Tag: Winter

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BOOKS FROM THE BACKLOG

BOOKS FROM THE BACKLOG

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. Hosted by Carole’s Random Life.

THIS WEEK’S NEGLECTED BOOK

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022 

Description

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—crackling bonfires, the scent of snow in the salty air, carols ringing out on the village green. 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, but the new addition has trouble fitting into the yarn shop’s holiday spirit. 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 Mayor Beatrice Scaglia’s holiday party, where a well-dressed crowd admires the mayor’s sumptuous new home and the 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 party-goers can toast the beginning of Sea Harbor’s festive season, the chef—and young wife of the Endicott’s old Harvard friend—is found dead beneath the mistletoe.

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…

I am drawn to holiday cozies, what about you? I’m not sure why I haven’t read this one yet. Too many books, too little time as they say. I actually have a tattoo with that on it 🙂

Have you read this author yet? Will you be reading this one?

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top ten Tuesday books with weather-related words in the title

TOP TEN TUESDAY

This week’s topic is all about weather! What books have you read/do you want to read that have weather-related words in the title or on the cover image? Words/images like storm, rain, blizzard, flood, lightning, hail, snow, wind, etc. all count for this! For this topic I decided to go with the word snow. Which weather-related words are on your book covers? Hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl.

Okay, this may be a bit more than 10 but with these beautiful covers I couldn’t help myself. Have you read any of these or are any of these titles on your tbr list? I’ve read quite a few of them myself.

Have a wonderful day and I hope it’s not snowing yet where you are. We usually will see snow in late November or sometime in December here.

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Through the Snow Globe: A Charming and Uplifting Holiday Read by Annie Rains

306 PAGES August 22,2023 publication date Kensington publishers

About The Book

What if you could have one more day with someone you lost?

Diana Merriman, a physical therapist, is probably the only person in the small town of Snow Haven, North Carolina, who isn’t looking forward to Christmas. It’s been three weeks since her fiancé Linus was critically injured when a car hit him as he biked home from the toy store he owns and manages. Watching him open his eyes is the only gift she wants, but she can’t help losing a little more hope every day.
 
But an unexpected visit from a friendly neighbor and finding a snow globe of Snow Haven—a gift Linus had hidden in the closet—the night before Christmas Eve changes things in ways Diana never would have imagined. Because on Christmas Eve Diana wakes up to find that it’s not—Christmas Eve, that is. Instead, it’s somehow December 4 all over again, the day Linus got hurt, and as mystified as Diana is, she immediately starts a plan to save her partner from his fate.  
 
Nothing is that simple, of course. Instead of a single repeat of that day, Diana finds herself in an endless loop of December 4, experiencing every possible variation of events. Along the way, she uncovers startling truths about herself, her relationship, and even her career that illustrate the ways she’s retreated from her life—and in the face of life’s slights and outright blows, from her deepest feelings. Suddenly hope is second only to joy as Diana opens her heart to the people she loves in every way she can.

My Thoughts

I have enjoyed books by this author in the past and I just knew this would be such an enjoyable read. I am so ready to start reading this year’s Christmas books.
Through the Snow Globe is fun, caring and optimistic.
I have not read many time-loop books but this one was a hit with me and now I’ll be looking for more.


Diana Merriman, a physical therapist, is not looking forward to Christmas. Her fiancée has been critically injured on his bicycle and is fighting for his life. Before his serious injury their relationship isn’t in the best shape.

He really would like to make wedding plans but she’s avoiding anything wedding related. She wants to advance in her career first. I didn’t like Diana’s character at first, she seems self-centered.


When Diana finds an enchanted snow globe in Linus’s closet it changes her life. This beautiful snow globe puts her in a time-loop as she relives December 4th over and over again. She experiences every possible scenario of what has already happened on this day. The good and the bad. Diana learns a lot about self-discovery and what really is important in life and her relationships.

You can emphasize with her character as she knows what’s going to happen. I just loved the ending and seeing Diana and Linus having another chance at happiness.

