We’re so happy to welcome back wonderful author Kim Davis! Kim is the baker behind the delicious website, cinnamonsugarandalittlebitofmurder.com. Today she shares about how the website inspired her cozy mystery career. She’s got a giveaway for one lucky reader too…
A huge thank you to Ellen and all the Chicks for hosting me on your blog today! It’s an honor to be amongst such talented authors and your books have been both a source of entertainment for me as well as inspiration for my own writing.
Close to ten years ago, I started my blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder. My intent was to share some reviews of mysteries I’d read and share some of my favorite recipes. And then I stumbled onto cozy mysteries that contained recipes! It was a match made in heaven! I connected to so many amazing authors (like the Chicks) who were gracious in allowing me to share their recipes and their books. And the more I read and blogged, the more intrigued I became about writing my own culinary cozy mysteries.
Fast forward several years and I now have six books in my Cupcake Catering Mysteries. Plus, Essentials of Murder, the first book in my Aromatherapy Apothecary Mysteries just published last month. While I never thought I’d move away from the culinary cozy mystery sub-genre, my literary agent (Dawn Dawdle, may she rest in peace and is sorely missed) offered me some writing advice. She said the market was flooded with culinary cozy mysteries and I should look for a new hook for a new series if I wanted to further my career. I knew that there are already tons of “hooks” in books already featuring bookshops, coffee shops, libraries, quilters, B&B owners, pet groomers, etc. You name it, it’s probably been done.
I didn’t immediately go out and start hunting but collected ideas in the back of my head, and hoped something said “pick me!” In the meantime, I continued writing my cupcake series, and being a part-time caregiver for my special needs granddaughter, Jaidyn, who has Rett Syndrome. Jaidyn was frequently sick, catching colds every 6 to 8 weeks, which I’d catch. Her mother came across a group of other Rett Syndrome moms who were using essential oils and aromatherapy on their daughters, so we started experimenting with positive results.
And finally, a “hook” stood up and yelled “pick me!”. Not knowing much about aromatherapy and essential oils, it took a ton of research to feel comfortable weaving information into my story. I also added some reflexology, after experiencing the benefits from my masseuse, who keeps those writer shoulder knots from becoming debilitating. Again, I knew reflexology helped me, but didn’t know the basis of why or how, so spent time researching and asking questions before I felt comfortable writing about it.
Now even though my literary agent said to steer clear of writing another culinary cozy mystery series, I had to include a patisserie, with the character, Jasper, as a core character. Carissa visits the patisserie every day for Jasper’s Triple Chocolate Rolls…swoon! And the recipe just happened to find itself included at the back of the book (plus other mentions of delectable treats), along with some aromatherapy tips.
Ellen, thanks so much for having me on Chicks on the Case!
Readers, for a chance to win a print copy of Essentials of Murder (print limited to U.S., all others will receive an ebook copy), comment below and tell me if you’ve tried either aromatherapy or reflexology.
About the book: After a scandalous arrest in San Francisco, Carissa Carmichael has moved back to her small Southern California hometown to start over as she opens her Aromatherapy Apothecary shop and reflexology services. A tourist destination, Oak Creek Valley, seems the perfect place to put the past behind her, but it seems no one will let her forget. When she finds the man who threatened to drive her out of business murdered in her shop, Carissa becomes the primary suspect, especially when her fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. Despite her father’s position as Oak Creek Valley’s chief of police, most townspeople assume she’s guilty.
Refusing to run again, Carissa knows she must prove her innocence to save her shop and save her father’s career when the investigating detective turns his focus on her. With suspects acting as slippery as the essential oils she distills, it’s up to Carissa to apply pressure and sniff out the truth before it’s too late.
Includes essential oil and reflexology tips, and a recipe!
About Kim: Kim Davis writes the Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series, the award-winning Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series, and the middle grade fantasy adventure The Board Game Chronicles series.
She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines.
Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. To learn more, please visit http://kimdavisauthor.com/
Chicks on the Case 
No fair, Kim. Your guest post hit my reader first thing and all I had in hand was coffee. I’m hungry for a pastry, yet it’s too early for even our local donut shop, so I’ll distract my rumbling stomach by checking out your interesting series. Thanks for this morning’s reading inspiration!
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I sure wish I could share a plate of yumminess with everyone, since I’m always on the lookout for taste testers! Thanks for stopping by and hopefully your donut shop opens soon 🙂
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Nope never tried.
