Best Wishes from The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki - Book Review

Series: The Full Moon Coffee Shop #2 

Publication Date: 08th October 2025

Genre: Magic Realism, Cozy Japanese Fiction 

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: Hopeful and mellow 

Satomi has to choose between her career in Tokyo and her country-loving boyfriend, who plans to propose on Christmas. 

Satomi's sister-in-law, Junko, lives with her husband and toddler in a small town. When her estranged and abusive father is ill, Junko and her brother (who left after a big fight and stayed in no contact) return home to discover something about their parent. 

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Satomi, Junko, and Koyuki, with interludes by the cats. 

My Thoughts: 

The book should work as a standalone, though I’d recommend reading the first one as well if you are into astrology and a bit of philosophy. 

This book has the same mellow tone and vibe. The people are selected by the cats of the Full Moon Coffee Shop as the people they would help during Christmastime. 

Then, we get the stories of each of them in their first person. The characters are somewhat related, and one of them has a connection to someone from book one. 

Astrology is the major theme in this one, too, though the focus is on sun, moon, and rising signs (which should be easier to follow). Also, the author uses (and follows) Western astrology. There are a couple of horoscopes to visualize the details (very helpful). 

The names of the food and drinks served by the cats are delightful as ever. I am tempted to leave a couple of lemons in the moonlight and see if the juice will taste different, lol. 

However, I enjoyed the previous book more. The stories were more layered and deeper in that one. Here, we get a few glimpses of the internal conflicts, but the emotional depth is missing. The pacing also feels slower, which shouldn’t be the case since they are simpler! 

That said, the book should be a good read if you want something light and hopeful. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end. It is informative and heartfelt! 

To summarize, Best Wishes from The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a cozy little book about forgiving oneself, second chances, and learning to be happy. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #BestWishesFromTheFullMoonCoffeeShop

Time for You by Elizabeth Davis - Book Review

Publication Date: 23rd Sep 2025

Genre: Time Travel Romance 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Fast-paced and enjoyable 

Daphne Griffin is a first-year residency doctor in emergency medicine in Minnesota. One day, she rides her bike to the hospital and crashes into a man who appears in her path out of thin air. Though unbelievable, the man says he is Henry MacDonald from Edinburgh, Scotland, 1885. 

Henry is disoriented and wants to go home to his mother and two sisters. With no one to help him in the present, Daphne and her friends decide to give it a shot. As Henry lives with them, trying to adjust to 21st-century life, things get a bit complicated for him and Daphne. 

It would have been a great love story if Henry weren’t from 150 years ago! With the time running out, Henry has to decide if he wants to stay or leave. 

The story comes in Daphne's (more % and in the present timeline) and Henry’s (past timeline) third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

The premise sounded cute, so I grabbed this one right away. It’s a short book too (288 pages), which seems to have affected the pacing and development of the romantic track. It’s a quick read, too, after the first couple of chapters. 

In a way, I like that it doesn’t take a lot of time for the characters to accept the possibility of time travel, though they are doctors and science-based and all that. There are things beyond science, and having an open mind is more important. 

The side characters add quite a bit of oomph and fun to the plot. They are fun people to read about. It certainly helps since the FMC doesn’t endear herself with her attitude in some chapters. 

However, I did like the exploration of a person working hard to make their dream career come true, only to realize it may not be what they wanted, and they are unsure of what to do next. It happens! 

The biggest issue is with the romance, which ends up on the fast track. This plotline might have worked better with a slow-burn romance despite the fast pace. Since the love declarations came a bit too early, it felt too surface-level. 

For almost 70% of the book, we get only the FMC’s POV. I thought it was a single POV book until the switch happened. While I like the idea behind this, I felt this rather reduced the reader’s ability to connect with the MMC sooner. 

Still, the book is enjoyable and a light read for those who want something simple and sweet. It should work well as a palate cleaner or a breather between heavy reads. 

