The Open Seat cafe is closing its doors after thirty-plus years. At the center of it all is Nora Anderson, who is saying goodbye to the life she built with her late husband, Frank. Grieving him is hard enough… until shocking revelations force her to question the life she thought she had.
As the countdown to Saturday begins, the café fills with familiar faces. Each carrying their own unfinished story. The sarcastic barista, the delivery guy, a father and his daughter, the local rock star, and a loyal regular.
Over the course of one unforgettable week, emotions run high, chaos turns into something more, and sparks fly in all the wrong (and exactly right) places. As long-buried secrets begin to surface, every life in the café is pulled together in ways none of them expected. Right up until closing time.
Two lattes with heart-shaped latte art on a rustic table by a window overlooking a quaint street
MY THOUGHTS
The book was a bit different than what I expected when I started it. A rom com with different pov’s and dealing with grief and unexpected discoveries. Friends, found family, coming together to celebrate and moving on. A nice story getting to know the coffee shop characters and their different perspectives.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Elaine Evans has had a love of writing ever since she can remember. It wasn’t until she hit middle-age that she decided to turn it into a career. A decision that has changed her life for the better.
When she’s not writing you can find Elaine exploring her other hobbies of reading, cooking, and photography. But more than anything, it is the role of wife, mother, and dog mom to her black Pomeranian, Vinnie, that she cherishes the most. Outside of the home, she works as a pediatric Medical Assistant, a job she adores. Elaine resides in Ohio with her family.
361 pages Publisher Avon Publication date October 24, 2023
ABOUT THE BOOK
New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde’s delightful Twilight, Texas, series continues with this sparkling Christmas novel. A reality TV show producer returns to her hometown of Twilight in this lovers reunited story filled with holiday spirit and perfect for readers of Susan Mallery and Jill Shalvis.
She was the one who got away…
Noelle Curry has returned to Twilight to plan the most spectacular double wedding the town has ever seen—and do it on national television. But the woman known as “The Wedding Whisperer” is knocked speechless when she notices her teenage crush, Gil Thomas, is about to plunge into icy cold water wearing nothing more than a pair of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer swim trunks. He is the sexiest guy participating in the annual polar bear plunge and seeing him pushes all thoughts of white lace and rose blossoms right out of her mind.
He was the man who decided to stay…
Single dad Gil doesn’t regret giving up his dreams of big-city singing stardom for small-town life. But seeing Noelle—who’s blossomed from the once-gawky teenager to West Coast beauty—has him thinking of days—and nights—a whole lot hotter than his plunge in the lake. And even though he knows she’ll be heading out as soon as her work is finished, he can’t help hoping the magic of Christmas in Twilight will get her to change her mind and stay in town—and by his side—forever.
A two-tiered winter wedding cake with seasonal decorations
MY THOUGHTS
Will this wedding planner soon be planning her own wedding? She has planned on returning to Twilight, Texas at Christmas time to prepare for a spectacular televised wedding then immediately leave afterwards. What she hadn’t planned on was seeing an old flame looking better than ever, oh the memories come alive at just the sight of him. Seeing her brings it all home for him but he has a daughter now to think of and her opinions matter and she’s looking for a new Mommy. Though I haven’t read a book in the long-standing Twilight, Texas series in several years it’s just as good as I remember. The author brings the characters alive with that special Christmas magic sprinkled in.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
BIO
Lori Wilde is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers’ Weekly bestselling author of 110 works of romantic fiction. Her writing has won numerous awards and her books have been translated into 26 languages, with more than ten million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her series The Wedding Veil Wishes inspired six movies from Hallmark starring Lacey Chabert, Autumn Reese, and Alison Sweeney. The movies broke viewing records for Hallmark. Her first NYT bestseller, The First Love Cookie Club, was made into a Christmas movie also with Hallmark called A Kismet Christmas.
