Originally posted at Nose in a Book

I picked this book up for the cover. If I had shame I wouldn’t tell you that. Good for all of you I have no shame. I was in a book slump. Sad but true. You’d think with 300+ books in my waiting to be read queue, I wouldn’t have that problem. Sadly, it happened.

So when I was at the library last week I picked this up.Late one night I decided you know what, lets read it. Then the problem happened I got sucked into this book and the next thing I know it is two am and I’m reading a murder mystery and everyone is asleep.This book was a fast, quick, cozy read. I enjoyed it. It was the second book in the series, I haven’t read the first one and I still enjoyed it.

I want to know more about Piper and her struggling actress career who happens to be amazing at baking. I want to know more about her guy friend that she happens to be in love with yet spends most of the book in denial about their love. Piper is smart, caring, and she doesn’t fall for a lot of shit. She cares and yet she stands up for herself and doesn’t let people walk all over here. I related to Piper a lot more than I thought I would because we have next to nothing in common, but I shockingly related to her a lot more than I ever thought I would. Which was a lovely surprise.

I can’t recommend this book more for someone who is looking for a quick, fun mystery.

I liked this much better than the first book in the series, which felt like it was trying to be a cozy and not succeeding.

This one didn't try to fit in the cozy mold, even that that's probably still the best genre description for it.

January 2016 // Not exactly the best book I have ever read. It was definitely a quick read which is nice in and of itself. However the story was very basic and the characters don't have a lot of personality. But if you are looking for a simple, quick read then this is one for you!

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Piper Donovan is a cake maker. Piper receives a phone call from Jillian Abernathy. Jillian is the owner of Elysium, an exclusive spa. Jillian is getting married and wants Piper to make her wedding cake. Both Piper’s father and her good friend, Jack don’t think that Piper should take the job. It could be because someone does not want Jillian to get married. In fact, Jillian’s poor maid was the recipient of a face full of acid that was meant for Jillian. Despite all the warnings, Piper heads to Elysium.

The Look of Love is book two in the Wedding Cake Mysteries series. You do not have to read book one to jump right into this book. Piper is kind of like Nancy Drew. She always finds herself in the middle of trouble. One of the funniest moments was when Piper’s father a retired cop was sitting down with Piper going over the emergency kit, he had put together for Piper that included an acid protective apron, instructions on all the different acids and poisons there are and how to survive them.

I hope to see Piper and Jack’s relationship blossom more in the next book. They were separated in this book. I like Jack and think he is the perfect guy for Piper, though she does not want to admit it but I have a feeling she will sooner or later. The Look of Love is a nice cozy mystery. It serves up a nice slice of mystery and intrigue.

An ok book, but nowhere near the caliber of her KEY News novels.

Received from Publisher
Overall Rating 2.75
Story Rating 2.50
Character Rating 3.00

First thought when finished: The story just coasted then bam it was done!

What I Loved: I did find the characters of The Look of Love to be interesting. I did not read the first book in the series so I did not know what to expect. However, I really loved the Abernathy family. I also really loved Piper's family.

What I Liked: I thought the giving of a few different suspects for the murders was very well done. Mary Jane Clark managed to set it out where you could pick apart the clues and see who fit.

What made me go "huh"?: The book was just a little to choppy for me. I never felt quite connected to the mystery or Jack/Piper's relationship. I thought the end was a bit abrupt and there wasn't enough action for a mystery novel. Though it wasn't light enough to be a cozy mystery. The book just kind of fell in the middle.

Final Thoughts: This is my first book to read by Mary Jane Clark so I might not have been prepared for her writing style. I do believe fans of hers will be pleased with the story and very strong characters.

Author:
[ai:Mary Jane Clark|40517|Mary Jane Clark|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1325135174p2/40517.jpg]

Books:
[bc:The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery|12476683|The Look of Love A Piper Donovan Mystery|Mary Jane Clark|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1324505691s/12476683.jpg|17461039]