To summarize, Time for You is an easy, fluffy read with romance between a contemporary doctor and a 19th-century man. And oh, the concept of time-travel is done well. We get just enough detail to understand how it works. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TimeForYou

Twisted Crows by Will Canduri - Book Review

Twisted Crows by Will Canduri, Andrea Labinger (Translator), Megan Herzart (Illustrator) 

Publication Date: 15th June 2023

Genre: Short Stories 

3 Stars 

One Liner: An interesting mix 

Anthologies are fun to read for the variety they offer. This collection is translated from Spanish and has twenty-eight stories from different genres, themes, tenses, and POVs. We have historical, contemporary, dystopian, futuristic, horror, gothic, realistic, crime, mystery, etc. 

Some stories are in the second-person POV (is this a thing now?) and dialogue heavy. The length also varies, and that adds to its appeal. The translation is rather smooth and seamless (at least for me). The stories do read like they’ve been written in English. 

Given the number, I decided not to review them individually but made notes anyway, so I’m adding that part directly to the review. As with most anthologies, I liked some. However, I couldn’t even figure out a couple of stories, so that did dim the enjoyment. Also, I read the book for over a month (don’t go by the GR dates), so it may have affected my reading experience a little. 

Here we go: 

The Water I Spilled Yesterday- piano, visual artist, ghosts of the house, mental illness (?)  

Luis, Luisita and the Luisitos- short, adult-rated with a laugh-out-loud twist

Rot in Hell, Ramón!- missed bus, how life changes for someone else (what’s the connection)

The Legend of the Astronarda- sea, caption, pirate (no idea what it is)

The Mystery of the Bear’s Claw- detective mystery (kinda convoluted)  

Madame Lingerie- Casanova bid for madame; quirky maybe  

Crow Salad- set in the future and domestic violence (can we please try to make women more assertive, at least in the future. Imagine reading a story set in 2105 with a woman being subjected to domestic abuse. Give us some credit!) 

Luke Comes from the Future- The same as previous, with a questionnaire 

Barbarito Bond- a retired desk worker at the FBI, talks about his life; read it for the ending 

Desideratum- Oh, well, now that’s how you get things done (or maybe not)

Conversation of Tears- different POV, human emotions but not human; well done

Where is Jack Rickshaw?- A journalist struggling to bring or even invent news vanishes; why and how. Interesting  

Terror at Lake St. Clair- Spooky, horror-ish, twisted indeed

Mortimer’s Infidelity- What happens when a man confesses to his infidelity and his wife is (too) calm about it? Predictable 

Mima- fishermen family, dreams, aspirations, betrayal 

On the Shores of the Guatavita- Umm… something happens 

Feromondo- Archeology, old manuscript, secret, and then it’s gone

Olivia and Me- a beggar’s life 

An Afternoon in Cayapán- A wagon driver’s day in a teeny village on a hot summer noon 

Between Two Moons, Your Eyes- Moon’s POV peeking into a house?

Flight 1039- Empty flight for a person? Really?

Aleja Ventura- Life story of an 86yo. Peels off layers, one by one. Nothing is as it seems. 

Ludovico- A discussion between a psychopathic son and an estranged father? Or is it?

The Phantom’s Revenge- An invisible guy, second person POV, creepy but maybe surprising at the end 

Pocaterra- Commander, political thingy. Betrayal and revenge 

Lanky’s Helmet- gang wars, death, life; short and impactful 

Letters in the Darkness- A short detective story about a death in a hotel room. Lots of telling, but is fast-paced. 

Two Rocking Chairs- A story about a stubborn old man and his life. The ending is rather sweet and made me smile. 

As you can see, not many stories managed to wow me. This is a fairly mixed read (timepass types) but not something I’ll remember in the long run. 

To summarize, Twisted Crows is a varied collection of short stories that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Each reader will have different preferences, so you might like it better than I did. 

Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSoical, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TwistedCrows

All in for Christmas by Ginny Baird - Book Review

Publication Date: 09th Sep 2025

Genre: Contemporary Christmas Romance

3 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyable, but the writing is stilted 

Paige Pierce is a practical person with a planner and a checklist for everything. She loves her job at the school, teaching English to high schoolers and helping them. Her latest project, Paws and Read, is aimed at helping struggling students become fluent readers. 

