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The Cinnamon Spellbook Bakery: A BRAND NEW magical small-town romance filled with irresistible chemistry from Ella Cook (The Magic of Hudsbury 1)

330 pages Publisher Boldwood Books Publication date

July 5, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Step into the cosy and magical town of Hudsbury this autumn, where pumpkins can talk (and gossip), pastries have healing properties, and love is brewing like a magic potion. 🥐🍁

Aiden arrived in Hudsbury hoping for peace and quiet – but the quirky little town has other ideas. Nestled among golden leaves and crisp fall air, he’s drawn into a peculiar shop filled with the scent of cinnamon and a hint of magic… and is convinced to become the town’s newest baker.

The residents, and especially a mysterious grey cat named Mist, seem to know more than they let on. Whispering trees, heart-soothing teas, and jack-o-lanterns offering playful romantic advice make Hudsbury a place where the ordinary and magical intertwine.

Then he meets Mia, the practical local nurse. One playful night grows into a friends with benefits arrangement—but under the glow of autumn leaves and cackling pumpkins, sparks are impossible to ignore, blurring the lines of their friendship. As Aiden’s magic grows wilder and long-held secrets from his past begin to surface, he realises that love—and a little enchantment—might be exactly what he and Mia need to finally open their hearts.

A heartwarming, magical tale of scones, spells, and second chances, The Cinnamon Spellbook Bakery is a cozy fantasy full of charm, emotion, and the healing power of love—with just a dash of chaos.

MY THOUGHTS

I seem to find myself reading books that have magic in them recently. Either there has been an increase of this type of book being published recently or I am finding myself now drawn to them and that’s not a bad thing.
Smalltown charm, and a pleasant shop owner drew me right in and I found myself enjoying this book a lot.
The bakery/magical shop is very cozy and inviting. Once you step through its doors it knows what you need and heals you.
From a talking cat to charming and lovable pumpkins the Fall vibes drew me right in. The romance had a natural development. Towards the end there was a serious bit added and I’m looking forward to continuing reading about the characters in future books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Ella’s been obsessed with books since the moment she could reach to pull them off the shelf by herself, and has wanted to write for as long as she can remember.

She grew up in London where fairies lived at the bottom of her Grandma’s garden, and she still looks for magic – and often finds it – in everyday life.

She won the SWWJ Floella Benjamin Award in 2019, and published her debut, BEYOND GREY with Choc Lit and Ruby Fiction in 2021. Her books are now published by Joffe Books, who won the IPG Trade Publisher of the Year in 2023. She doesn’t plan to stop writing any time soon.

When she emerges from her fictional worlds, she writes bids for children’s services and lives in Warwickshire (where there are probably more fairies) with her ever-loving husband who reads all her stories first and makes gallons of tea in magical cups that keep drinks warm for whole chapters.

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Beating negativity?

What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?

Beating negativity isn’t always easy . For myself I try to overcome it by distracting my thoughts away from it. To do this I spend time with family, friends , walk in nature, listen to music, spend time with my pets or read.

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Daily Prompt

What do you love now, that you hated when you were younger?

I enjoy relaxing more now in the evening than I used to. I used to always want to be on the go but I enjoy my evening reading and tea time more now.

“Take some more tea,” the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.
“I’ve had nothing yet,” Alice replied in an offended tone, “so I can’t take more.”
“You mean you can’t take less,” said the Hatter: “it’s very easy to take more than nothing.”
“Nobody asked your opinion,” said Alice.
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland


Tags: humor, less, more, nonsense, tea

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The Melody of Love

by Wanda E Brunstetter (Author), Lorine Brunstetter Van Corbach (Author) 

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date July 1, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

A widowed mother, Amelia Miller never thought of finding love again—until she meets Christian Yoder while on a sisters’ trip to Ohio. When Christian suddenly has the opportunity to move to Indiana near Amelia, what started as a spark grows to a flame. . .but there are complications. Amelia’s son, who is on the autism spectrum, doesn’t like the new man who has been coming around, and he often acts out in tantrums. Amelia’s love for her son is her priority, so romance may have to be sacrificed. Christian, though, is determined to find a connection with the boy.

