This book really gets the cozy mystery right. Just because a book is meant to be warm-hearted doesn't mean that everything has to go *just right*. Lila is dealing with trauma from A&A (rightfully so), and it influences her actions and behavior in H&H-H. But I feel as though we get to see more of Lila in this book - through her food, her conversations, and of course in a new investigation. I loved the addition of the town's beauty pageant, as it's just the sort of activity that gets the locals riled up. There are still hints of romance throughout, glorious rep across races and sexualities, and aaaaaamazing recipes in the back.

So it's official... I'm moving to Shady Palms. Meet y'all at Tita Rosie's!

*Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*