The Bride Dream Expo is in full swing in Crystal Cove just as Jenna and Rhett are finalizing the details of their own wedding. But stormy weather is in the forecast when Rhett's former boss, now ex-con, Sarita Strachline, returns to Crystal Cove and starts stirring up trouble. What seems to be the worst possible event - there is an explosion in the kitchen at Rhett''s restaurant and he is seriously injured. Was Sarita the culprit? Doesn't seem likely when she herself is bombed out of the water.

The mystery was intriguing and the romance was spot on! ( )

We return to Crystal Cove where the yearly Bride’s Dream Expo is taking place. Jenna is doing the final preparations for her wedding to Rhett which will take place in a little over three weeks. Jenna’s happy bubble is burst when she learns Sarita Strachline was released from jail early for good behavior and has returned to Crystal Cove. Jenna worries that Sarita will come after her and Rhett since they are the ones who helped get her convicted for arson. Jenna is at Rhett’s restaurant for an intimate dinner when an explosion occurs in the kitchen. Rhett is thrown six feet from the blast and is unconscious. Jenna is quick to blame Sarita for the crime. Chief Cinnamon Pritchard tells Jenna to focus on Rhett and leave the investigating to her. Jenna cannot help it if information happens to come her way. But then something happens that blow the case wide open. Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber is the eleventh A Cookbook Nook Mystery. For those who are new to the series, each book can be read as a standalone (but you will be missing out on a great series). I find it better to read a series in order because it allows you to get to know the characters and connect with them. I found Simmering with Resentment to be well-written with developed characters. The story moved along at a good pace. I love visiting Crystal Cove with its quaint shops, friendly residents (most of them), and seaside location. Jenna has a wonderful group of friends who are there for her no matter what along with her family. It is time for Jenna and Rhett’s wedding. The wedding planner has everything in hand and there are just a few last-minute decisions to make (DJ or band for example). The author’s vivid descriptions allowed me to visualize the town, the bridal expo, the shops, and characters. I could envision myself in Crystal Cove. There are mouthwatering food descriptions (recipes at the end of the book). Jenna and Rhett’s reception is going to have some tasty dishes. I just love Jenna’s cat, Tigger. He is one cute and clever cat. I enjoyed the addition of the kittens that were dropped off at the fire station. They were a sweet addition to the story. The mystery was a fun one to figure out. There are several suspicious suspects along with good clues and misdirection. One person stood out to me, and I could not wait to get to the end to see if I was right (I love solving whodunits). I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story. There are some heartwarming cozy moments that will charm readers. I was a little disappointed with how the story ended. I wanted the complete experience (I would say more but then I would spoil it for you). I am looking forward to my next visit to Crystal Cove. Simmering with Resentment is an explosive cozy mystery with bridal expo excitement, wedding worries, a returning nemesis, an injured groom, a cornucopia of kittens, mouthwatering morsels, and a probing bride. ( )