Features:

  • From New York Times Bestselling Author, Wanda E. Brunstetter and her daughter Lorine Brunstetter VanCorbach
  • Unique story about an Amish woman who’s raising a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Story takes place in Goshen, Indiana
  • Brunstetters have strong ties to the Amish community
  • Amish fiction delivers life-changing inspiration and entertainment
  • Brunstetter’s fiction has sold more than 12 million units

MY THOUGHTS

his mother daughter team of author’s have written a fabulous book.
I read this book in one day it was just that good.
Though there have been books written about autism before there are not many written that pertain to Amish characters.
Thoroughly researched the book was very realistic I enjoyed meeting our character on the autism spectrum and seeing how compassionate his mother is giving him space when he needs it and gentle love when required.
I enjoyed seeing a second chance at love play out for our widowed characters. The pacing in this one is just right in this emotional and faither filled story that I enjoyed so much.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda’s fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda’s desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda’s primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern “Englishers.” Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: http://www.WandaBrunstetter.com

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A Quiet Elsewhere (1 book series)

306 pages Publication date June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

She boarded the wrong train… and found a teahouse that knows her heart better than she does.

Liora likes plans, schedules, and knowing exactly where she’s going. So when a strange, ivy-choked train drops her in the middle of an enchanted forest instead of her grandmother’s house, Emberlee is the last place she expects to end up. The teahouse hums with wayward spirits, peculiar staff, and teas that soothe, stir, and sometimes slip memories away.

And her name appears in the guest book with no departure date.

Watched day and night, Liora searches for a way home with the help of Silas, the sharp-eyed gardener bound to Emberlee by an enigmatic past. Their reluctant alliance soon softens into something warmer, charged with late-night confessions and an undeniable attraction.

But Emberlee has its own plans, and when her forgotten past finally resurfaces, Liora must choose:

Stay and risk her heart, or leave and lose a love she may never find again?

Cozy stone and wood forest cafe named The Whispering Owl with people sitting outside and an owl perched on a sign
A cozy forest cafe named ‘The Whispering Owl’ with warm glowing lights and patrons enjoying tea

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! Just WOW! This is a romantasy, not my usual type of read at all. I usually prefer a book that is solid, standing on its own two feet and based on reality.
This is about as far from that as could possibly be.
Boarding the wrong train takes a woman to a world unexpected, stepping off the train she stepped into a world that felt like a whole other dimension.
Let me just say I really loved the teahouse, Emberlee. The whole thing feels like you’re inside a mystical magical garden. It’s fantasy at its best.
It’s magical, whimsical. enchanting and absolutely left me spellbound and impatiently waiting for the next in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Rachel Ann Hubert has always been drawn to the shadowy corners of storytelling—the places where fate twists, magic lingers, and characters fight for every scrap of truth. A lifelong writer, she officially embarked on her publishing journey in 2022 and has since spent her time crafting dark fantasy, fantasy romance, and an eerie Halloween anthology—with plans to expand into even more genres.

When she’s not weaving stories about betrayal, forbidden powers and passions, and morally murky protagonists, Rachel can be found cooking up delicious dishes, battling through board games, or screening scary movies (the spookier, the better). She lives in Michigan with her husband, their endlessly entertaining son, and just the right amount of chaos.

As a multi-genre indie author, Rachel thrives on character-driven narratives that linger long after the last page. For more tales of dark intrigue, twisted magic, and high-stakes adventure, follow her on Instagram @rachelann_indieauthor.

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Daily Prompt

Emperor Palpatine has announced open elections for a new Emperor — and he’s nominated Darth Vader. You get to nominate one challenger.

I feel totally out of my element on today’s qotd. 😧How would you answer this one?

Finch back from adventuring.

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Big Apple Farm: the funniest small town British romance of 2026

320 pages Publisher Avon Pub Date Jun 18 2026 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The perfect book for fans of small town romance

Beatrice Norton is a country girl. Working on a farm by day and pulling pints at the Big Apple pub by night, her simple life suits her just fine.

Arthur Redgrave is city boy. Raised in luxury by acting royalty, he dreams of conquering the Big Apple – New York – and isn’t afraid to trade off his parents’ name to get there.

But fed up with his entitled attitude, his parents ship him off to his dad’s childhood farm for a reality check. Tasked with showing Arthur the ropes, Beatrice finds herself stuck with man who can’t tell a pitchfork from a salad fork.

Despite their efforts to remain at odds, Arthur finds himself respecting the straight-talking farm girl and Beatrice wonders whether there’s more beneath his polished (and handsome) exterior. Can love bridge the gap between rural roots and big-city dreams, or will their hearts remain worlds apart?

