Review of Candy Coated Secrets by Cynthia Hickey

Product Description
Who would have thought leading an elephant down Highway 64 could lead to murder?

When a carnival train crashes in front of Summer Meadows' house, she does what comes naturally—she acts without thinking and volunteers to lead an elephant a mile down the road to the fairground. The animal's trainer follows close behind but disappears when they reach their destination. When Summer goes looking for her, she finds something altogether different. A woman hanging dead in the shower of one of the trailers.

Despite her boyfriend, Ethan Banning's's advise, Summer sets out to solve this murder, resulting in a carnival slew of mishaps and adventure. Not only for herself, but for Ethan too. Not wanting her out of his sight, Ethan tags along on nighttime stakeouts, almost making Summer forget why they spied in the first place. When his life is in danger, Summer faces a life-long fear to rescue the man she loves.


If you enjoy reading a cozy mystery you may enjoy reading this one. the unique setting and crazy characters make for an entertaining read. the novel is a really quick read and the carnival characters keep you guessing who the bad guy really is since they all seem so out of the ordinary. Of course what else would you expect with that line up of characters. What I love about the Hearsong Presents Mysteries is that they are sweet mysteries not written to scare the reader but present an interest mystery with some pretty quirky characters and plot lines.

Cynthia Hickey's Fudged Laced Felonies is in the spotlight!

I have had Cynthia Hickey on before but she has agreed to come on again and since I have two copies of her book Fudge Lace Felonies I am going to give one away. I promise it is a real treat especially if you like cozies. Check out how to enter at the end of this post and be sure to follow the instructions.

Cynthia, Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am the mother of seven! Three step-children, one birth child, and three adopted children. I have five grandchildren. My husband and I live in Arizona, surrounded by our children.I am an army brat having grown up in many parts of the United States and Germany with most of my childhood spent in the foothills of the Ozark mountains in Arkansas.I grew up in a family of story tellers. For years I sat around and listened to my grandmother or an aunt or uncle tell me stories of my family's history. As I grew, I learned some of the stories were true, while others were just that, stories.Story telling is in my blood. I can't imagine doing anything else. I have made up stories since I was a child.

WBF: I have to add that she is a gifted writer. She forgot to tell everyone that!!

Blurb For Fudged Laced Felonies:

Summer Meadows entered church on Sunday, not to find God, but to search for a killer.While transplanting the rosebush her church's handsome Sunday school teacher, Ethan Banning inadvertently killed, Summer and Ethan discover a hidden stash of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove. This discovery sets Summer and her candy-making aunt on a search for a killer. As Summer gets close to the truth, not only of the theft, but of her true feelings for Ethan, the diamond thief hatches a plan to hush the feisty sleuth.Ethan's love for Summer stays buried beneath his teasing, waiting until God tells him it is time to declare his feelings. Meanwhile, Summer's quirky and daring resolve to solve the case has him acting in a heavy-handed manner in order to protect her, and almost pushes her away.

WBF: What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

Para sailing. The first time was off Catalina Island. I was terrified. Then, to see whether I'd do better the second time, I tried again in Maui. Still terrified. My knuckles hurt from the strain. But how beautiful the scenery from way up high.

WBF:What is your favorite children's book?

CH:My all time fav is The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. In the sixth grade we had to write to our favorite author. I received a photo and letter from the author that I still have to this day.

WBF:What would you like your readers to say about your writing?

CH:That they saw God, enjoyed the stories, and want to read more.

WBF: What do you enjoy doing when you are not slaving over the computer creating another wonderful novel?

CH: Spending time with family, reading, or playing the Sims (I know. I'm a nerd).

WBF: What is your favorite verse from the Bible?

CH: Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

WBF: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

CH: Read what you like to write. Study the craft. Write, Write, Write. Pray, pray, pray.

WBF: What do you want your readers to take away from your novel?

CH: That God is in control. I struggle with this issue and it seems to always be the underlying theme of my stories.

Dont forget to check out her contest page!

Cynthia's Website and a great place to order her books already signed how cool is that.

