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Cozy Mystery holidays

A Dark and Snowy Night (Seaside Knitters Society Book 5) 

338 pages Kensington cozies September 27, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s holiday season in the picturesque, coastal town of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts! But in USA Today bestselling author Sally Goldenbaum’s latest Seaside Knitters Society mystery, the knitting club sleuths will have to take a break from crafting cozy Christmas gifts to investigate a murder at the Mayor’s holiday party.

Winter in Sea Harbor is a feast for the senses. This year, the Seaside Knitters have a sackful of obligations in addition to their usual Christmas preparations. Izzy is so overloaded with knitting classes that she hires an extra salesperson. Cass, juggling the stresses of running her lobster fishery, has finally found a nanny for her active toddler. Molly Flanigan seems practically perfect in every way—until she suddenly disappears, taking Cass’s beloved rescue mutt with her . . .

Meanwhile, the holidays are kicking off in style at the mayor’s holiday party with a celebrity chef catering the event. An additional treat for Ben and Nell Endicott at the festive affair is reconnecting with a dear college friend, Oliver Bishop. But it’s not just reunions and the appetizers that are to-die-for. Before the partygoers can toast the beginning of Sea Harbor’s festive season, the chef—and young wife of the Endicotts’ old Harvard friend—is found dead in the snow . . .

Izzy, Birdie, Nell, and Cass must uncover the pattern to these mysteries to remove suspicion from those they love, bring a murderer to justice—and keep Sea Harbor’s holiday magic from vanishing into the chill winter air . . .

MY THOUGHTS

Now I’ll fully admit I’m not a knitter. My grandmother tried teaching me crochet years ago and I couldn’t get the hang of it, she was so good at it. Now I wish I had made more of an effort in it. While I don’t knit, I do appreciate this book is full of knitting lingo and it sounds like such a fun hobby to take up. A nice pattern is also included in this book.


Really enjoyed the atmosphere in this one, cozy Christmas mystery beautiful decorations, knitting in front of the fireplace during the knitting class but……… watch out! A murder has been committed and the instructors of this tourist’s attraction town, Sea Harbor, Massachusetts are trying to solve who the murderer was at an important holiday party.

Hitting all the high notes I enjoyed doing a little armchair sleuthing along with our solve it ladies. I’ve enjoyed reading this series, well written and thought-out clues placed amongst ordinary life so you may not catch them at first. I’ll be continuing on with this series.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Sally Goldenbaum was born on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Manitowoc, WI, to a homemaker mother and a ship-building father. She and her husband raised their three children in landlocked Prairie Village, KS, but in 2019 they made a huge move, downsizing from a large Kansas home to a condo in Gloucester, a seaside town on Cape Ann, MA–which happens to also be the home of the USA Today best selling Seaside Knitters Mystery series. She can now share walks along the ocean with Izzy, Nell, Birdie and Cass–her fictional friends.

Visit her website at sallygoldenbaum.com

or her Facebook author page–https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sally-Goldenbaum/27082346139?ref=hl

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Cozy Mystery

A Treacherous Tale: The Cambridge Bookshop Series

282 pages St. Martin’s Paperbacks August 23, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lately, Molly has been feeling that she might have fallen into a fairy tale: she’s reinvigorated the family bookshop Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, made friends in her new home of Cambridge, England, and is even developing a bit of a romance with the handsome Kieran—a bike shop owner with a somewhat intimidating family pedigree.

Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children’s tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona’s tumbles off her roof to his death.

Then, when one of Iona’s daughters—an inspiration for the original Strawberry Girls—goes missing, Molly begins to worry this story might be more Brothers Grimm than happily-ever-after. Especially after Molly learns about the mysterious long-ago death of Iona’s husband and co-author of The Strawberry Girls…could past and present crimes be linked? Molly must put the clues together before someone turns this sweet tale sour.

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Cambridge Bookshop series.
Ever since discovering cozy mysteries a few years ago I’ve been on a roll with them and like them more than just regular mysteries.


Set in an English bookshop and you can’t go wrong there.
Molly and her mother come over to England to help her aunt run the bookstore.
Molly enjoys life abroad with a new boyfriend, Kieran owner of a local bike shop.


Excited about running the bookshop Molly invites a local author to speak. While visiting the author’s house to finalize plans a body is discovered and a girl goes missing.


Enjoyed the plan Molly put together to help solve the mystery. Whimsical and nostalgic with an engaging plot.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Penney is the author of the Apron Shop Series and the Cambridge Bookshop Series, both from St. Martin’s Press. She is also the author of women’s fiction and mysteries for Annie’s Fiction and Guideposts.

Now living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage everything, past/present mysteries, historic houses, and the arts. Oh, and usually a very cool cat.