Tropes:

  • Small town romance!
  • Enemies-to-lovers
  • Forced proximity
  • Low spice
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MY THOUGHTS

They say don’t judge a book by its cover and that saying got proven right for me as I read this.
I have heard of this author before but have never read one of her books until now.
A sweet feel-good story with a small-town feel that has some lovely characters, some will take you by surprise and make your heart smile. Once I started this, I read it way too late into the evening. Such a charming read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Murder at a Scottish Halloween (A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 8)

287 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date

June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

As Halloween descends upon the Scottish seaside town of Nairn, reluctant sleuth and knitting enthusiast Paislee Shaw finds herself investigating how an ancient ghost inspired a modern murder…

While Paislee will be celebrating All Hallow’s Eve by handing out candy to the trick or treaters at her Cashmere Crush sweater shop, her teenage son Brody seems to have given up the ghost. Uninterested in donning a superhero or monster costume, he’s just going to attend a party with his friends at the ice rink.

But Brody got swept up in the spirit of the season after all. Dared by the older kids, he went to the supposedly haunted Rait Ruins to capture video of a vengeful ghost. The local legend of the Rait Wraith has been passed down for generations—and still gives Paislee the creeps. While no specter actually roams the grounds, the lifeless body of university student Ailis Barclay is discovered there.

Ailis was at the ruins dressed as the ghost to prank Brody, only something went wrong. With her son traumatized and deemed a suspect, it’s up to Paislee to string together whether Ailis was a victim of the real Wraith of Rait Ruins—or of someone dangerous among the living . . .

Ruined stone castle beside a lake with fog and mountains
An eerie fog surrounds the ruins of a stone castle by a calm lake

MY THOUGHTS

A Halloween holiday cozy mystery taking place in the Scottish seaside town of Nairn.
Teens will be teens, and while Mom, Paislee is handing out candy at her shop young teen Brody has no interest in that or wearing a costume. When he says he’ll be one place but really is at another are when the accusations start to fly.
He’s supposed to be at a Halloween party with his friends but trying to impress the older teens he accepts a dare to be part of a prank and get a video of the legendary local spirit to impress the older teens.
When no spirit is found but the costumed prankster is found dead, he’s the one being blamed.
Mom instinct takes over as Paislee knows it wouldn’t have been her son, and she has to work hard to clear his name.
Along the way we get introduced to Scottish politics, and a taste of the dialect and customs of the country.
Good story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall crafts small-town mysteries to cozy up with. Check out her Scottish Shire series in quaint Nairn; the paranormal Salem B&B series as Traci Wilton; the Irish Castle mysteries as Ellie Brannigan; and the brand-new Cider Falls Orchard mysteries debuting in 2026. Romance lovers, check out the Appletree Cove sweet duo, or the By the Sea contemporary romances. Want something with medieval flavor? Try the Boadicea trilogy or the Queen’s Guard. Traci would love to chat about books, which have been an escape since childhood and the bookmobile—she read so fast she had no choice but to write stories in between library visits. She finds inspiration living near the ocean and drinking lots of coffee.

Cozy Mystery:

Writing as Traci Hall, Scottish Shire mysteries

Murder in a Scottish Shire July 2020

Murder in a Scottish Garden May 2021

Murder at a Scottish Social 2022

Murder at a Scottish Wedding 2023

Murder at a Scottish Castle 2024

Murder at a Scottish Christmas 2025

Murder at the Scottish Games 2025

Murder at a Scottish Halloween 2026

Murder at the Scottish Book Club 2027

Writing as Traci Wilton, a Salem B & B mystery series

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost August 2019

Mrs. Morris and the Witch 2020

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past September 2020

Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress March 30 2021

Mrs. Morris and the Vampire 2021

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold 2022

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman 2023

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine 2024

Mrs. Morris and the Day of the Dead 2025

Cider Falls Orchard Mystery

Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Falls Festival 2026

As Ellie Brannigan

Irish Castle mysteries

Murder at an Irish Castle 2023

Death at an Irish Wedding 2024

Death at an Irish Village 2025

Death in Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2020

Danger at Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2021

Deception at Sandpiper Bay by Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton 2022

Contemporary Romance:

Appletree Cove: (Sweet Small-Town Beach Romances)

In the Dog House Feb 2019

Just One Kiss January 2021

By the Sea: (Small-Town Beach Romances)