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

The Author

Annie Rains is a USA Today Bestselling author of small town contemporary romance full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about being an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing deadlines and happy ever afters for her characters ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is usually spending time with her husband and 3 children, bingeing Netflix, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Sign up for Annie’s newsletter to stay informed about new releases and sales: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j4b9d8

You can find Annie online at http://www.annierains.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @annierainsbooks

Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

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Once Upon a December a paranormal Christmas on repeat story by Amy E. Reichert

336 pages October 4,2022 publication date Berkley publisher

About The Book

“An absolutely perfect holiday hug.”–New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren

“This feel-good novel brings tidings of joy.”–Woman’s World

A one-of-a-kind Christmas market offers holiday magic in this new romance from the author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club.

With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn’t just a seasonal specialty—it’s a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra’s yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She’s ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.
 
For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He’s never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he’s been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.
 
After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons, or if what they’re feeling is as ephemeral as marshmallows in a mug of hot cocoa.

Kringla cookie recipe here

These easy Kringla cookies are a traditional Scandinavian family favorite that’s perfect for Christmas, or any time of year! With just a few easy ingredients and no special equipment needed, you’ll have the softest, most pillowy cookies that you and your family will adore!

Website here

My Thoughts

I would say there were positives and negatives about this book. This is another quirky and out of the ordinary Christmas themed book.
I’ll admit I was a bit confused as I read this one.

I will say it has a very strong Christmasy vibe which added to the authenticity of Christmas time. This is the romantic story of Astra Noel Snow, a recently divorced librarian and Jack Clausen whose family owns a bakery. Every December there is a Milwaukee Christmas market and Astra loves it.

This Christmas market is in an alley only accessible during Julemarked, a fabulous Christmas world where Jack lives. Every 4 weeks Julemarked transfers to another place and the people you meet during Julemarked you don’t remember from year to year.

If Jack goes outside of this magical Christmas world, he feels dizzy and nauseated.
When Jack starts saving the best Kringle cookies for Astra they know they may have something special. Can it possibly work out though she’s in the regular world and he lives in a special Christmas world?

Pub Date 04 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Amy Reichert earned her MA in Literature from Marquette University, and honed her writing and editing skills as a technical writer (which is exactly as exciting as it sounds). As a newly minted member of the local library board, she loves helping readers find new books to love. She’s a life-long Wisconsin resident with (allegedly) a very noticeable accent, a patient husband, and two too-smart-for-their-own-good kids. When time allows, she loves to read, collect more cookbooks than she could possibly use, and test the limits of her DVR.

Grab A Copy Here

If you try the cookies let me know how they turn out. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

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Murder in a Cape Cottage (A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery 4) by Maddie Day

322 pages September 27,2022 publish date Kensington publisher

About The Book

From Agatha-awarding winning author Maddie Day comes the latest novel in her Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series set in a picturesque Cape Cod town, where resourceful bike-shop owner Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida” tackles a cold case with the help of her fellow book club sleuths—a treat for fans of fresh, clever, cozy mysteries and those who love Lorna Barrett’s Booktown series.
 
ʼTis the day after Christmas, following a wicked-busy time of year for Mac’s bike shop. It’s just as well her Cozy Capers Book Group’s new pick is a nerve-soothing coloring book mystery, especially when she has last-minute wedding planning to do. But all pre-wedding jitters fade into the background when Mac and her fiancé, Tim, begin a cottage renovation project and open up a wall to find a skeleton—sitting on a stool, dressed in an old-fashioned bridal gown . . .
 
As Mac delves into the decades-old mystery with the help of librarian Flo and her book group, she discovers a story of star-crossed lovers and feuding families worthy of the bard himself. Yet this tale has a modern-day villain still lurking in Mac’s quaint seaside town, ready to make this a murderous New Year’s Eve . . .
 
Includes Recipes!