When Dean Burton, the man she loved and let go six years ago, joins her school as a physics teacher, Paige can’t help but wonder about what ifs. It is a week before Christmas, with a comet passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, and a magical advent calendar predicting the future. 

Paige wakes up in an alternate reality where she and Dean have been married for six years and have a cozy house, two kids, and an adorable dog. Paige is torn between the life she has and the life she could have had. However, she knows she has to choose soon. 

The story comes in Paige’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The premise made it sound like a perfect Christmas read (I’m doing Christmas in August/ Sep, if you haven’t figured it out). 

The overall storyline is pretty decent, too. I quite liked the side characters (FMC’s mom, the principal, the mysterious woman, etc.). The kids are super-duper adorable, and so is Scout the dog (see him on the cover). 

The entire story comes in the FMC’s first-person POV. It did work for the plot, given the focus is on her and her choices, etc. 

However, the writing style didn’t help at all. The dialogues are stilted and weird. I guess the aim was to show the awkwardness of the scenes, but it didn’t come out right. Especially those (Ha. Ha. Ha). They grated on my nerves. And the use of (So.) as a single-word sentence. Ellipses should not be overdone, but they can and should be used when necessary.  

The pacing is on the slower side, which sometimes makes the story drag despite the series of events and activities that happen on the page. 

The romance is pretty much closed-door and non-descriptive. I don’t think it helped much, TBH. 

This is also a low angst piece, so things are resolved without much drama. I didn’t particularly like the choice made at the end. There was a better option, IMO.  

To summarize, All in for Christmas is an enjoyable cozy Christmas read about second chances, miracles, and hope. The beginning will need some patience, though. 

Thank you, NetGalley, IBPA, and Winter Wedding Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AllInForChristmas

Hyde & Seek by John A. Hoda - Book Review

Series: A Jekyll & Murphy Mystery #1

Publication Date: 11th Nov 2025 

Genre: Historical Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Slow but interesting

1888

Kind, gentle, quietly brilliant Dr. Jekyll created an alter ego, a dark and dangerous Mr. Hyde, and he isn’t even aware of this. Hyde hunts down criminals, but his actions go too far when he is wanted for murder. However, with his love interest potentially targeted by Jack the Ripper, Hyde has to use his exceptional investigating skills to save her. 

Meanwhile, Francine Murphy, a social reformer, has been working hard to identify Jack the Ripper. But as she gets close to the truth, she could become his next victim. 

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Dr. Jekyll, Hyde, Francine, and the mysterious serial killer. 

My Thoughts: 

I requested this book mainly to tick off a reading challenge prompt: a retelling of Jekyll & Hyde. 

The book uses the main characters from the original (J&H, the lawyer, the butler, the dead man, etc.). What it also does is introduce Jack the Ripper into the setting. So, we have a double retelling of sorts. 

The setting is wonderfully done. It is dark, stinky, and horrible, even when we explore the so-called richer parts/ people of London. The book presents the situation starkly, without any sugar coating. 

The themes are triggering, too, though not everything is mentioned in detail (no gratuitous graphic content). Some scenes are still a bit descriptive. These cannot be avoided since they establish the patterns and the killer. 

The jumps in POVs are neatly marked, which is helpful since we have four first-person voices. They are distinct to a good extent, so that’s a plus.  

The mystery, as such, is not that compelling. Yes, it has some intrigue, but I guessed the identity of the killer early and had to wait to see if I was right (I was). The slow and uneven pacing is a bit of a hindrance, as I didn’t really feel compelled to pick up the book when I stopped. 

This is the first book in the series and has a decent ending, though it leaves the overarching plot open to continue in book two. My ARC had an excerpt, but I wasn’t in the mood to read it. 