If you would like to win a copy of Fudged Laced Felonies answer the Daily question and as always leave a way for me to contact you. If your email is not on your profile page please leave it in the comments disguised like writebyfaith[at]sbcglobal[dot]net.

DAILY QUESTION: What is your favorite animal?Why? I know it doesn't have anything to do with the book but my son thought it was a good question to ask.

For extra entries:

1 extra entry: Be a subscriber for Write by Faith

1 extra entry: Follow me on Twitter (writebyfaith)

1 extra entry: Go visit Cynthia's Blog and Mainly Mysteries and come back and tell me what you found.

2 extra entries: Send a friend to this post and you will both get two extra entries

2 extra entries: post on your blog about this contest.

Christmas Spotlight on Cynthia Hickey

To help us celebrate the Christmas season I am posting interviews with some wonderfully talented authors about their Christmas traditions and memories.

Today I am excited to introduce Cynthia Hickey. Cynthia lives with her husband in Arizona surrounded by her seven children. Along with those seven children she is the grandmother of five. Cynthia Hickey has been telling stories since she was a child and we are certainly glad she hasn't stopped.

Cynthia has graciously offered a copy of her book Fudged-Laced Felonies so be sure to answer the question at the end of the post and leave your addy so I can contact you if you win!

Christmas carols are one of my favorite things about Christmas. What is your favorite carol?
O Holy Night sang by Michael Crawford is my all-time favorite. Second would be Mary’s Song by Amy Grant. Both depict the meaning of Christmas, sending the words straight to a person’s soul.

I remember sneaking with my sister into the living room one day where the tree stood and together we untapped all of the packages to see what we were getting. Thinking that we would get away with our little caper we rewrapped all of the presents. As my children would say we were ‘busted’ when our parents came home to presents that were not shall we say wrapped to perfection. Are you a person who loves the secrets and surprises or do you want to know what is hidden in the packages under the tree? As a child did you do any sneaking around to discover hidden presents?
I do love the surprises, but can’t help doing a little snooping, even now as an adult. I did the same as you as a child. Back then, wrapping paper was of better quality. Nowadays, the paper tears so that’s one trick my kids can’t do! Every year there is at least one thing I’ll see and want, then tell my husband, “Go ahead and get that for me. I can use it now. Then just wrap the box.” He hates when I do that.

My husband and I do the same thing. Christmas is a time that many memories are made. What is the best Christmas memory you have?
When my husband and I married, we could only afford bands. On our tenth Christmas, he bought an old book at a thrift store, cut a hole on the inside, and inserted a new diamond wedding ring. I cried.

I love all of the holiday movies but White Christmas is my favorite. I make my family sit down every year to watch this classic. Do you have a favorite holiday movie?
We have two we watch every year. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, because it makes us laugh and takes us away from the hustle and bustle. The other is It’s A Wonderful Life. It’s important to know what a difference each person makes in the lives of those around them.

What does your family do to remember what the real reason for Christmas is?
Along with our stockings, we hang one for Jesus. On Christmas morning, before we can dig into our own things, we must write on a slip of paper something that only we can give Jesus during the new Year.

Oh, that is a wonderful tradition I might have to start that in the Moore house this year. Could you please briefly describe your novel?
While transplanting the rosebush her church’s handsome greeter, Ethan Banning, inadvertently killed, Summer and Ethan discover a hidden stash of diamonds, a rusty can full of cash, and a bloody gardening glove. This discovery sets Summer and her candy-making aunt on a search for a killer.

As Summer gets closer to the truth—not only of the theft but of her true feelings
for Ethan—the diamond thief hatches a plan to hush the feisty sleuth.

Cynthia thanks you for visiting with us and sharing about how you and your family celebrate Christmas. If you want to contact Cynthia besure to visti her at her website or her blog.
http://www.cynthiahickey.com/ http://www.cynthiahickey.blogspot.com/ http://www.mainlymystery.blogspot.com/

If you would like to win a copy of Cynthia's new novel Fudged-Laced Felonies please leave a comment and be sure to answer the question: What is your favorite Christmas time treat? I really love a chocolate candy called Martha Whites. My great Aunt used to make them and I have never been able to get them since.

Don't forget to leave your addy so I can contact you if you win!!!