Jodi Rath's short story for Cozies with Heart

Valentine’s Day Anthology

Amazon: http://authl.it/B07GXDPPSP

All other e-platforms:  https://www.books2read.com/u/md0XMl
Release Date:  11/23/18

Series Title: The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series

Short Story Title: “Sweet Retreat”

Short Story Blurb: Jolie Tucker wished she had gone on a one-time date while the going was good. Now she finds herself spending an entire weekend in adjoining rooms in a suite at Sweet Retreat’s Spa with none other than Detective Mick Meiser. Jolie had been trepidatious since she found out he had made the highest bid at the date auction fund-raiser for the village’s local pet adoption charity. But the possibility of romance disappears when they stumble upon a red silk glove in the parking lot…that has a severed hand inside! Instead, the unlikely duo must investigate who the hand belongs to…and where the rest of the body is.

Book One

Series Title: The Cast Iron Skillet Mystery Series

Book 1 Title: Pineapple Upside Down Murder

Book 1 Blurb:

Welcome to Leavensport, Ohio where DEATH takes a delicious turn!

Introducing Jolie Tucker, an introverted yet passionate restaurant co-owner of Cast Iron Creations. When her grandma Opal becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Leavensport’s local chocolatier, Jolie goes on a search for answers—only to find out that her family’s secret recipes may not belong to the Tucker family at all. Jolie’s job, family, and livelihood are all on the line.

My review of one short story: Sweet Retreat by Jodi Rath


Jolie Tucker wished she had gone on a one-time date while the going was good. Now she finds herself spending an entire weekend in adjoining rooms in a suite at Sweet Retreat’s Spa with none other than Detective Mick Meiser. Jolie had been trepidatious since she found out he had made the highest bid at the date auction fund-raiser for the village’s local pet adoption charity. But the possibility of romance disappears when they stumble upon a red silk glove in the parking lot…that has a severed hand inside! Instead, the unlikely duo must investigate who the hand belongs to…and where the rest of the body is.
Going on a first date on Valentine's Day can be bitter sweet. On one hand, Jolie and the dashing detective seem to make a cozy couple. Situations just seem to keep them from truly getting to know one another outside of suspicious circumstances. Maybe they just need to get away from their normal surroundings for a date.  They have not even arrived at their destination before things begin to go wrong.
On the other hand....well, exactly. There IS another hand...not attached to a person!
Who finds it? You guessed. While Detective Meiser slips out of date mode, Jolie grinds her way home to investigate a break in at the vet clinic.
Wonderful characters, crazy situations and the strangest circumstances make for a fast pace and unpredictable mystery over a red glove and more.

Website: www.jodirath.com  (Subscribe to my newsletter to receive free flash fiction, serial scenes from series, and deleted scenes).

FB Author page: @jodirathmysed

Twitter: @jodirath

Cast Iron Creation Valentine’s Day Berry Cake

Use a mini cast iron when baking for one or two!

Recipe adapted from: https://toasterovenlove.com

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup frozen berries (do not thaw)

Optional Toppings

• Ice cream, melted chocolate chips, whipped cream, yogurt

Instructions

1. Preheat toaster oven to 350 F and lightly oil a 3.5 inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a small bowl mix together the flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until well combined, and no oil is sitting on the top. Stir in mini chocolate chips.
3. Pour batter into prepared skillet. Top with frozen berries and sprinkle remaining brown sugar over fruit.
4. Bake at 350 F for 17 to 22 (times may vary depending on your oven) minutes until the cake is lightly golden and the fruit is bubbly. Allow cake to cool 5 to 8 minutes and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!