To summarize, Hyde & Seek is a dark and interesting historical mystery with famous fictional and real character(s). The book should work as a standalone. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

***

TW: Pedophilia, child abuse, rape, assault, violence, bigotry, murder, stalking… 

Murder on the Prince Regent by Irina Shapiro - Book Review

Series: Tate and Bell Mystery #6

Publication Date: 03rd Nov 2025

Genre: Historical Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Dark and intriguing 

June 1859

Gemma boards Prince Regent, an American packet ship, to assist Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat. Lord Anthony Blackstock has been murdered in his cabin, and his wife has vanished. With the clock ticking and the ship reading to reach the shores, the duo has to solve the case before the killer can escape. 

The story comes in Gemma and Sebastian’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

Phew! After the overarching plot dragged on in the previous two books, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Luckily, there is some progress (at the beginning and end), so I’m hopeful about the next book. 

This is a kind of locked-room mystery or locked-ship mystery since everyone is onboard, surrounded by water. Not the MCs, though. They get on the ship to solve the case. 

As always, the mystery is dark and deals with some disturbing themes. There are enough suspects to keep guessing about who, what, and why. I did figure out eventually, and it makes sense (even the questions raised). 

Also, it was a relief to see the MCs work together on a case and have equal roles in the process. Not to mention, the time spent away from the house and patient was the change we readers desperately needed. 

I’m starting to get a bit annoyed with a side character I previously liked, so I hope there’s redemption for them in the next book, along with the much-needed development for the main characters. 

I’d say the fight scene was wonderfully done. I could visualize it easily! 

To summarize, Murder on the Prince Regent redeems itself after the stagnancy in the previous book and presents an intriguing case to solve. Now, I expect the series to maintain its momentum. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Strom Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderOnThePrinceRegent  

Murder in Venice by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #13 

Publication Date: 03rd Nov 2025 

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Fun! 

Retired cop and current PI, Dan Armstrong, is delighted to be invited to the luxury villa of Alice Graceland, a movie legend. However, when Dan and his trusted black Lab, Oscar, reach the place, he finds out that Alice wants him to host a murder mystery weekend for the Hollywood royalty. But when the event takes a turn for the worse, Dan has to figure out who flipped the script and committed a murder. 

The story comes in Dan’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I’ve read the series from the first book and enjoyed the mysteries, the characters’ growth, and the virtual tours across Italy. This time, we go to Venice and do a bit of sightseeing, though I admit my heart was set on that island fortress where the central plot takes place. 

However, a surprising aspect was the occurrence of the murder. It doesn’t happen in the first half! Gasp! I think it was an attempt to try something different. While I wasn’t bored at any point, I couldn’t help but wonder when the crime would actually happen. After all, a mystery book needs a mystery!  

Given the premise, we do meet some celebrities and see their antics off-screen. Yeah, not a pretty sight! The story touches upon various ills in the industry, but without going into details. This helps retain the cozy element and keeps things lighthearted. 

Oscar is a darling as he always is. He is a hero in almost every book, and this one is no exception. Three cheers for Oscar! 

Dan’s personal life is progressing well, much to his delight. His interactions with his parents show that one never grows too old not to be a son (or a daughter). His professional life has been interesting as always, so he is ready for more adventures. 

Coming to the mystery, it still manages to be intriguing, despite the limited space. With a long suspect list and potential motives, finding the killer takes time and effort… and maybe an action scene. ;) 

To summarize, Murder in Venice is a short and fun read with a lovely setting, water transport, great food, and a murder mystery game that turns too real!  

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderInVenice 

Yours for the Season by Emily Stone - Book Review

Publication Date: 07th Oct 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christmas Romance 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Hopeful, though it has a couple of heavy themes 

Melanie (Mel) is not having a great year. Her best friend moved across the world, the love of her life dumped her six months ago, and her business, though going well, was draining her energy. 

However, Finn (the love) shows up at her doorstep asking for help. She would have to act as if they had gotten back together to please his mother, who planned an entire week of Christmas events with Mel included. Mel agrees reluctantly, on the condition that she would get to dump him in public, for him to realize how she felt. 