Cape Cod travel sticker or luggage label

My Thoughts

Bike-shop owner Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida is at it again, amateur sleuthing that is.
She and her fiancée Tim are renovating their cottage just days before their wedding and a skeleton is found behind a wall of a young woman in a wedding dress. This is a cold case as it’s been there for more than eighty years.

Taking place in the Cape Cod area of Massachusetts, I was eager to read this book for several reasons. One being that we traveled to Mass on an anniversary trip last year in July. My first time to Mass and I love to read about places I’ve traveled to.

Would they be able to find anyone to talk to in town that remembered the details of this crime from so long ago. When they do, this person is in danger for daring to talk. I enjoy this author’s cozies the stories flow nicely and they’re not overly complicated.

Throw in a little help from the Mac’s fellow book club sleuths. Secrets are spilled and an old timer remembers the story of the star-crossed lovers whose feuding families didn’t want them together. I’m all in for the setting of this coastal town.

When the case is ready to break, and the clues come tumbling out will it prevent the newest couple from marrying this New Years Eve?
Fast paced with a great plot and setting. I’m in for reading more by this author.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Maddie Day is a talented amateur chef and holds a PhD in linguistics from Indiana University. An Agatha Award-winning author, Maddie writes the Country Store, Cozy Capers Book Group, and Cece Barton Mysteries, all from Kensington Publishing.

As Edith Maxwell, she write the Local Foods Mysteries (Kensington Publishing) and the Quaker Midwife Mysteries (Beyond the Page), as well as award-winning short crime fiction.

You can find all Maddie’s/Edith’s identities and work at http://www.edithmaxwell.com. She blogs every week day with the other Wicked Authors at wickedauthors.com and every second and fourth Fridays at mysteryloverskitchen.com. Look for her as Maddie Day/ Edith Maxwell on Facebook and @edithmaxwell and @maddiedayauthor on Twitter and Instagram.

You could make all the difference in someone’s life. Do your best. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by.

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Christmas in July Reads, Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands: A totally gorgeous and completely addictive Christmas romance by Donna Ashcroft

254 pages publication date September 27,2022 Bookouture publisher

About The Book

Step into Christmas Village in the Scottish Highlands where you’ll find plenty of mulled wine, romance and secrets! And join Merry McKenzie as she stays at her Aunt Ava’s cottage for the winter festivities to try and mend her broken heart…

Thirty-one-year-old Merry has vowed never to have her heart broken again. When her Aunt Ava asks her to house-sit Chestnut Cottage to look after her menagerie of animals, Merry jumps at the opportunity. Perhaps spending Christmas in the snowy Scottish Highlands will be just the escape she needs…

But on her first night in the little cottage everything goes wrong. The lights don’t work. It’s freezing cold. She has to call out the local vet, Theo Ellis-Lee, to help her calm down her aunt’s over-excited pet turkey. Merry realises she’s completely out of her comfort zone and it doesn’t help that Theo is both infuriatingly cheerful and insanely attractive.

It gets worse when Theo begins stopping by the cottage every day to check on the unruly animals. Merry wanted to prove that she doesn’t need a man holding her hand all the way. And Theo wasn’t part of her plans to be home alone for Christmas. Except Merry can’t deny the handsome vet sets her pulse racing…

Merry tries to keep up her Scrooge-like persona, but gradually Theo begins to melt her heart with his cheeky sense of humour and smouldering looks. As the two of them share cosy evenings drinking wine and eating cookies, Merry lets down her guard for the first time in a very long time.

But when Merry discovers Theo has been keeping a secret from her, it makes her wonder if she can really trust him. Can Theo convince Merry to give him a second chance? Or will Merry leave Christmas Village and return home heartbroken?

My Thoughts

Merry McKenzie is visiting the Scottish Highlands for Christmas. Now I’ve never visited there myself, but the book sure makes it sound like the perfectly festive getaway.
As a lover of animals, I was thrilled to read a book full of so many animals including some pretty funny scenes.