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Thanks for stopping by today and good luck in the contest!
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A huge thank you to Ellen and all the Chicks for the opportunity to join you today! I truly appreciate all you do to support and encourage authors and it’s a pleasure to introduce myself to your readers.
xoxo
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Thank YOU, Kim, for joining us today! You’re the best.
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Congrats on the new series, Kim. I have done reflexology and it was wonderful.
I have to be careful of aromatherapy because some essential oils are no good for pets – even if they are 100% natural. But I have used lavender oil on my pillow to help me sleep.
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Thank you, Liz! When I started writing the series, I didn’t have a dog. Once we adopted Missy, I’ve had to dive into research again once I found that some essential oils can be dangerous for pets. Who knew?!? Same thing for foods 🙂 I have to agree with you that lavender is very relaxing and can help promote better sleep. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular essential oil!
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I have tried reflexology and I love it! I find it very relaxing. Congrats on the new series!
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Thanks for dropping by, Jess! Some reflexology sessions can put me to sleep and my husband jokes that I have to pay someone to help me nap, lol. Good luck in the contest!
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I have never tried either but a friend has tried aromatherapy and likes it very much.
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Thanks for stopping by, Dianne! Aromatherapy has become quite popular and I’m glad you’re friend has found it helpful. Good luck in the contest!
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I use aromatherapy for relaxation. I use a lavender oil
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Lavender is certainly one of the most popular essential oils. I’m glad you’ve found it beneficial, Julie!
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No, I have not tried either one yet.
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Thanks for stopping by today and good luck in the contest!
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Kim, we Chicks are beyond delighted to have you with us today! You are so supportive of your fellow authors, and I know readers will flock to this new series (great title, btw!). I’m not sure this is aromatherapy, exactly, but I keep a bar of strong lavender soap from Whole Foods on my nightstand next to the pile of books. (I think I bought it with El when we were at Malice, lol). I only take the soap dish cover off at night, so the scent will be stronger. I definitely notice that it reduces stress and I sleep better. Really. (Especially right now.)
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It definitely is aromatherapy and I’m so glad you’re finding that the lavender scent is helping you sleep better! It certainly is important right now to do everything we can to reduce stress! I’ll have to look at my Whole Foods market and try to find the soap. I love anything and everything lavender 🙂
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I have tried aromatherapy but not reflexology .
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Thanks for stopping by, Brittany! I’ve also enjoyed when the reflexologist combines the two practices… super relaxing. Good luck in the contest!
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Always fun to see where the idea for a series comes from. I haven’t tried either, but they do intrigue me. Looking forward to book 2 in this series. (No need to enter me in the giveaway.)
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Thanks so much, Mark! It’s amazing how many products out there contain essential oils, like hand soap and candles. I’ll keep you posted on book two in 2025!
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Kim, so happy you’re here! I love the aromatherapy hook. (But also glad you included a recipe.) At the memory care center I used to volunteer with, we offered aromatherapy to residents to help spark memories.
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How wonderful that the memory care center uses aromatherapy! Scents definitely trigger powerful memories since the olfactory nerve delivers odors directly to the brain and can help those suffering from memory loss. You are so kind to have volunteered at the center!
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I have always been resistant to aromatherapy because I have a problem with many perfumes – skin and breathing reactions. Then my doctor recommended eucalyptus and I find that it helps – still not trying any others, but happy to find something that makes me feel better!
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A lot of perfumes give me headaches but a lot of the pure essential oils have worked for me. I understand your reluctance to trying out others but I’m glad eucalyptus has been beneficial!
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No, I haven’t tried either.
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Thanks for stopping by today, Lynnette! And good luck in the contest too 🙂
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I love your books, (and everything you bake!) dear Kim!! Obviously, culinary cozies are a natural fit for you, but I love that in this new series the hook came to you! That is very special indeed! I’m so fascinated by aroma therapy, but I don’t know much about it. I do use essential oils in the sauna, (eucalyptus is my favorite) and I spray my pillow every night with lavender oil because it smells so nice!
Best wishes on the new book!
(Please do not enter me in the giveaway:-)
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Thank you so much, Darci! Both your eucalyptus and lavender oils is aromatherapy. I’m so glad you’ve found them to be beneficial! I love the calming fragrance of lavender in the evenings but haven’t tried eucalyptus in a steamy shower or sauna. I’ll bet it really opens up the sinuses!