As they spend more time together, they have to figure out what happened and what they want. 

The story comes in Mel’s third-person POV in the current timeline (present tense) and Finn’s third-person POV in the past timeline. 

My Thoughts: 

This is my first book by the author who is famous for stories set in and around Christmas. I like that the writing is easy to read. The pace is neither slow nor fast. It is steady. 

I won’t talk about the premise since I requested the book knowing what it is. I was curious to see how it would be executed. Been reading second-chance romance more lately (professional research purposes). 

The chapters dealing with the past come from the MMC’s POV, which is a good idea. The timeline is very clear, so we can see the progress in their relationships and know the undercurrents as well. 

The side characters are interesting and add quite a bit to the plot. After all, it is a story about spending a week with the family. 

The book deals with themes like parental decisions, pressure, and how their actions/ words have a long-lasting impact on the kids. Even when things are done with good intentions, they can have negative repercussions. In fact, this is worse since we can’t blame anyone either. 

I wasn’t expecting a health issue as well, but okay. It’s there, so I can’t do anything. At least, the book ends on a positive note, so all is good. 

Miscommunication or lack of proper communication is the conflict, but I think it was handled decently. It felt realistic enough for the characters to think and do what they did. 

My main reason for a relatively low rating is my expectations. I wanted more from the main couple. They did have the required conversations (eventually and in instalments), but I hoped for a bit more banter and tension rather than monologues. 

A little something was missing, which made me reluctant to give it a higher rating (though I am rounding it up since I enjoyed the book). 

To summarize, Yours for the Season is a cozy romance with strong family vibes. It’s a nice read that can leave you with some thoughts and a smile on your face. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan - Book Review

Publication Date: 30th Sep 2025

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Fun! 

Twelve-year-old Eugenia Wang never celebrated her birthday on the actual day, 4th April, since 4 is an unlucky number according to Chinese. Her mother is clear about it. She is also very clear about art being a waste of time. 

This year, Eugenia is determined to do things her way. She applies for the art camp and plans to have a party on her actual birthday (and invite her crush to it). However, when Eugenia is hit on the head with a sneaker during PE, she starts to see visions of impending doom. Is it her anxiety or the universe sending her messages about something? What if her mother is actually right? 

Can Eugenia figure things out before it’s too late? 

My Thoughts: 

This is a tween book suitable for young YA readers (11-15+). Some of the content can be a wee bit scary for young readers who are not yet used to dark stuff like fire and mentions of death. 

The blurb pretty much sets the stage for the book. A stereotyped Asian mom who is almost always frowning and overbearing, an annoying little brother, a cheerful bestie, a good-looking love interest, and a cutesy pug (my favorite part of the book). And of course, our little MC, art-loving, awkward girl who has only one friend at school, is a nerdy girl. 

There’s a bit of diversity and inclusivity with the characters, which I like. It is seamlessly incorporated into the plot rather than being an item on the checklist. 

We could say this has a comic-in-a-comic model since the MC draws comics, and we get to see them (some of which are a result of her recurring nightmares). 

Artwork and presentation are key for a graphic novel, and that’s where this book scores high points. The illustrations are not ‘perfect’ with straight lines and sharp angles. They are softer and rounder with a bit of smudginess that works wonderfully. 

I also like how the nightmares appear in orangey-red, making it easy for kids to separate them from the main plot. Moreover, the text comes in two colors – black for dialogues and red for Eugenia’s thoughts. 

I read the ARC on my computer. It worked well in the default setting. I didn’t have to zoom in and out constantly, so the whole reading experience was enjoyable. 

There’s some crushing and a kissy kissy frame (PG-13). I’m not a fan of crushes and tingling for kids, so I won’t say anything about this. 

The pacing is pretty decent. It starts a bit slow (understandable), but picks up momentum over time. The changes in the characters’ actions towards the end are a bit abrupt despite the leads and foreshadowing we get. After so much stress and tension for the MC, the change could have been slowed or phased. 