Ambrosia by the Sea

Karma by the Sea

Puppy Love by the Sea

Masquerade by the Sea

Holiday by the Sea

Festival by the Sea

Dancing by the Sea

Forever by the Sea

Blue Christmas by the Sea

Returning Home by the Sea

Blossoms by the Sea

Billionaire by the Sea

Santa Baby by the Sea

Sandy Kisses by the Sea

Billionaire’s Brother by the Sea

Love, Actually by the Sea

Secret Santa by the Sea

Christmas Kiss by the Sea 2020

Snowy Seaside Christmas–West Coast 2020

Christmas on Misty Beach–West Coast 2021

Shorts:

Holiday Pickup by the Sea

Always a Bridesmaid

With This Ring

Boxed Sets:

By the Sea — Books 1-3

By the Sea — Books 4-6

By the Sea — Books 7-9

By the Sea — Books 10-12

By the Sea — Books 13-15

Christmas By the Sea

Traci Hall also writes historical romance, western romance, teen paranormal, new adult paranormal, coming of age, and non-fiction books. For her complete list of works, go to: TraciHalldotcom to learn more…

Enhance glowing full moon and mist
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Daily Prompt

Daily writing prompt
What’s a piece of media (book, movie, song) that changed how you see the world?
View all responses
Colorful wildflower meadow with pink, yellow, and purple flowers and butterflies
A vibrant wildflower meadow filled with colorful blossoms and butterflies on a sunny day

I won’t name one specific book, but when I read nonfiction books about plants, birds or animals I become more in tune with them. They are the voiceless and they need us to advocate for them. This is why I have started planting native flowers in my garden this year. It attracts and feeds birds and butterflies and bees and looks so beautiful. I will be planting some native trees soon as well to feed the birds.

Have a wonderful day!

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Murder at the Campfire Cookout (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Book 7)

351 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date

June 30, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Lindsey Bakewell leaves behind her lighthouse bakeshop, her boyfriend, Rory, and her Newfoundland dog, Wellington, for a glamping trip with her mother in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the bears leave them alone—but a killer doesn’t. . .

Converting the old Beacon Point lighthouse into a bakery is as adventurous as Lindsey cares to get. Her mother, Ellie, a former 80s fashion model, likes her creature comforts even more—until she sees a business opportunity for her Beacon Harbor fashion boutique when she’s invited by the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club on a woodsy getaway.

Far from roughing it, the ladies will be warm and cozy in chic vintage campers. Ellie insists Lindsey come along to win the campfire cookout contest. Campfire cooking has come a long way from bacon and beans. Soon Lindsey is making pizza, berry cobbler, and gooey Carmelita camping bars.

But the festive spirit is soon dampened when a body is found in Ellie’s camper. It seems like an accidental death until everyone’s tires are slashed and it’s clear the glampsite has become a crime scene. With no cell service to call for help, it’s up to Lindsey to smoke out the killer around the campfire . . .

Because no one is out of the woods yet.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve read almost all of the books in the A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series and though this has the same main characters and a few new we get to meet and let’s not forget the big dog who loves the baked goods it’s different in a way.
I’ve read plenty of cozy mysteries and a lot of times the crazy action takes place right at the end when the murder suspect is discovered.
Have you ever been glamping, I haven’t either but our characters in this book are doing some glamorous camping, in their words.
There’s a lot of typical camping things like going into the woods and a campfire cookout contest, but things get strange really quick.
This one has nonstop action, unexpected things happening the whole way through and I’m even getting creepy vibes from certain sections of the book.
Now I live in a rural area with lots of woods around, will I be able to look at them the same again, I’m not sure.
I mean we won’t even talk about the Sasquatch, the kidnapping, the bears, things that seem one way and turn out to be totally something else.
Lots of action and I was here for it. Great book!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Cozy mystery author, Darci Hannah, is a native of the Midwest and currently lives in a small town in Michigan. Darci is a lifelong lover of the Great Lakes, a natural wonder that inspires many of her stories. When Darci isn’t baking for family and friends, hiking with her furry pals, Ripley and Finn, or concocting her next cozy mystery, she can be found wandering around picturesque lakeside villages with her hubby, sampling baked goods, and breaking for coffee more often than she should.

Darci’s books include:

MURDER AT THE BEACON BAKESHOP 1st in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Series (Kensington 2021), CHERRY SCONES & BROKEN BONES (Midnight Ink 2019), CHERRY PIES & DEADLY LIES (Midnight Ink 2018), THE ANGEL OF BLYTHE HALL (Ballantine Books 2011, 2nd edition by Piffle & Bombast 2016), THE EXILE OF SARA STEVENSON (Ballantine Books 2010)

You can learn more about Darci and her books at http://www.darcihannah.com

Connect with Darci on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDarciHannah

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