Lori is a registered nurse with a BSN from Texas Christian University, along with a Master in Liberal Arts from the same university. She holds a certificate in forensics, a certificate in screenwriting from UCLA and she is also a certified yoga instructor. A sixth-generation Texan, Lori lives with her husband, Bill, in the Cutting Horse Capital of the World.
by Song Yu-jeong (Author), Shanna Tan (Translator)
192 pages Publisher William Morrow Paperbacks Publication date July 7, 2026
ABOUT THE BOOK
THE KOREAN SENSATION
For lovers of The Midnight Library and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, discover a spellbinding novel about a mysterious bookshop that exists outside of time and space, where the past is only a page away…
If you’re lost or grieving, you’ll find The Memory Bookshop, where the shelves are endless; the books, strangely familiar; and where memories are bound in pages.
Jiwon’s life has been slowly disintegrating since her mother died. Until one day, caught by a sudden downpour, she stumbles into a mysterious bookstore. Inside, she is met by Manager K and offered no explanation, only a mysterious hourglass and a rare opportunity: to travel back to three chapters of her life.
But returning to the past isn’t without risk. In exchange, Jiwon must give up time in her future.
As she wanders between the shelves, the bookshop humming with memories and regrets, she must ask herself: can the past truly be rewritten? Or does the real magic lie in the life she’s yet to live?
Warm, wise, and full of wonder, The Memory Bookshop is a story about the journey of grief and the power of books to carry us home.
MY THOUGHTS
The Memory Bookshop is heartachingly beautiful. After a woman has trouble accepting and dealing with the grief from her mother’s death seven years later she visits a doctor only to be given no counseling or mental health help but just a prescription by a short-tempered doctor. Wandering the neighborhood after the visit she stumbles upon the Memory Bookshop which appears to those who need it. Upon entering she finds books from her childhood bringing back childhood memories and the exact scenes and smells of past events. Revisiting these moments in time that have passed leads to help in her dealing with grief and really takes the reader back in time and has a profound effect on them. Such a beautiful read and really makes you think.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Song Yu-jeong has been writing webnovels for six years under the pen name “All Day.” Her novel The Memory Bookshop was initially self-published after reaching 150% of its target on the crowdfunding platform Tumblbug, before being picked up by Dasan Books in South Korea.
A cozy magical bookshop nestled within a giant tree lights up a tranquil evening forest scene.
320 pages Publisher Atria Books Publication date July 28, 2026
ABOUT THE BOOK
Amid a sweltering Los Angeles heat wave, Murano, a reclusive high school English teacher, is muddling through life. Reeling from his father’s sudden death as well as his own recent cancer diagnosis, he passes time hazily grading papers and appeasing disgruntled parents while counting down each day until summer vacation.
The monotony breaks when he inherits his great-uncle Benjiro’s unpublished memoir. What Murano expects to be a grim reminder of his position as the half-white son of the family’s outcast instead whisks him away to 1930s California, to a time when the Murano family was inseparable, relishing life together on their bucolic farm. As the memoir introduces him to relatives he never knew existed and unearths hidden complexities of the past, Murano is pulled close to the Japanese identity he’s dismissed all of his life. Faced with the reality of his family’s dissolution, Murano becomes determined to understand its breaking point following their incarceration in American concentration camps during World War II, no matter what hidden truths he might uncover about his ancestors or himself.
Lovingly crafted with poignant and profound attention to historical detail, When Mikan Road Was Ours is a rich meditation on belonging that seamlessly blends the intricacies of heritage, the resilience of family bonds, and the struggle to reconcile a past filled with both heartache and hope.
MY THOUGHTS
When Mikan Road was Ours really has a great depth to its writing not usually seen from a debut author. The book is based on his family history. This is a Japanese American family, and it takes us through four generations of family members and how past generations doings are felt and have had an effect through all and up to present generations. There is grief and struggles as the family is forced to endure things no one should. No one talks about the concentration camps anymore and time marches on and it all seems to be forgotten but it’s not. Your time here is not forgotten, and you count. Thank you to the author for an enlightening story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
To help myself sleep better I take magnesium glycinate before bed every night. I shower every night before bed which is so relaxing. I also read to relax and it makes me nice and sleepy.
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.
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
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?
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.
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
Version 1.0.0
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.
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 . . .
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…
