Samantha Sweet Series by Connie Shelton

It's 12th century Ireland. For John Carver, a simple Celtic wood worker, life is a struggle to feed his family. Then one summer day, as he walks past a near-dead alder tree, lightning strikes. With the shattered tree lying all around him, 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... moreIt's 12th century Ireland. For John Carver, a simple Celtic wood worker, life is a struggle to feed his family. Then one summer day, as he walks past a near-dead alder tree, lightning strikes. With the shattered tree lying all around him, 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 boxes and their mystical powers. Eager to rid himself of the artifacts and desperate for money, he sells the three boxes. As they are taken by three very different buyers—a common Englishman, a worldly merchant and a bishop—John feels a foreboding about the future. As the centuries pass, 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 confrontation between the two factions. The Woodcarver’s Secret is the prequel and companion novel to Connie Shelton’s best-selling Samantha Sweet paranormal mystery series. The Midwest Book Review says: “Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes.” less

Samantha Sweet breaks into houses for a living--all perfectly legal as a caretaker for the USDA. But her real dream is to open her own pastry shop, Sweet's Sweets.Life is a little crazy for Sam right now. At one of her break-in properties a dying woman insists that she take a small wooden box. Sam doesn't realize that the old woman was known locally as a bruja, a witch, until she begins to feel some strange effects from the box, herself... moreSamantha Sweet breaks into houses for a living--all perfectly legal as a caretaker for the USDA. But her real dream is to open her own pastry shop, Sweet's Sweets.Life is a little crazy for Sam right now. At one of her break-in properties a dying woman insists that she take a small wooden box. Sam doesn't realize that the old woman was known locally as a bruja, a witch, until she begins to feel some strange effects from the box, herself.Meanwhile, at another property, she finds an unmarked grave and the authorities come to investigate. The property owner disappeared a few months earlier and Sam wonders--who is the body in the grave? A small mural in the house leads to a connection with a famous artist; a bogus will points to possible fraud; and the handsome deputy investigating the case seems completely enchanted with Sam.While Sam scrambles to fill bakery orders and keep her properties in order, she's equally intrigued with the idea of a new romance. It all makes for a delightful romantic mystery with elements of the paranormal. less

Sam is working hard to get her new pastry shop, Sweet's Sweets, open for business. Just when she's really got her hands full with that, she's assigned a new property to take care of as part of her contract with the USDA. The place is a hoarder's delight and Sam is feeling more than a little bit overwhelmed as she begins cleaning with a vengeance.When a blood-soaked garment turns up among some things Sam has dropped off at the thrift shop, Sam recommends that they call the Sheriff's office... moreSam is working hard to get her new pastry shop, Sweet's Sweets, open for business. Just when she's really got her hands full with that, she's assigned a new property to take care of as part of her contract with the USDA. The place is a hoarder's delight and Sam is feeling more than a little bit overwhelmed as she begins cleaning with a vengeance.When a blood-soaked garment turns up among some things Sam has dropped off at the thrift shop, Sam recommends that they call the Sheriff's office. Deputy Beau Cardwell is a bit under pressure himself, as the Sheriff is so busy running for reelection that the office is understaffed. Together, Sam and Beau sift through the evidence and discover that the bloody coat leads to a far more complicated situation than a simple case of murder.Once again Sam calls upon the powers of the magical wooden box that came into her possession a few months earlier to help unwind the tangled threads of the case. less

In this third book in the Samantha Sweet cozy mystery series, it's Christmas and a quirky Romanian chocolatier shows up at Sweet's Sweets, offering to create a special line of hand-dipped chocolates for Samantha's customers. He says he will work for no pay, just to prove himself. But when she learns that he has connections to the wooden box which seems to give Sam her mystical powers, she discovers that certain evil people may do just about anything to take it away from her... moreIn this third book in the Samantha Sweet cozy mystery series, it's Christmas and a quirky Romanian chocolatier shows up at Sweet's Sweets, offering to create a special line of hand-dipped chocolates for Samantha's customers. He says he will work for no pay, just to prove himself. But when she learns that he has connections to the wooden box which seems to give Sam her mystical powers, she discovers that certain evil people may do just about anything to take it away from her.With the same combination of mystery, romance and that touch of the paranormal for which the series has become known, Sweet Holidays carries the reader into the special and magical world of northern New Mexico at the holiday season.Praise for USA Today bestseller Connie Shelton's previous mysteries: "Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." -- Midwest Book Review"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." -- Albuquerque Journal"Connie Shelton has another winner." --The Book Report less