Visit her website at http://www.elizabethpenneyauthor.com to learn more.

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We’ll Prescribe You a Cat 

304 pages Berkley September 3, 2024 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A cat a day keeps the doctor away…

Discover the award-winning, bestselling Japanese novel that has become an international sensation in this utterly charming, vibrant celebration of the healing power of cats.

Tucked away in an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can only be found by people who are struggling in their lives and genuinely need help. The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way there: it prescribes cats as medication. Patients are often puzzled by this unconventional prescription, but when they “take” their cat for the recommended duration, they witness profound transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, empathetic, occasionally challenging yet endearing cats.

Throughout the pages, the power of the human-animal bond is revealed as a disheartened businessman finds unexpected joy in physical labor, a young girl navigates the complexities of elementary school cliques, a middle-aged man struggles to stay relevant at work and home, a hardened bag designer seeks emotional balance, and a geisha finds herself unable to move on from the memory of her lost cat. As the clinic’s patients navigate their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward healing, self-discovery, and newfound hope.

MY THOUGHTS

This book was originally published in Japanese then translated into seventeen languages. These are vignettes intertwining and strung together.
This is unlike any book I’ve ever read before.


As a cat owner of three, I do believe cats have healing properties, who can refuse a cat snuggling up against you? You’ll instantly start feeling better as your depression lifts and your calmness comes about.


In We’ll Prescribe You a Cat, there is a medical clinic that only those who really need it can find. No matter the ill a cat is prescribed with the rest of the prescription to be picked up at the nurse’s desk.


There is a quite a bit of magical realism present in the book, which I wasn’t aware of when I decided to read it. This isn’t the type of book I normally read but it really worked for me.

Light and easy read we see the healing the cats bring to the people mentally as they leave with a more positive outlook on life. Some of this is nonsensical and whimsical. I think this is an uplifting book most cat lovers would enjoy.

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

About the Author

Born in 1975 in Kyoto, Syou Ishida began writing fiction while working at a telecommunications company. We’ll Prescribe You a Cat has been a runaway bestseller in Japan and is due to be published in seventeen languages.

Completely free clipart of a cat
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Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl. This weeks theme is a sort of choose your own with the theme being Books with (________) on the cover and we fill in the blank. This week I’m choosing covers with cats since I’m such a big cat fan as my three cats snuggle on the bed here. I may have gone overboard and thrown in a few extra covers as I have so many cat cover books to read. Most of these are cozy mysteries. Hope you’re having a wonderful day.

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Can’t Wait Wednesday

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.

I’ve read several books by the author and have enjoyed them. I’ve gotten into cozy mysteries in the past few years, now I can’t get enough of them.

Pub Date Aug 20 2024

The eighth installment in a charming cozy mystery series set on an island off the New England coast and featuring the cat cafe owner Maddie and her cat JJ.

Beware the cats of Christmas past…

It’s the holiday season on Daybreak Island, and Maddie James is looking forward to stepping out of the limelight, watching the island’s Christmas decoration competition from afar, spending time with her boyfriend and family, running tours for visitors as part of the festivities and spreading holiday cheer through cute cats in jingle bell collars.

But trouble hits close to home when word gets out that Donna Carey, the publisher of the island’s only daily newspaper where Maddie’s best friend Becky is editor, may be selling the business. Becky is a diehard journalist and to her, selling the only newspaper on the island is a fate worse than death. She publicly opposes the potential sale, wreaking havoc on her relationship with her big boss.

Maddie is sympathetic, but she has her own problems – like getting pulled into a role on the Christmas event committee despite her best efforts to stay far removed, and solving the case of a mysterious cat breeder trying to sell expensive designer cats as holiday gifts on the island. But then Donna winds up dead—electrocuted by her own Christmas decorations—and it appears to be more than an accident. To make matters worse, Becky becomes suspect number one. Maddie is thrown into another murder investigation in order to save her best friend from a Christmas behind bars.

Thank you for stopping in. I hope your day is great.

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Book covers with cats on them. 2 reviews for you. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and Syrup to No Good

268 pages One More Chapter publisher August 30,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is a cozy romantic novel with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

Spicy

Grumpy x Sunshine

Small town

Found family

MY THOUGHTS

You can’t beat the name of the Pumkin Spice Cafe for full on Fall vibes and this book is full of Fall vibes let me reassure you . With pumpkin deliveries to the cafe to a Fall festival and delicious sounding Fall baked goods to warm and divine drinks to sip what more could you possibly want?


New owner of the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, Jeanie feels in a little over her head after her aunt gifts her the Pumpkin Spice Cafe in Dream Harbor. The town’s folks including her aunt have known each other since the beginning of time and have each other’s back on everything.