She is there for a month to take care of her aunts’ animals while she is traveling. I’ve read a few of this authors’ books already so I knew I would enjoy this story and it was what I was expecting. Things get off to a bit of a hilarious start when Chewy, her aunts’ rabbit chews up an important list she needed. With her aunt away, Merry is tasked with filling her aunt’s job of doing the Secret Santa.

I just love Secret Santa, so much fun. When Chewy chews up the list she doesn’t know what gift for who is. The local vet helps her figure out who each gift is for, but she doesn’t know it, she thinks she figures it out herself.
Theo Ellis-Lee, the local vet starts coming every evening to check on the animals, he’s infuriatingly cheerful and can’t help bringing a smile to Merry’s face when they go to the pub.
This visit to the highlands is really a healing trip for Merry, she needs to figure out somethings in life and this is to help take her mind off things. She has important things to decide and with the help of a certain handsome vet her mind just may have been made up a lot quicker.

Loved the immersion of the Christmas spirit I felt while reading this. The town’s people are so friendly and welcoming to this outsider she just may decide to make this winter’s vacation one she’s not going to leave. Grab your hot chocolate with marshmallows and your cat you’re going to enjoy snuggling up while reading this one.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

here

About The Author

Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager.

Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019, has had eleven books published with Bookouture and is working on her next which is due out in September 2023.

Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she’s not reading or writing she’ll probably be found hoovering … or negotiating with her kids about who is doing the washing up.

You can find Donna on Twitter @Donnashc or visit her at http://www.donna-writes.co.uk

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping in today.

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Snowflakes Over Primrose Woods

The perfect festive, feel-good love story from Jill Steeples

268 pages Boldwood Books publisher series Primrose Woods 2 of 3 October 04, 2022 publish date

About The Book

Abbey Carter, her boyfriend Sam and their trusty canine companion Lady, relish living in the picturesque village of Wishwell at the edge of their beloved Primrose Woods.  The woods and the country park are full of activity as the festive season approaches.

Lizzie Baker is flat out at the Treetops café, serving all sorts of winter warmers, festive goodies and lashings of hot chocolate. And when her daughter and grandchildren arrive to stay, the run up to Christmas is set to be even more magical than she had expected.

Rhianna West has finally found the perfect man to fall in love with – if only Luke wasn’t moving away in the New Year. 

As the snow falls on Primrose Woods, and the village of Wishwell sparkles with Christmas lights, could this be the year that every wish comes true for the three friends?

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

The Primrose Woods series by Jill Steeples is such a lovely series.
The feel-good book is just what you’ll need at the end of your day.
I read this while drinking my Tazo orange tea and what a wonderful relaxation it was.
Not finding Australia living up to what they were expecting Lizzie’s daughter and two children just pop up on her doorstep to stay, it’s a surprising but thrilling moment.
I enjoyed the relationships the women had with each other. They are close friends, sharing romance troubles and triumphs.
Rhianna West has had a best friend for a long time, Luke. She sees him now as a romantic interest. If only he wasn’t moving so far away, and she sure doesn’t do long distance relationships.
Abbey Carter has a fun and friendly dog. She and her boyfriend Sam love living on the outskirts of scenic Primrose Woods in the picturesque village of Wishwell. There are so many activities for them to do as a family.
I enjoyed following each woman’s journey as they navigate day to day life and on again- off again relationships but yet are always the backbone in friendship for each other.
I enjoyed the snowy setting and seeing the excitement of the anticipation of Christmas through the eyes of the children. There was such an exciting and wonderful surprise on Christmas Eve.
An uplifting and positive book. I would recommend it.

Pub Date 04 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

Jill Steeples is the author of many successful women’s fiction titles – most recently the Dog and Duck series – all set in the close communities of picturesque English villages.

Her novels are heart-warming, feel-good stories of new beginnings, friendship and love.

Jill’s brand new fiction series will be launched in February 2022 with Starting Over at Primrose Woods.

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.