304 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date September 2, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Shepherd’s Heart by Tracie Peterson On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her, but as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love?
No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer’s family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?
A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?
MY THOUGHTS
I have read many books by each of the authors, so I was excited to see a novella collection with all of these authors contributing to it. These are Christian fiction authors who wrote clean, well thought out enjoyable Christmas stories with each having a connecting theme. I loved each story equally and am grateful I had a chance to read them.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
208 pages Sourcebooks Landmark Pub Date Oct 07 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Nantucket’s famous Christmas Stroll is always the first week of December and this year Mimi’s Place co-owners want to do something extra special for the restaurant. It will be Emma and Paul’s first Christmas together as a couple and Mandy’s first holiday as a newly divorced mother of two. Although Mandy does have a promising new relationship, she wants to take things very slow, and the holidays are for sure not the time to dive in too deep.
Their sister Jill and her new husband, Billy, are planning to spend the whole month of December on Nantucket too, juggling remote work for the executive search firm they own together in Manhattan with relaxing, spending time with family, and helping out at the restaurant too.
Gina Caruso, the awesome bar manager, is spending her first winter on Nantucket after having lived for years in Boston. It’s a bit of an adjustment―winters on Nantucket are so much quieter than the city life she was used to. She’s even more confused when someone she had a major crush on back in the city moves to Nantucket, while Jared Hawthorne, the new sous chef at Mimi’s Place makes it his mission to introduce Gina to all of Nantucket’s holiday festivities. Suddenly her boring winter is starting to look a lot more interesting.
MY THOUGHTS
This is my first read by the author and I really loved the book. I also appreciate it being a clean read a well. Three sisters inherit a restaurant and it’s their story as they run it along with other women.
The book is warm you feel a happy good feeling while reading it and surely want to recommend it to a friend. It’s a story of family and friends.
I loved seeing the support the sisters gave to each other as they all lead similar yet different lives. All have things going on, children, relationships, business but yet at Christmas time things seem a bit brighter a bit less stressful. I look forward to diving in and reading more books by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Pamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women’s fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you’d want as friends.
She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women’s fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There’s also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two.
Feel free to sign up for her list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available as well as extras like early bird discounts. Just cut and paste into your browser, http://eepurl.com/IZbOH
272 pages Publisher Kensington Cozies Publication date April 29, 2025
Look at that poor dog. I think he is as frightened of the spider as we are. I’ve been enjoying the cozy mysteries lately. I hope you’re not getting tired of my reviews of them.
ABOUT THE BOOK
One of the sweetest places to visit in Eastport, Maine, is Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose, where people treat themselves to the most decadent desserts. But the island town also seems to cater to those with bitter dispositions . . .
Decorations of cobwebs and creatures are just being taken down across Eastport’s picturesque houses as the community says farewell to Halloween and ushers in winter with the unique confectionaries found only at the Chocolate Moose. Revelers have gathered on the waterfront for a party at local celebrity Hank Rafferty’s ramshackle mansion, known as Stone House. The home repair TV show star and his guests await a devilish dessert delivery from Jake and Ellie—who arrive just after Hank falls to his death from the house’s turret’s balcony.
Despite his show’s popularity, Hank was not exactly beloved in Eastport, prompting the police to conduct a homicide investigation. Their number one suspect is the temperamental boyfriend of police chief Lizzie Snow, whom Hank openly hit on during the party. Although he may be hotheaded, Lizzie doesn’t believe her boyfriend is capable of killing anyone.
And neither do Jake and Ellie. Plenty of people had motive to want Hank dead—a disillusioned admirer, a school bully, and a discontent wife among them. Did any of them take the murderous plunge, or is there another ghost in Hank’s shady past yet to be revealed?
MY THOUGHTS
Eastport, Maine, is the home of famous bakery, the Chocolate Moose. The Chocolate Moose is set to cater a supposedly haunted mansion where things go bump in the night and is rumored to have ghosts. The waterfront property is the setting for a party taking place that is owned by a tv celebrity by the name of Hank Rafferty.
