Engagement rings are much more than shiny jewels; they are symbols of love, commitment, and sometimes, unexpected adventure. In “Vanilla & Vendettas,” amateur sleuth and baker Ava Decker learns this all too well when a diamond ring meant to be a sweet surprise takes center stage in a cupcake caper. Join us as we delve into some of the most bizarre and entertaining places engagement rings have been found: both in real life and fiction.
Lost & Found: Bizarre Places Engagement Rings Have Turned Up 💍🔍
Engagement ring mishaps are more common than you might think.
The Fishy Find 🐟: A fisherman off the coast of Florida reeled in more than just his catch of the day. Inside the belly of a large fish was a long-lost engagement ring. The fisherman’s catch was another couple’s treasure rediscovered!
The Rattling Ride 🚗: After months of an unexplained rattle in her car, one woman finally took the vehicle to a mechanic. Upon inspection, the source of the noise was revealed, a diamond ring her husband had hidden to propose and accidentally dropped behind a panel.
Garden of Glee 🌼: After frantically searching her entire backyard, a gardener finally unearthed her engagement ring while planting new flowers, nearly five years after it had slipped off during a weekend project.
The Emotional Rollercoaster 🎢
Whether hidden in a pie or stashed away in a toolbox, the journey of a missing engagement ring can be an emotional rollercoaster. From panic and worry to relief and humor, these stories transform simple pieces of jewelry into epic adventures.
Conclusion 🔮
In “Vanilla & Vendettas,” Ava finds herself caught up in the whirlwind of tracking down a missing engagement ring, proving that even the sweetest plans can go awry. These tales remind us that while rings may wander, their stories often become some of the most memorable chapters in our lives.
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About the author
Lisa Siefert is a USA Today Bestselling Mystery Author who writes humorous cozy mysteries. She dedicates all of her free time to testing out different latte flavors at every coffee shop she comes across and has never once skimped on dessert because life is too short not to. She lives in San Diego with Lucky, her own devious but adorable Abyssinian kitten. She excels at recounting every Hallmark Movie plot ever conceived and can also whip up a mean batch of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Her books feature amateur women sleuths that always believe in silver linings despite all of the murderous clouds surrounding them. Be sure to check out her website: www.lisasiefert.com.
With the release of the 9th book in my Little Dog Diner series, Rolling Up Revenge, I’d like to share some interesting facts about Maine, the setting for my fictional series.
Maine, or the Pine Tree State, is a place of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culinary delights. With its rugged coastline, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures, Maine offers something for everyone.
An incredible 3,478 miles of coastline, dotted with over 4,000 islands, offers plenty of unspoiled beauty. The charming fishing villages are the perfect destination to enjoy what Maine is famous for—it’s lobster roll or another delicious seafood dish, while enjoying the view of a lighthouses perched on a rocky cliff. It’s hard to beat that!
But Maine isn’t all about its shoreline. Home to miles of rivers and streams, it’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Or, if you love hiking, Mt. Katahdin offers breathtaking views and marks the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. You even might even be lucky and spot a moose, the state animal. But don’t get too close.
After all that activity, you’ll definitely need to make time to indulge in the state dessert—blueberry pie—or the official state treat, the sweet whoopie pie. Both are on the menu at the Little Dog Diner!
Early risers can claim bragging rights for being the first to see the sun rise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. You can hike or drive to the top.
And for you book lovers? Legendary horror author Stephen King calls Maine his home. I know, his books aren’t cozy but still worth a visit. The state’s eerie landscapes and quiet towns are the perfect inspiration for his books.
Maine is an unforgettable destination waiting to be explored.
If you can’t visit … grab a copy of Rolling Up Revenge and embrace the magic of Maine through my cozy mystery!
About the Author
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters live—scenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When she’s not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
I’m so excited to be celebrating the release of book two in the Shepherd Sisters Mysteries, Murder On Display! These books found the most perfect publishing home with Tule, with a new book in the series dropping every other month, all year long.
Savanna Shepherd is an accidental sleuth. A former art authenticator whose job it was to detect forgeries from the real thing, Savanna has a knack for spotting clues hiding in plain sight, sometimes without even trying. When she discovers a local politician dead in his locked home, the victim of foul play, and then police arrest a good friend for the murder, Savanna and her sisters race to uncover what really happened. Ratcheting up the stakes are a mysteriously vandalized town monument, a coveted art fair now at risk of being canceled, and a wrench thrown into a budding romance a long time in the making.
So, why three sisters? Who doesn’t love a good bestie trio? I am a sucker for women helping women, girl power, soul sisters, women amplifying women. If a set of sisters, or two friends, seemed like it might be fun to write, three seemed even better. Growing up, I fell in love with Charlie’s Angels—the television series and then the fun and fabulous movies. Those women knew how to team up and kick butt when necessary. I also couldn’t get enough of the gang in Buffy the Vampire slayer—Buffy, Willow, and Xander, and sometimes Cordelia. They were stronger together than alone. And, in a non crime solving example, I also loved the friend group in the show Friends, especially the trio of Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe. They brought out the best in each other.