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Since smells are such an important part of our existence, I’d say that every day of my life involves aromatherapy, in that I relish every scent I smell. (Okay, so there are some that I don’t relish so much, but not going there right now.) Roast chicken with sage and onions, the salt-sea air of the ocean, rain on hot pavement–these are smells that make me smile and bring back joyous memories.
Thanks so much for visiting the Chicks today, Kim, and for all you do for the crime-writing community! And congrats on the new series–it looks like a real winner!
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Thanks so much, Leslie! I’m grateful to be an honorary Chick today!
Good scents definitely bring so much joy and triggers memories thanks to the olfactory nerves sending the aromas directly to our brain! The scent of baking bread is probably one of my favorites since it reminds me so much of my grandmother and my mom.
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Yep, Proust definitely got it right with his famed madeleine!
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Kim, thrilled to have you hang with us today! I haven’t had much luck with aromatherapy but I do like reflexology.
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Thanks so much for hosting me today, Ellen! My favorite combination is a reflexologist who mixes essential oils in the practice… I find it super relaxing!
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I have tried aromatherapy but not reflexology .
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Aromatherapy is easier to do since you don’t have to rely on another person for treatment. But I do love when the two practices are combined… so relaxing! Good luck in the contest!
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I enjoy using essential oils so yes to the aromatherapy but have yet to try reflexology.
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I’m so glad you’ve found essential oils to be beneficial! And good luck in the contest too!
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I have occasionally used some essential oils, if that counts!
Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
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It sure does, Nancy! If I understand the meaning correctly, aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to assist the user. Good luck in the contest!
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hestia here (you know me as Tammy)
loved, loved, loved the book. Great concept. I’m glad to see you moved away from culinary and spread your wings.
amd yes, I miss Dawn too. She’ll never be able to touch my book, but I l know she will be smiling in heaven if I ever get published.
needless to say, I don’t need to be entered in the giveaway.
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From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much Hestia! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book. And, I know Dawn (and the rest of us) will be celebrating when your book finds a home… wishing you nothing but the best!
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I haven’t tried either one. So many like lavender rife relaxation, but I don’t like the smell. I like the taste, in tea or pastries, if I can’t smell it.
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While lavender essential oil may be the most popular, there are other oils based on flowers, herbs, and plants that may appeal to you. It’s only been in the last couple of years that I’ve discovered I enjoy lavender in tea and baked goods as well. I’m still drooling over some iced lavender tea I had and absolutely need to find the recipe 🙂 Good luck in the contest!
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I have used scented candles, and mint essential oil. Nice to read more here!
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I’ve found peppermint to be very beneficial for relieving some headaches! And I love that there are so many products coming to the market that rely on essential oils now instead of chemical fragrance, which has always triggered my headaches. Good luck in the contest!
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Sounds great but I haven’t tried either.
lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
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Thanks for stopping by, Linda! You might be surprised to find out that some of the products you might already use at home contain essential oils. I’ve seen more and more companies going that route instead of using chemical fragrances. Good luck in the contest!
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Congrats on your newest release , Kim. I didn’t know anything about aromatherapy or reflexology, but it sounds interesting.
barbiefan at comcast dot net
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Thanks so much, Ann! I hope I’ve been able to pique your interest in the practices 🙂 Good luck in the contest!
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I am far from an expert in essential oils, but my sister got me intrigued years ago when she was using them for pain therapy. I use some for sleeping, and I do think they work (when I can get my lazy self to prepare them at night, it’s not hard, lol!) Some that I have are specific to sleeping, or calming a cold to sleep, etc. But, some also have smells of night air or lakeside sunsets that also seem to help me drift off to sleep just wrapped in the pleasant smells! Is it all in my mind…maybe, but that’s OK with me! 🙂
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I love that you experiment with essential oils for sleeping! I think most people, me included, rely on the tried and true lavender. I also found a peppermint based blend has helped with my migraines, when used in conjunction with acupressure clips and advil. Whatever reason they work, I’m all for it 🙂 Good luck in the contest!
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No, I have never tried either one.
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Thanks for stopping by, Barbara, and good luck in the contest!
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I’ve tried both and love them. Lavender to relax, orange to stimulate, and various others depending on mood. I have books on reflexology and like to use it for pain.