He and his guests are awaiting a mouthwatering delivery of fresh baked goods. Oh, there was a delivery alright, and it wasn’t baked goods it was his body falling from an upper balcony right in front of all the guests. Hank wouldn’t have won any popularity contests and there are several suspects lined up by the police.
Quick after Halloween themed cozy mystery that kept me reading and finished it in a day. A surprise ending.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Sarah Graves lives with her husband John, a musician and luthier, and their black Labrador Retriever in a house very much like the one Jacobia Tiptree is remodeling in Eastport, Maine. When she’s not writing Jake’s adventures, Sarah works with her husband on the house and she plays the 5-string banjo.
Happy weekend. Thank you for reading my post today!
320 pages Publisher Poisoned Pen Press Publication date October 22, 2024
ABOUT THE BOOK
USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns is back with the third installment in the “delightfully sweet” Maple Syrup Mysteries, transporting readers back to the cozy town of Sugar Ridge, Vermont, where things are bound to go from sweet, to sour.
Sometimes, there’s no one you can crust…
It’s Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and Leila Khoury, manager of Sappy Endings Farm, is ready to usher in the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. The day is meticulously planned, from the judging panel to the maple lattes, and Leila can’t wait for the entire town to enjoy some sweet treats.
But when a neighbor drops dead from sampling a poisoned pumpkin pie, it’s not just Leila’s perfect day that’s in jeopardy―her livelihood is now at stake. And after yet another near-fatal incident, she realizes an even more terrifying truth: the killer wasn’t targeting her neighbor, but someone even closer to home!
Can Leila figure out who’s behind the murder, before the dough hits the fan?
Includes delicious holiday pie recipes!
MY THOUGHTS
In the Blink of a Pie is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries series and I’ve read and loved them all.
A Fall themed cozy mystery has Leila Khoury returning to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, as the manager helping her mother run Sappy Endings Farm after the passing of her father selling maple syrup/sugar. along with her mother running the gift shop and cafe it’s become a pretty popular place for locals and tourists alike to stop in.
A Thanksgiving pie baking contest with them being dropped off at the farm to be judged will just add to the farm’s busy season but they’re ready for it. Business is so brisk that Leila hires a local woman to help her mother in the cafe, and she already has experience running a bagel shop, so she fits in nicely and is such a big help.
The day of the pie judging is here, and the town’s folks are all aflutter with excitement but when someone drops dead from the tasting of the pies to be judged the business drops like a rock at the farm and cafe.
While this is a cozy mystery to solve, I enjoyed that its main focus wasn’t just on this. There are other side stories and developments, a romance developing for Leila, her relationship with her boyfriend’s daughter, mother daughter strengthening relationships after it has been strained for a while.
Best friend relationships and clues that are well paced as we figure out who the suspects are and why they may have done it. The pacing was even and on track and I really enjoyed the book a lot. I hope to see more in the series soon.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Catherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
320 pages Publisher St. Martin’s Paperbacks Publication date June 27, 2023
ABOUT THE BOOK
A movie production brings drama―and murder―to a close-knit New England village, forcing Riley Rhodes to scoop out the suspects.
Former CIA librarian and amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes is loving her fresh start as the manager of the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. The leaves are turning, tourists are leaf-peeping, and Penniman, Connecticut is putting finishing touches on the weekend long Halloween Happening. But the village is also buzzing. Former child star Cooper Collins is overseeing the production of a romantic comedy that’s filming on the town green and his domineering socialite mother, Diantha, is planning her lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her fiancé has run the Inn’s kitchen for years, ably aided by his recent ex-wife, chef Mary Ann Dumas. An old friend of Riley’s, Mary Ann turns to her when the bride requests a spooky ice cream wedding cake.
But the weekend takes a frightful turn when Diantha is found dead and suspicion falls on Mary Ann. The cast of potential suspects is long―each wedding guest had a chilling motive to kill the vicious heiress. Can Riley unmask the murderer before another guest ends up on ice?
