OVERVIEW

Available in eBook, paperback, and Amazon Audible formats!

Cat shelter employee Yolanda Carter loves her job, but her dream is to own a bakery. Living in Sherman Oaks, California with her tuxedo cat, her only outlet is baking treats for her friends, coworkers and family. 

Her situation changes when her high school friend, Teagan Mishkin, drops by to tell her about an incredible job opportunity that will give Yolanda enough money to launch her bakery. 

The job interview takes an unexpected turn and Yolanda stumbles across a scheme to close the cat shelter. She concocts a sweet plan to save the shelter and share her decadent brownies in the Great Brownie Taste-off. Assisted by her artisan parents, friends, shelter employees and a rising young blogger who gives her much-needed publicity, will she win the taste-off and save the shelter? 

Includes the new winning brownie recipe.

Available in eBook and Amazon Audible formats. The paperback edition is available on most online bookstores.

REVIEWS

FEATURED REVIEW: “The Great Brownie Taste-off by Lisa Maliga is the delightful first installment in the ‘Yolanda's Yummery Cozy Mystery’ series, blending the warmth of baking with the intrigue of a cozy mystery. Set in Sherman Oaks, California, we meet Yolanda Carter, a dedicated cat shelter employee with dreams of opening her own bakery. Her life takes an exciting turn when a high school friend introduces her to a lucrative opportunity that could fund her culinary aspirations.
However, Yolanda's path is not as straightforward as she hopes. Amid her career plans, she uncovers a sinister plot to shut down the beloved cat shelter. Armed with her baking skills, Yolanda decides to enter the Great Brownie Taste-off, hoping to save the shelter and kickstart her bakery dreams. With a cast of supportive characters, including her artisan parents, shelter colleagues, and a helpful blogger, Yolanda whips up more than just delicious treats—she stirs up community spirit and a dash of adventure.
Lisa Maliga crafts a story that is as sweet as it is suspenseful, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy mysteries that are light-hearted yet engaging. The inclusion of the winning brownie recipe is a delightful bonus for any reader who might be inspired to try their hand at baking.
Highly recommended, The Great Brownie Taste-off promises a mix of laughter, suspense, and, of course, excellent brownies. Pick up your copy today and join Yolanda as she bakes her way through mystery and mayhem, all in the name of saving her furry friends and fulfilling her dreams.”
Reviewed by Camila Davis of reads.Camila, September 1, 2024

“I really enjoyed meeting Yolanda and her family along with her cat shelter coworkers. With the right attitude and tons of hard work, she proved that she could make her business dream come true. It was good seeing justice dealt to those who deserved to be caught. A nice little cozy sorta mystery with a very satisfying ending.”
Tari H., September 15, 2024, Amazon Verified Review

“A quick read with likeable characters . A cute cozy mystery and I look forward to more from this series.”
Reviewed by itsogirl, September 29, 2024

“Yolanda Carter worked at Crown Street Cat Shelter and dreamed of opening her own bakery.
She also has a boyfriend Zac Field who is not much of a boyfriend.
Yolanda hears that a Freeze Cookie manufacturer wants to buy and tear down the shelter. Yolanda is trying very hard to not let that happen and works very hard supporting the adoption center. This book is an easy fun read.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review.”
Reviewed by Renee September 3, 2024

“This was a cute story with some life lessons. Cheaters are never winners, and eventually the true side of a person is made public. Ill gotten gain and a cheater soon part ways. I was beyond disappointed in Zac and his behaviors. I really thought he was Yolanda's person, but he had larger designs. I was happy Yolanda was able to see her dreams come true. It looks like some great changes are in store for Yolanda's future. An uplifting read where good people finish first in the race of life, and cheaters don't prosper. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.”
Beverly, 8/6/24. Reviewed on BookBub, Goodreads and Kobo

“I really enjoyed reading the book, I recommend it!
This heartwarming tale follows the journey of Yolanda Carter, a self-taught baker with dreams of opening her own bakery. Set in the charming locale of Sherman Oaks, California, Yolanda's life is a blend of whisking up sweet treats and caring for cats at a local shelter. A special bonus is the inclusion of the winning brownie recipe, allowing readers to taste a piece of Yolanda's sweet victory.”
Yurii, 8/6/24. Reviewed on BookSirens.

“Once I suspended disbelief in the plot outline leading up to the brownie-tasting competition, I settled in for a good read, rooting for the good guys. I like cats, I like brownies and baking, I also like Yolanda and her world. You can definitely tell where Maliga’s passion lies, because her descriptions of the sweets, starting with the carefully curated ingredients with which they are made, jump out from the page and are calling my name.”
Cindy, 8/9/24. Reviewed on BookSirens.

The Great Brownie Taste-Off is book 1 in A Yolanda's Yummery Cozy Mystery by Lisa Maliga. I thought that this was an excellent book. I met all of the main characters, I liked them, who doesn't love cat shelters, and a mystery to destroy the cat shelter… boo! I thought the author wrote a really fun book and using a bake off to help save the day was great. I am looking forward to reading book 2 and see what Yolanda and the cats are up to next. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
My2doxie, 8/13/24. Reviewed on BookSirens.

“Yolanda Carter worked at the Cat Shelter. Her friend Teagan tell her about a job that would help her fulfil her dream to open a bakery. But she finds out that there was a scheme going on that wanted to close down the shelter. Yolanda is determined to save the shelter and the Great Brownie Taste-Off was one of it. A enjoyable read with humour. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.”
Sharmani, 8/15/24. Reviewed on BookSirens.

“Yolanda works at a cat shelter and finds out the building will be sold. In order to save it she makes a deal and has tonwin the brownie contest. This is a nice story, not what would call a real mystery but it is entertaining with a twist. I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.”
Martine, 8/16/24. Reviewed on BookSirens.

“Yolanda's second greatest love after baking is working at the cat shelter. When she stumbles on plans to close the shelter to make way for a warehouse, Yolanda hatches a plan! She will put her brownies up against the brownies from the company wanting to close the shelter. Can Yolanda win this competition and keep the shelter open for good? Sweet little mystery that can be read in an afternoon. I love these characters!”
Terri Echols, August 31, 2024 Reviewed on BookBub & Amazon

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