When Savanna Shepherd first appeared in my mind, fully formed with her own personality traits and back story, I knew she had to be the middle sister. Coming home to her small lakeside town after a decade away, she fits easily back into her family and community. She tends to be the “glue” within her sister trio, and even though Savanna is the primary female protagonist, she relies on her sisters on a daily basis, just as they do her.
Skylar, like me, is the eldest sister. She’s the most serious in the trio, a bit of a perfectionist, her type A personality serving her well in her career as an attorney. Her two younger sisters often have fun poking at serious Skylar, trying to get a laugh out of her but sometimes just causing her exasperation. But Skylar is also the person Savanna and Sydney turn to anytime they’re in need of advice or help with difficult problems—she always comes through.
The youngest sister is Sydney. Free-spirited, laid back, not to be confined by business suits or corporate schedules, Sydney runs a gourmet dog bakery and grooming salon called Fancy Tails and Treats. Sydney delights in finding new ways to tease and joke with her sisters, calms her mind with yoga and meditation, and knows the name of every dog in town. Sydney is the heart of the sister trio, happy-go-lucky, loyal, and quick to act when her sisters need her.
The series of course holds plenty of other intriguing characters: a grumpy but kind detective, a swoon-worthy cardiologist and his bad-boy brother, the sisters’ parents who are relationship-goals to their daughters, and a wealth of intriguing townspeople, some of whom are not to be trusted.
The Shepherd sisters are at the center of this cozy mystery series. They may argue now and then, they don’t always agree, but they love and protect each other fiercely. I can’t imagine a better mystery solving trio!
About the author
Tracy Gardner is an Edgar Award nominated author of two cozy mystery series, one recent novel earning a spot on New York Public Library’s Best 100 Books list. Tracy also writes book club fiction with heart and grit under pen name Jess Sinclair. A Detroit native with one foot in the sand of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tracy is a mother of three, the daughter of two teachers, and works as a nurse when not writing. She lives with her husband and a menagerie of spoiled rescue dogs and cats who inspire every fictional pet she writes. Check out Tracy’s website https://www.tracygardnerbeno.com/.
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes an exciting lineup of books you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding thrillers, warm and charming cozies, or twisty mysteries that will keep you guessing, these upcoming titles are sure to keep you turning pages well into the season.
To celebrate these new releases, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive an eBook of one of the upcoming releases. To enter, simply comment below and let us know: What’s your favorite mystery or thriller trope?
We can’t wait to see your answers, and good luck!
She just wants to share her delicious sweets. But a sticky surprise has this amateur detective dusting off her snooping skills.
As the chill of February settles in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a good book—especially when it involves a little mystery, a lot of intrigue, and a dash of cozy charm. This month, we’re beyond excited to introduce two brand-new cozy mysteries that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, all while keeping things comfortably cozy.
Did the professor get what he deserved, or is murder on the prowl in small-town California?
As a late-summer heat wave scorches the sleepy town of Citrus Grove, the suspicious death of a notoriously unpopular professor puts Rebecca and her talking cat, Aneksi, hot on the trail of another cursed artifact and a killer.
Police Detective Nick Devon, her dashing new flame, is following the rulebook in his investigation, but the Cuthbert Exotic Antiques manager is trusting her instincts as she follows the clues. With her grandfather distracted by an unexpected visitor—who may not be what he seems—and Aneksi rekindling a bond with a long-lost sibling, Rebecca knows she’s on her own to search for the ancient scepter that may hold the key to the dead professor’s medical miracle…and the reason behind his demise.
In this twisty tale of hidden motives, intensifying danger, and a dash of magic, Rebecca must rely on her wits—and, hopefully, Aneksi’s sharp claws—to solve the case before she becomes the cunning murderer’s next victim.
What you can expect: plenty of feline antics, sharp detective work, and a sense of humor that’ll have you chuckling through every chapter. Whether you’re a die-hard cat lover or just looking for a mystery that’s both lighthearted and gripping, this cozy is your perfect companion for a chilly February evening.
Join the Shepherd sisters in solving a mystery…before it’s too late! This artful cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Krista Davis and Joanne Fluke.
Savanna Shepherd is a former art authenticator―someone who can tell a forgery from the real thing. She’s got a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic hometown on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least she’s close to her sisters again, and she’s enjoying her new job as a grade school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But when a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, and then dangerous incidents occur in and around the friend’s mansion, Savanna’s sharp eye is put to the test. With a little help from her sisters―and from Aidan, the intriguing town doctor―will she be able to figure out what’s wrong with this picture?