MY THOUGHTS
Though this is the third book in the series it’s my first read of this series. It is an intriguing book loaded with Halloween and spooky themes and let’s not forget ice cream.
The town of Penniman, Connecticut is all alight this Halloween weekend as former child star Cooper Collins is in charge of the filming happening on the town green. To top it off his bossy mother getting married is the talk of the town with a lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her husband to has worked in the inns kitchen for years aided by his former wife.
When the bride to be requests a spooky wedding cake and then is found dead all eyes turn to the former wife but is she the responsible one? What a clever way the murder was carried out I’ve never seen this ingenious way written about in a mystery before.
Loved the twists and turns and now I’m hungry for ice cream.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Books? Travel? Ice Cream? Yes, please! Former librarian Meri Allen loves exploring the back roads – and ice cream shops – of her native New England. She also writes the award-winning Lobster Shack Mystery series as Shari Randall. Check out her travels, recipes, book giveaways and fun in her quarterly newsletter, The Scoop. Sign up on https://www.meriallenbooks.com. Happy reading!
384 pages Publisher Harper Collins Publication date September 16, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.
❄️❄️❄️❄️
As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.
Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they’re about to spend a lot more time together.
As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?
The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic, small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Enemies to lovers
Found family
Small Town
MY THOUGHTS
This is Dream Harbor book number five and it’s absolutely lovely. I’m delighted I got a chance to read it. We continue on with the same characters while adding a few new characters in to make it even better. I love having the familiarity of past characters to anchor a book. A small-town cozy spicy holiday romance.
Our two main characters have known each other for years and he’s been crushing on her this whole time, but she had no idea. They did have a bit of a romantic past that didn’t last but that hasn’t kept him from still wanting to be with her.
She’s always treated him as an annoyance and when he’s returned to town she seems to notice him, really notice him. Where have these feelings come from, she wonders, this isn’t supposed to be happening. A second chance romance that’ll have you cheering the characters to actually stay together this time. And yes, there are kittens in the book, who can resist that?
We also meet the main characters from the next book in the series, and I can’t wait to read it next Spring.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Laurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.
When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.
Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.
With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?
I’m really drawn to cute Fall covers and this one has Fall vibes on the cover and throughout the book. A nice curl up with a blanket and warm drink kind of book. An unexpected meet cute has Andi and Andrew meeting because of her adorable Husky, Pumpkin. Despite the insta attraction on both of their parts they both have partners though neither is happy in their current relationships.
Who could resist a pumpkin patch in all its Fall glory it’s really such a lovely descriptive Fall book. A spicy Autumn romance that though I enjoyed our main characters my favorite character is Pumpkin the dog, she really stole the show with her mischievous and delightful antics.
I enjoyed seeing the resilience Andi has as she sticks up for herself despite all she’s going through, and the encouragement Andrew gives her. Will a few misunderstandings derail this holiday romance, or will Andrew be just the whipped cream Andi needs on her pumpkin spiced drink? Lovely little romance I’ll be on the lookout for more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.
Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.
Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.
Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?
Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.
Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?
A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit.
For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.
Praise for the Christmas Spirit series:
‘Christmas all wrapped up!’ ‘Right from page one you are drawn into all the joys of Christmas!’ ‘A lovely story about love, friendship and hope all wrapped up in a lovely Christmas jumper!’ ‘You can taste the hot chocolate, see all the Christmas lights and feel the warmth of a Christmas hug.’
This is a new to me author which in my opinion is so fun to try especially when it’s a Christmas book. I felt happy and content while reading the book. It really has a lot of Christmas spirit within its pages. The characters kept me reading and the welcoming Sugar and Spice Cafe is sure to have you wanting to stop in. A lot of the story takes place in the cafe. The cafe is such an important part of the story as friendships and romance are formed and strengthened there. Charming small-town Christmas romance that has me wanting to read the rest in the series now.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio –
Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction and romantic comedies, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship, community – also Christmas!
Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, The Leap Year Proposal and You Can’t Hurry Love
As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.
When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.
Giveaway to Win a signed and dedicated paperback of A Taste of Christmas Spirit (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
280 pages Tyndale Fiction publisher September 3, 2024 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.
Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.
The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.
Includes discussion questions for book clubs
The novella length of this delightful work of Christmas fiction about the true meaning of Christmas makes this a great stocking stuffer or host/hostess gift
Beautiful hardcover, giftable size
Great companion to All My Secrets by Lynn Austin
MY THOUGHTS
While I do enjoy Christmas romance books, I do actually prefer feel good Christmas books of which this one is.
Taking place during the gilded age in 1901, newly married Adelaide Forsythe who grew up in the lap of luxury has had enough of it and just wants to be ordinary and live within her husband’s means. It hasn’t been easy though, growing up with cooks, nannies and maids has left her unable to do the simplest domestic chores but she’s willing to learn.
Coming home one evening hearing a rustling in her bushes she investigates and discovers a ragged street urchin about nine years old. Bringing him in out of the cold he’s cared for.
Now I fell in love with this little boy, though he did have some problems adapting to a new way of life and insecurities plagued him. Though this is novella length it is a beautifully, pull on your heartstring filled story.
A child looking for the rest of his family and can’t rest easily until he does. It’s almost Christmas, will his Christmas hopes be fulfilled or will disappointment once again fill his life?
Poignant read, one that will be remembered for a long time. Recommended highly!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
435 pages Barbour Fiction publisher September 1, 2023 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Rare Snowfall Leads to a Christmas to Remember
Three heartwarming, interconnected stories of faith, love, and restoration, brought to you by three Louisiana-native authors. Will a rare snowy Louisiana Christmas bring restoration and hope to the hometown and hearts of three women from the town’s founding family?
In A Louisiana Snow by Morgan Tarpley Smith, meet Mattie: A passionate visionary who learns to forgive and finds love in unexpected places…
In Restoring Christmas by Betsy St. Amant, meet Jolene: An artist and prodigal daughter who discovers love exists in the very place she once called home…
In A Christmas Reunion by Lenora Worth, meet Adale: A beautiful widow who finally dares to love again…
And don’t forget Granny, whose feisty spirit, blunt dialogue, and quirky ways play an important and endearing role.
MY THOUGHTS
I enjoy reading novellas and this is a lovely Christmas one. Each story builds off of the previous one and when one ends the next seamlessly starts as we find a generational thing going with strong and faithful women from the same Louisiana town.
We don’t usually connect snow and Louisiana but this season with a little holiday magic and a generous helping from the unexpected snowstorm forgiveness, romance and coming together again of a special family may just be happening.
A delightful feel-good holiday story I was delighted to read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHORS
Lenora Worth is an ACFW Honor Roll member. She writes inspirational fiction for Harlequin’s Love Inspired and sweet romance for Tule Publishing. She also writes for Kensington Books. She helped launch the Rodeo Knights Western Romance imprint. Her LIS Body of Evidence made the NY Times Bestseller list and she is also a USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestselling author. In 2016, she received a Romantic Times Pioneers of Fiction Award. Three of her books have been nominated for the ACFW Carol Award and she is an RWA RITA finalist. Lenora has written 80+ books and has an estimated 3 million books in print. She loves cheesecake, shoe shopping, walking on the beach and reading.
Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or baby-talking her dog, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.
Morgan Tarpley Smith is a bestselling author and world traveler who weaves stories of history and heart. She loves to write inspirational fiction that transports readers to faraway places and intertwines past and present to explore questions of truth and faith. Her debut novella was published in 2023 as part of a contemporary collection of interconnected stories called A Louisiana Christmas to Remember, which ranked #8 on the ECPA Bestseller List for Christmas Fiction. Morgan is an award-winning journalist who works as a freelance writer and publishing assistant. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and son. For more information, visit her website by searching her name online.
Hope you’re having a great weekend. Thanks for stopping in.
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