When Jeannie meets the cafe delivery man, Logan who is a local farmer she finds herself falling for him. The town’s folks make sure she knows she’ll be in for it if she breaks his heart. The story is so warm and welcoming, I really loved it.

There’s a bit of a mystery going when Jeannie hears strange sounds outside of the cafe door at night because she lives upstairs of the cafe. Is someone out to get her? What is going on?

We can’t forget about the cafe cat Casper; he was a sweet addition. From a psychic mayor to the town’s folks all having Logan’s best interest she knows she had better be on her best behavior. I know Jeannie is just what Logan needed to bring happiness into his life in this grumpy/sunshine romance that made me smile.

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

306 pages Poisoned Pen Press publisher Oct 31,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won’t be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather’s wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.

Even with Leila’s own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count.

Heather’s rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather’s dream wedding becomes a nightmare?

MY THOUGHTS

Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes!

Syrup to No Good is the second book in the Maple Syrup cozy mystery series.
After reading the first book in the series I just knew I had to continue on with the series.


Taking place in beautiful Vermont, the series continues on with the main attraction the maple syrup farm.
Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm is excited about her best friend Heather’s upcoming wedding. With the bridal shower in full swing, you wouldn’t expect any unpleasantness but when the bride to Be’s more than unpleasant aunt is found stabbed Heather believes she’ll have to chancel the wedding.


Leila was engaged to be married herself several years ago and the groom broke it off at the last minute and she’s moved on. There’s a new man in her life and they’re very happy together so why is her ex doing everything to try to get back together with her again all of the sudden?

There is an adorable cat in the story, Toast. He’s the maple farm cat.
When yet another body turns up in a short amount of time Leila decides to take things into her own hands to solve this case much to the dismay of the police.

Can the wedding planning go on as planned or will it all collapse into a sticky mess?
Looking forward to more in this enjoyable series.

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

Thank you for stopping in. Enjoy your weekend.

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Blog Tour for: The Little Book of Extraordinary Cats-Nonfiction

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Little Book Of Extraordinary Cats

Discover the captivating world of fabulous felines in The Little Book Of Extraordinary Cats. Join Anita Kelsey on a journey through fifteen remarkable tales celebrating the courage, resilience, and affection of our beloved feline companions, from pioneering space traveller Félicette to therapy cat London Meow. Whether you’re a cat lover or seeking heart-warming stories of human-animal connections, this book is a must-read.

MY THOUGHTS

I am a cat lover; you could say they are my favorite animal. When I saw this nonfiction book about cats, I knew I had to read it.
There are fifteen stories about cats, stories of them being rescued or being brave themselves, performing incredible feats.

I would say my favorite story was about a nine-month-old kitten who had her kittens in an old, abandoned garage, she thought she was safe with her babies there. Unfortunately, it caught on fire. This mama cat rescued her babies from the burning garage, one at a time to the detriment of her own health. She became badly burnt on her face and eyelids. Mama cat and babies were all transported to the vets for care.


All cats deserve to be honored, remembered. Even ordinary housecats are special and give us a lot of joy. These fifteen stories plus the other stories, several paragraphs in length, of similar subject manner following each main story will uplift your heart.

Perfect for all cat lovers and would make a wonderful gift for your cat loving friends. Recommended!

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

Purchase Links –

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Book-Extraordinary-Cats-unforgettable-ebook/dp/B0D1CXRGQ4https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Extraordinary-Cats-unforgettable-ebook/dp/B0D1CXRGQ4

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THR TOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio – Anita Kelsey holds a first class honours degree in Feline Behaviour and Psychology (work based BA Hons) and runs a vet referral service dedicated strictly to the diagnosis and treatment of behaviour problems in cats. She is also a qualified cat groomer and specialises in grooming challenging or phobic cats. Anita, a strong advocate of a vegan lifestyle, is based in East Sussex but consults all over the UK as well as international requests. She lives with her husband, a music producer, and 1 Norwegian Forest cat, Kiki.

Her first book ‘Claws. Confessions Of A Professional Cat Groomer‘ was published by John Blake in 2017 with her second book, Let’s Talk About Cats  self published via Amazon worldwide in 2020. The Little Book Of Extraordinary Cats is Anita’s third book.

Social Media Links – Insta https://www.instagram.com/cat_behaviourist/

X – https://twitter.com/catbehaviourist

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/catbehaviourist/

Linked in – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-kelsey-cat-behaviourist-27320016/

Thank you for visiting today. I hope you have a splendid day.

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Midnight at the Shelter -A middle school read

304 pages grade level 3-7 Quill Tree Books publisher Nov 1,2022 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Written with a distinctively doggy voice, great humor, and plenty of heart, this novel from acclaimed author Nanci Turner Steveson is a perfect pick for readers looking for a touching animal story in the vein of Because of Winn-Dixie or Marley & Me.

