This series follows Hallmark's cozy mystery formula, but there are some nice adjustments that make it have a little more realism:
1. Successful, glamorous woman ... but in this series, Billie Blessing's money is explained by her family owning a successful restaurant in addition to her own career (lots of work vs. Luck or just being downright unbelievably wealthy)
2. Slow-burn romance with a detective ... but Ian Jackson is an old acquaintance of Billie (her late policeman father's younger partner)
3. Involved, present maternal figure ... but instead of being overbearing, outrageous, or annoying, Aunt Cassandra is caring and funny and someone Billie can turn to for support.
I really appreciate these changes. Holly Robinson Peete brings a poise to her role that makes me think of a young Jessica Fletcher. Ian Fox does a good job of portraying an old, forbidden attraction kept in check. And Jesse Moss is always a wild card in anything he does, so it was a good choice to cast him in this because his presence added an element of suspicion for those familiar with his work.
I'd rank this above Mystery 101 and the Flower Shop and Matchmaker Mysteries, about even with the Aurora Teagarden and Crossword mysteries, but below the Chronicle mysteries.