Still, the book ends on a hopeful note. There’s a note and a little glossary for the non-English words. Then, we get a sneak peek into the author’s illustration process. This is again my favorite. I love it when illustrators show us a bit of their creative methods. Young artists might find it very interesting! 

To summarize, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang is an entertaining graphic novel about family, being a tween, parent-child dynamics, and learning to figure things out.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th Sep 2025

Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery, Fantasy

4.5 Stars

One Liner: Love it!

Fran doesn’t want to stay with her uncle and aunt or their daughter, her annoying cousin Imogen. Doesn’t matter if it is only for a week. However, even Fran doesn’t expect what she sees. Imogen has disappeared, and no one remembers her, not even her parents or her best friend, Bex!

Fran is not willing to let it go. She will find out where Imogen is. But first, Fran has to determine what the hidden garden on the Stillness Estate has to do with it.

The story comes in the first-person POV of Fran, the third-person POV of Imogen and Bex, and the third-person POV of another character.

My Thoughts:

Nosy Crow is fast becoming a favorite middle-grade publisher. Their books are short, quick, and entertaining! This one is no different.

It has short chapters, 2-3 pages each, and maintains a wonderful tempo. I finished the entire book in a single sitting. Also, the cover is apt for the book.

The storytelling stands out here. We get the story in different POVs and a dual timeline narrative. That ensures that we can know what has happened and see how it affects the present. This also prevents the need for an info dump at a later stage and keeps the reader hooked.  

Though Fran is the protagonist, she is not the only main character. Imogen and Bex also play major roles. I like that Imogen gets a third-person POV while Fran has the first-person (since her narration is a bit more). Kids will not be confused about whose story they are reading.

Moreover, the three girls are distinct from each other. They are layered while still being kids. Neither of them is perfect. They learn, they change, and they grow – all without making the story preachy or boring.

The actual mystery surrounding the disappearance is really intriguing. I wish we had more details about the thing, but kids will enjoy the plot as it is. There’s adventure, suspense, and danger.

The ending feels a bit abrupt, but I can see why it ended that way. It’s perfect for the plot.

After asking for illustrations, I did get one in this book. The first page of each chapter has the illustration of an element from the cover. I won’t mind more, though!

To summarize, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is a wonderful blend of fantasy, mystery, a bit of adventure, danger, and kids who learn to look beyond appearances.

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

Murder in the Winter Woods by Katie Gayle - Book Review - Blog Tour

 Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #8

Publication Date: 25^th Sep 2025

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0DZRKHXF6social

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228921537-murder-in-the-winter-woods

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery, Contemporary

4 Stars

One Liner: Early Christmas Mystery

Book Blurb:

Julia Bird adores a walk on a winter’s day. The crunch of fresh show under your feet and the promise of hot cocoa by a roaring fire afterwards… But she’s not expecting to find a body in the woods!

It’s Christmas in Berrywick, the busiest time of year for dashing taxi driver Lewis. But when he’s killed in a road accident, the entire village is shaken. Julia Bird, recently appointed to the Road Safety Committee, visits the site so that no other villager suffers the same fate. But when she spies a pendant left in the bushes, she feels certain Lewis’s death was no accident…

As the festive lights twinkle in the village square, Julia vows to uncover the truth. She soon learns not everyone found Lewis’s charm appealing. Sweetshop owner Dora says he had an eye for the ladies, much to his wife’s frustration. Lewis recently gave his life savings to a mysterious businessman who proves difficult to track down. But could these be reasons enough to want him dead?

Then, local beekeeper Matthew is struck by a car near the Christmas market. Julia believes the two deaths must be linked, but contrary to Lewis, Matthew was as sweet as the honey he sold. Who could possibly want to hurt Berrywick’s kindest man?

With no obvious leads, Julia stumbles upon an old picture that finally links Lewis and Matthew. Many years ago they were in a band poised for stardom, but when the bubble burst, their chance at fame vanished quicker than a glass of festive eggnog. Could someone be targeting the band members one by one? And can Julia track them down before the killer strikes again?