Rescue dog MahDi is happy helping his human partner, “MomDoc,” with the important work at her vet clinic and the local animal shelter. The two of them make a good team, caring for the town’s pets and matchmaking rescue animals with the families who need them.

When the shelter is suddenly down a staff member, the animals have to deal with a new caretaker: Huck, an unpleasant man who seems to have no problem threatening the animals he’s supposed to care for. As more dogs crowd into the shelter than are going to new homes, MahDi begins to worry that if MomDoc isn’t around, there is no telling what Huck might do.

With three perfectly good legs, the heart of a true leader, and his pack mates by his side, MahDi is willing to risk everything to save his shelter-friends from an uncertain future.

MY THOUGHTS

Midnight at the shelter has a distinctive doggy voice. This is a middle school age chapter book. Told from the voice of our main character a dog. The dog is owned by a vet and before this the three-legged dog had not had a good life.

A town stray, he was captured along with his other doggy friends and thrown in a truck, the truck is in an accident, and he is the only survivor but loses a leg in the process. The vet who cares for him adopts him. The vet gives medical care to the animals in the shelter so they can be adopted.

The dog tells the story of some of the animals in the shelter waiting to be adopted. The book is really hard to read as it describes the depression the animals have for being at the shelter for so long and the abuse and neglect, they have had before they came to the shelter.

Though it’s sad it’s also realistic and this is why I think it’s a good thing for children to read. Maybe after reading this, children will think not to abuse an animal because they have feelings too and animals not being treated right have long term consequences from abuse and neglect sometimes to never recover.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nanci Turner Steveson grew up with a book in one hand, the reins of a pony in the other. She wrote her first “novel” at age nine about a wild horse named Liberty. Nanci is a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and is on the Board of Directors of the Jackson Hole Writers Conference. She is a theatre stage manager, Teen Creative Writing Instructor at the Teton County Library, and reading fairy to book hungry children. The mother of two grown sons, Nanci lives in a historic meadow cabin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with assorted horses and dogs. She is dedicated to getting books into the hands of the homeless through her Literacy for Hope Project. Nanci is represented by Al Zuckerman, the founder of Writers House, LLC, and can also be reached through her web site at http://www.nanciturnersteveson.com

Thank you for stopping in and have a wonderful weekend.

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Daily Prompt 6 April Saturday

Daily writing prompt
What animals make the best/worst pets?
View all responses

There is no right or wrong answer for this one. What may be the best/worse animal for me may not necessarily be the best/worse animal for you. There are so many things to take into consideration before acquiring an animal. Do you really want this animal and it’s not something you’ll be tired of in a month. Do you have the time to devote to this animal, walking brushing, attention, training etc, depending on what kind you get? Will you be home enough so they don’t have separation anxiety and chew, scratch or go on your floor? Pets like kids come with unexpected expenses, that puppy or kitten may be so adorable to look at but eventually they’ll need vet care for an emergency, sickness or just plain routine maintenance. Will you be able to afford the upkeep of it? It’s not far to the animal if you get it and can’t afford it and then dump it back at a shelter. Since Covid the cost of pet foods and litter and their supplies have gone up every few months. It’s not cheap being a pet parent. If you can afford it and have the time for a pet(s) it’ll be a lifelong friendship and devotion so take all these into consideration before getting your new pet. I’ve had cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs as pets. Currently I have 2 cats and feed 3 strays outside. I have no dogs or rabbits but do have guinea pigs.

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THE SUNDAY POST

THE SUNDAY POST

20 Amazing this you can do with a lemon.

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.

This chocolate peppermint Swiss roll recipe is so pretty and festive! The cake is filled with peppermint whipped cream. Topped with chocolate ganache and candy canes.

MY BOOK HAUL THIS WEEK

These are my physical books I got in the mail this week.

20 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS TO MAKE WITH GRANDCHILDREN

MY NETGALLEY HAUL THIS WEEK

I didn’t go overboard this week, or anything did I?

6 Most Common Holiday Plants Toxic to Cats

This week has been incredibly busy with going out Christmas shopping, a doctor visit for my hubby, taking our son back and forth to work, library trips, taking stuff to GoodWill after a cleanup, multiple trips to Walmart and visiting my husband’s parent’s graves. I’m glad to be taking a day off from running around today. I’ll be reading and taking a walk today. I hope your health is well and you’re finding some time to relax.

Here’s a blizzard of brrrilliant snow-driven facts…

How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast

11 MOST POPULAR COFFEE FLAVORS & SEASONAL COFFEE FLAVORS

We have a lot of rain today. Stay safe wherever you are and thank you for stopping in.