Will there be Valentine wedding bells for Samantha Sweet and Beau Cardwell? (introduced in this mystery series opener Sweet Masterpiece) Sam's bakery, Sweet's Sweets is busier than ever this Valentine week, as she struggles to replicate the magical chocolate-making techniques of the enigmatic chocolatier who boosted her winter holiday sales into the stratosphere... moreWill there be Valentine wedding bells for Samantha Sweet and Beau Cardwell? (introduced in this mystery series opener Sweet Masterpiece) Sam's bakery, Sweet's Sweets is busier than ever this Valentine week, as she struggles to replicate the magical chocolate-making techniques of the enigmatic chocolatier who boosted her winter holiday sales into the stratosphere. However, candy classes take second place to a new mystery, when Sam meets a woman whose missing son's case seems to have been dropped by the authorities. Marla Fresques learns that she is dying and needs for her son to come home and raise the daughter he left behind. Sam agrees to help, hoping that Sheriff Beau's inside connections will bring about a quick and happy resolution.But what about Sam's and Beau's own wedding plans? They may be in jeopardy when an entirely new development appears in the form of Beau's ex-girlfriend who is determined to win him back.With the familiar mix of mystery, romance and a touch of magic that has enchanted readers of this series, Sweet Hearts draws the reader even further into the captivating world of Samantha Sweet.Praise for USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton's previous books: "Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." --The Midwest Book Review"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." --Albuquerque Journal"Shelton continues to combine suspenseful storytelling with sensitive portrayals of complex family relationships." --Booklist less

In 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... moreIn 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.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 Report"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." --The Midwest Book Review less

USA 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... moreUSA 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? less

In 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... moreIn 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.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." --Booklist"Love this new series. Can't wait for the next!" --5 stars, Smashwords less

Praise for USA Today bestseller, Connie Shelton:"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes."--The Midwest Book ReviewNew, in the Amazon #1 bestselling Samantha Sweet mystery series--Sweet Payback!Revenge is often a cold dish, but in the tiny northern New Mexico town of Sembramos emotions are running decidedly hot... morePraise for USA Today bestseller, Connie Shelton:"Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes."--The Midwest Book ReviewNew, in the Amazon #1 bestselling Samantha Sweet mystery series--Sweet Payback!Revenge 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.Praise for Connie Shelton’s previous mysteries:“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 JournalAbout 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 less

USA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton brings a bit of magic and a whole lot of chocolate to the ninth book 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... moreUSA Today bestselling author Connie Shelton brings a bit of magic and a whole lot of chocolate to the ninth book 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"Shelton again has done a superb job in bringing New Mexico to life." --Albuquerque Journal less

When a woman walks into Samantha Sweet's pastry shop, claiming to have amnesia, it's a puzzle that seems to have nothing to do with Sam's new commission for a fantastic one-of-a-kind order of chocolates, although "Jane Doe" seems to know a lot about that. Sam calls Sheriff Beau to help solve the mystery of who this stranger is and where she belongs... moreWhen a woman walks into Samantha Sweet's pastry shop, claiming to have amnesia, it's a puzzle that seems to have nothing to do with Sam's new commission for a fantastic one-of-a-kind order of chocolates, although "Jane Doe" seems to know a lot about that. Sam calls Sheriff Beau to help solve the mystery of who this stranger is and where she belongs. But Beau's attention is occupied by other things: nearly his entire force is out sick with some kind of flu bug, and now a murder far from Taos requires his full attention. Nothing is fitting together, until suddenly it does. "Jane's" forgotten memories become vitally important as Beau and Sam work to piece the puzzle together in this latest installment in Shelton's internationally bestselling series."Connie Shelton gets better with every book she writes." --The Midwest Book Review"I'm addicted to this series!" --Mollie D. Williams, 5 star review online"Great series. Holds your interest and leaves you wanting more." --Paula Kroencke, 5 stars, online less

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... moreNow 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. “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 on Amazon (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, Amazon (Spellbound Sweets in Midnight Mysteries) less

A Sweet’s Sweets Bakery MysteryIt’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... moreA Sweet’s Sweets Bakery MysteryIt’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 Brown It'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 less