What you can expect: It’s not just the cleverly crafted mystery, but the rich, atmospheric setting and the fun loving cast. You’ll find yourself guessing at every twist and turn, unable to put the book down until the final page. If you’re looking for a new book to cozy up with, this one will keep you hooked.
Regardless of how or why you celebrate, December is a jolly month.
But at Tule, we’ve enjoyed an entire jolly YEAR, courtesy of bringing Tule’s Cozy Mystery Café onboard and introducing you to top cozy mystery writers. Readers can’t get enough of DeAnna Drake’s Rebecca and her talking cat, the lovable pooches in M. Alfano’s town of Pecan Springs, the delicious worlds from Emmie Lyn, and Vickie Carroll’s energetic group of retirement home friends starting a second business with their detective agency. Their series will continue, along with favorites like the hilarious brilliance from J.C. Kenny’s Elmo Simpson.
So would you like to know a secret? I’ve got the line-up of debut Cozy Mystery Café authors to share with you from Santa’s bag:
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Siefert will re-release her Frosted Misfortune series with Tule in January—and she’s adding more stories for baker Ava Decker.
Her new employer has met her maker, and she’s the only suspect. Can she sift out the truth and serve the villain their just desserts?
Ava Decker longs to fulfill her lifelong dream of owning her own bakery. Ready for a fresh start, the former forensic accountant turned pastry chef is excited to turn life’s lemons into sugary success. But her hopes crumble when her mean boss turns up dead in the back of the delivery truck Ava was driving.
Arrested as the prime suspect, things get worse when the police discover the victim left Ava the shop and her house in her will. And with only an adorable kitten who thinks he’s a dog and an exasperated best friend as the voice of reason, the newly bequeathed owner must turn super-sleuth to clear her name.
Can Ava solve the crime before she’s baking behind bars?
Cupcakes & Chaos is the delicious first book in the Frosted Misfortunes cozy mystery series. If you like cute animal sidekicks, an appetizing listen to curl up with, and hilarious hijinks, then you’ll love Lisa Siefert’s perfectly dusted recipe.
Yes, Tracy Gardner’s Edgar Award finalist Shepherd Sister Mysteries also gets a makeover under the Tule logo beginning in February, and you can count on more stories for art authenticator Savanna Shepherd and her siblings.
Join the Shepherd sisters—Savanna, Skylar, and Sydney—as they use their unique skills to solve the mystery in their small town.
As a former art authenticator, Savanna Shepherd has a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight. She can pinpoint a forgery from the real thing, sometimes in a glance.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic home on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least she’s close to her sisters again, and she’s enjoying her new job as an elementary school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But then a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, dangerous incidents begin plaguing her friend’s mansion, and Savanna’s sharp eye is put to the test. With a little help from her sisters―and from Aidan, the intriguing town doctor―will she be able to figure out what’s wrong with this picture before they become the killer’s next canvas?
An artful cozy mystery perfect for fans of Krista Davis and Joanne Fluke.
What happens when author Melissa Westemeier pairs a nosey retired nun with one of her cheekiest students, now a detective? You can’t even begin to guess the fun waiting for you in April with the Nun the Wiser mystery series!
Meddling and murder can both be deadly sins.
When retired nun and teacher Sister Bernadette returns with her fellow residents to The Abbey: Senior Living, she is the first to discover the body sprawled in the hallway of the converted school where she once taught English and now lives. Instead of freezing with horror, Sister Bernie has questions. Lots of them. Why does Toni Travi, the bedazzled and bejeweled resident from apartment 218, have so much chest hair? Did anyone at The Abbey know Toni was a man? Was Toni’s death related to allegations that she cheated at cards? Where’s the murder weapon? Who had motive? And did someone kill Toni, or the man hiding beneath the Revlon foundation and blonde wig?
Detective AJ Lewis is in charge of the investigation though Sister Bernie acts as if he is still her student. With unholy stubbornness, she dogs his every step, eavesdrops, sneaks beyond the police tape and offers unsolicited conjecture and clues. He wants to keep her safe, but she’s determined to lend a helping hand—it’s her habit, after all!
Releasing April 2nd!
Player Elimination
Calling all board gamers! Shelly Jones has created a cast of risk-taking sleuths who use their Catan skills (among other games) to suss out the bad guys. August launches the Wren Winters mysteries.
Releasing in August 2025!
And to unwrap next December … Candace Havens is hard at work right now on another Ainsley McGregor book, the character you’ve fallen in love with from Candace Cameron Bure’s GAC movie inspired by the series.
Certainly, 2025 holds plenty to anticipate, but in this moment we want to say, from our hearts to yours, may the joy of the season bring smiles and lifelong memories to cherish.
