated burglaries sweeps through the area, Tally is determined to sleuth out the answer—and stop a thief from killing more than the town’s appetite . . .

"Lisa Plumley creates charming characters. Her books are a delight!" —USA Today best-selling author Rachel Gibson Girly Girl... Jayne Murphy is a woman on top. From trendy haircut to perfect pedicure, she's a vision of city-smart style, wrapped around the brains and intuition that made her very first book a bestseller. The truth is, Jayne's relationship manual, Heartbreak 101, was inspired by her all-too-personal experience with gorgeous, capable...outdoorsy...photojournalist Riley Davis, who stole her heart—and promptly skipped town with it. Now, by way of researching her next project, Jayne's organized a workshop for dump-ees. But it becomes apparent that the "retreat" she's planned could be hell on her high heels—and her heart—when the leader for her group's week-long nature jaunt turns out to be none other than a certain... ...Goodbye Guy Riley has no idea he planted the seeks for Heartbreak 101, much less that Jayne's the guru whose devotees he'll be leading through the wilderness. He does know that helping his grandparents run their rustic Arizona lodge is only a temporary respite from the wanderlust that led him away from her, back into a life of nonstop adventure—and loneliness. Jayne's version of "roughing it" reminds Riley all over again how different they are...and how much he's missed her. The challenge now isn't just getting everyone out of the woods in one piece, but making sure that Jayne's next book has a happily-ever-after ending... "...cute premise and likable protagonists... Plumley (Falling For April) has a knack for crafting hip, realistic dialogue and screwball characters." —Publisher's Weekly "Reconsidering Riley is another wonderfully witty, well-written, winsomely romantic story by Lisa Plumley. If you haven't read Plumley's other books, you owe it to yourself to do so!" —The State newspaper "Plumley's clever premise, witty dialogue, and unforgettable cast of quirky characters make for rapid-fire humor from cover to cover. Readers who love the zany comedy of Sue Civil-Brown's Next Stop, Paradise or Sherryl Woods' Ask Anyone will devour this book. If laughter's the best medicine, Reconsidering Riley could cure an epidemic!" —Booklist (starred review) "Reconsidering Riley is bound to be a hit with romance fans! This deliciously wicked romance evoked some laughs, a few sighs, and plenty of grins along the way." —The Romance Reader's Connection "A very romantic, comedy-filled, slick and savvy novel from one of my favorite romance authors! Too good! Want some (more!) fun in your life? Pick up Reconsidering Riley." —The Road to Romance "Comical...with a bit of philosophy thrown in!" —Old Book Barn Gazette "A breezy, enjoyable romp that showcases two very charming main characters as well as a secondary cast that's equally delightful. Ms. Plumley has a real knack for smart, witty dialogue and situations, not to mention a sure hand when it comes to setting up sizzling sexual tension between Jayne and Riley. Reconsidering Riley is definitely a top choice for romance lovers who enjoy lighter contemporary fare." —BookLoons "Four stars! Reconsidering Riley is as fun and effervescent as its bubbly heroine —an entertaining romp peopled with lovable characters. The hijinks of Jayne and the heartbreak groupies will tickle your funny bone, while Riley's rugged charm makes him the perfect hero with which to get lost in the woods!" —Romantic Times "A fun, laugh out loud story. Lisa Plumley has a winner on her hands!" —Romance and Friends "Full of wit and humor that will bring a lot of chuckles and smiles. I enjoyed readingReconsidering Riley and believe you will too." —Romance Reviews Today "Reconsidering Riley is a hoot! Lisa Plumley has a great gift for narrative and dialogue, and has also done an outstanding job with characterization. This is one very clever, vastly entertaining book." —Reader to Reader/New and Previously Owned Books "Plumley writes her stories with such humor that you can't help but like the characters." —The Pilot newspaper "This wonderful little romance...will charm your hiking boots off and leave you laughing. Do try this one. It's a keeper." —A Romance Review

Single mom Karina Barrett is thrilled to treat her kids to a fairytale Christmas vacation... but will a sexy innkeeper make her own holiday dreams come true? For Karina, it's the chance of a lifetime: a free cocoa and gingerbread-filled holiday at a quaint Michigan B&B called The Christmas House. In return, Karina will play spy and report back to the company hoping to buy out the popular hotel. It's all too good to be true...especially when Karina meets innkeeper Reid Sullivan. The man is a walking talking Christmas miracle—and she's hoping to meet him under the mistletoe... Single dad turned globe-trotting adventurer, Reid isn't quite sure how he and his daughters got roped into helping out this year at his family's B&B. But once he arrives, it doesn't take long for a certain guest to catch his eye. Fun-loving California girl Karina is hard to miss, and Reid senses the attraction is mutual. As Christmas approaches and the weather grows colder, things between Reid and Karina heat up. But when the true reason behind Karina's visit is revealed, will the holiday magic disappear before the ball drops on New Year's Eve? Kudos & Honors * featured alternate selection of the Doubleday Book Club, Rhapsody Book Club, and BOMC2 * Top Pick/Romance of the Month from Bookpage magazine * awarded 4½ stars from Romantic Times magazine, 5 hearts from The Romance Reader, and 5 blue ribbons from Romance Junkies What People Are Saying... "Secrets and subterfuge add complexity and zing to this well-crafted, heartwarming story that features a wealth of engaging characters, including five remarkable, memorable children, and great sexual tension. A deliciously satisfying, cocoa-worthy holiday read." —Library Journal "A delightful story with utterly charming characters. It brings to life the sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas as it brings together more than just the two main characters for a joyous holiday season." —Romantic Times (4½ stars!) "Lisa Plumley's latest holiday novel delivers. It has warm gooey holiday moments complete with happy children, Christmas traditions such as caroling and decorating Christmas cookies and, oh yeah, hot and steamy romance. Loaded with fun pop-culture references and witty dialogue, Holiday Affair delivers on entertainment!" —The Romance Reader (5 hearts!) "As is the case with most of Plumley's books, Holiday Affair has quirky characters that will make you smile and a fast-paced story that will make you hesitate to slip a bookmark between the pages. Holiday Affair is full of Christmas atmosphere and activities, which makes it a great read during the holidays." —Lezlie Patterson, McClatchy-Tribune News Service "I love a good romance for the holidays, and Lisa Plumley's latest "Holiday Affair" is a great one to celebrate all the good things about being in love at Christmas! With just the right amount of humor, a touch of mystery, and a lot of good, old-fashioned romance, "Holiday Affair" is sure to please any fan of romantic fiction!" —Sharon Galligar Chance

Flirty Katie Moore is the ultimate good-time girl. Too bad she's held up at the office, helping architect Jack Brennan with a very special project: emergency babysitting for the boss's tiny daughter. Now, the party girl and the workaholic are joining forces to give the bundle of joy a Christmas she'll never forget... (from the best-selling holiday romance anthology, Santa Baby)