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That is awesome, Anne Marie! I’m fortunate to have an essential oils shop close by and have gotten spoiled by relying on their blends for whatever my needs are. My most used blend is peppermint-based for headaches. Good luck in the contest!
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oh wow! Those look yummy!!
no I have not tried either except aromatherapy sprays or lotions and candles. Thank you for the chance.
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Thanks so much, Linda! I love how many products are now available that contain essential oils to use in the home. Good luck in the contest!
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I have used a few essential oils in the past. Those goodies look yummy. Thank you for this chance.
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You’re very welcome and I sure wish I could share some of the goodies with everyone! Good luck in the contest!
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No, I have never tried either.
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Thanks for stopping by, Celie! I hope I was able to provide some information that might prove useful in the future and good luck in the contest!
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I have not tried either therapy
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Thanks for stopping by, Susan! I hope I was able to provide some information that might prove useful in the future and good luck in the contest!
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I love using essential oils, they relax me, they energize me, they make me smell better (LOL). I often have my desk side diffuser going during my work (from home) days. I look forward to reading this new series and as another culinary cozy foodie, thank you for including recipes in addition to the essential oil bits. I have this new series on my TBR and welcome the opportunity to add it to my collection of series starters. Thank you for the opportunity!
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You’re very welcome, Tracy! It’s so, so difficult to tear myself away from the culinary cozy mystery so I’m glad I found a way to weave a bit of that into the story. I’m super excited about book 2 and 3 because I’ve included recipes that use culinary lavender in them. Essentials of Murder is totally about chocolate rolls, lol! Good luck in the contest!
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I have not tried either one.
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I appreciate you stopping by, Linda! And good luck in the contest!
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I have tried and still use aromatherapy, it definitely works for me. 💗
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That is awesome, Kimberly! I love that there are more natural ways to help our bodies than always relying on chemicals. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the contest!
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Have tried aromatherapy. Would like to try reflexology. Thanks!
Positive.ideas.4youATgmail
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I hope you have a chance to try reflexology one of these days! While you can find online tutorials, it’s easiest (and much more relaxing) to find a professional. I especially love when they combine it with aromatherapy. Good luck in the contest!
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I have never tried either
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Thanks for stopping by today! I hope I’ve inspired you to learn a little bit more about aromatherapy and reflexology. Good luck in the contest!
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Kim, I’m late to your post, but absolutely LOVE it!!
I’ve dipped a lavendar-scented toe in aromatherapy and am very curious about reflexology! You and your book have inspired me!
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Thanks so much, Kathleen! I think lavender is the easiest and most popular essential oil to get started with… for good reason! I had no idea there were so many uses for it, besides relaxing and helping with sleep, until I started researching. And then I discovered how yummy lavender is in baking goods and teas when I had an excess of lavender on my hands, lol.
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Great chat Kim. As I learn more and more from people at our local farmer’s market I’m beginning to see the benefits of aromatherapy and I have to say eucalyptus oil is strangely soothing and invigorating for my brain. But I have a question – as a baker, have you seen the Mr. Body Cookie Cutters? I usually bring cookies when I speak at a book club meeting and the attendees get a laugh when they are unveiled.
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Oh gosh, I haven’t seen the Mr. Body cookie cutters or even heard about them. I’m intrigued 🙂 I’ve reserved eucalyptus for when I have a cold or severe allergies but I might need to try it during writing sessions… I need all the invigoration I can get! Thanks for stopping by today and for the recommendations!
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Haven’t tried but would.
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No, but we have tried eating the Macrobiotic diet and use some homeopathic remedies.
Being in a classroom that had a diffuser running, dispensing aromatherapy, gave my daughter the substitute teacher a headache.
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Just the title Aromatherapy Apothecary caught my attention. I want to read the book!
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I have not tried either, but am looking forward to trying your book! Fun post!
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Congratulations to Tracy Condie, winner of Essentials of Murder! I’ve sent you an email, so be on the lookout. Many, many thanks to everyone who left comments! I so enjoyed reading them.
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Dear Kim I have not tried either therapy. Love love cozy mysteries!
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I have not tried aromatherapy, but I have tried reflexology. I had a friend that practiced both and massage. Sadly she passed of bladder cancer.
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Sorry I’m so late, Kim–life has been chaotic–but I just wanted to say congratulations on your new series! Can’t wait to read. It’s so impressive that you did all of that research on your way to developing this new cozy mystery direction!
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