An utterly gripping and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries!

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.

This is the eighth book in the series and might work as a standalone since the personal track is steady and the focus is on the mystery. Of course, we still see more developments and happy times with loved ones. These are always welcome.

Jake, our chocolate Lab, makes a slightly late entry since he was left at home, as the humans enjoyed the Winter market. Unfair, right? Poor Jake! He lost the opportunity to run around and whack a few displays with his tail.

Given the festive vibe, the mystery feels a bit mellow. It works since the setting (Nov) has the same languid feel. Still, the book discusses important topics. The focal point is road safety, a very important aspect across the world.

The chickens are healthy, though they’ve slowed down due to the cold. Chaplin the cat is in his element and even occasionally displays his affection by bringing gifts. You can guess what kind!

The mystery starts simply. Then, new layers are added to it. Some are red herrings, but some are solid leads. Can you figure out which ones to follow? I guessed it right, and we actually got the answer at one point. Series readers will know it when they see it. ;)

The pacing felt a bit slower than usual, but no complaints. It suits the mood.

To summarize, Murder in the Winter Woods is a solid continuation of the series and a great read if you want a compact little cozy mystery set in winter.

Thank you, Sarah Hardy, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Authors – Katie Gayle

Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg with their husbands, children, dogs, and cats. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieGayleWriter

X: https://twitter.com/KatieGayleBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiegaylebooks

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Katie Gayle here: https://www.bookouture.com/katie-gayle

***

Sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

This has been a pitstop on the blog tour for #MurderInTheWinterWoods by Bookouture (@bookouture). Thank you for stopping by! 

Cloaked in Deception by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Series: Spencer & Reid Mysteries #4

Publication Date: 13^th Sep 2025

Genre: Historical Mystery

4.5 Stars

One Liner: Keep going!

Leonora Spencer and Detective Inspector Jasper Reid are among the guests at the charity dinner for the Metropolitan and City Police Orphanage when a masked gang attacks the event, resulting in a brutal murder.

Leo is determined to help Jasper, and he is determined to keep her safe. When they find a clue that leads them to a past event, Leo and Jasper have to confront the killer before it is too late.

The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

We are in the fourth book of the series. While there is enough information to make this a standalone, I recommend starting with the first book. It’s worth the time.

The story starts a month after the previous book ends. There seems to be a faint hope for the FMC (career-wise), though we’ll know for sure in the next book or the last one.

The slow burn is still slow, but the burn has upped the heat a little bit. I like it! Good to see steady progress in the right direction.

The mystery is intriguing and well-executed. It has a few twists and reveals that align with the plotting and fit nicely into each slot. I could guess most of it, though in a different way.

Of course, the FMC has a penchant for getting into danger, and this book is no exception. Thankfully, she also has enough brain to keep herself alive somehow. This helps.

The pacing is moderate, but it sustains the same momentum from start to finish. Even with the internal monologue and thoughts, the intensity doesn’t dip. It doesn’t feel bored or dragging at any point.

The ending has laid the foundation for a showdown, which I think will happen in the last book (6^th). Bring it on!

Book #5 is scheduled for Jan 2026, and I’m counting days already!

To summarize, Cloaked in Deception is a solid mystery and a great continuation to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

 

Murder by Firelight by Merryn Allingham - Book Review

Series: Flora Steele Mystery #12

Publication Date: 04th Sep 2025

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0F6Y558JXsocial

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232435224-murder-by-firelight

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: Good!

Book Blurb:

No one can hold a candle to amateur detectives Flora Steele and Jack Carrington as they ask the burning question… Who is the killer walking the cobbled streets of their historic little town?

Sussex, November 1959: There’s a chill in the air at the Lewes bonfire celebration. Carnival floats fill the narrow streets, fireworks crackle overhead, and Flora and Jack feel the heat of the burning torches lining the streets. But when Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, tumbles from his parade float, they know something is afoot. Trevor didn’t just fall – and amidst the crowds, his killer slips away through the smoke-filled night.

But who would want the respected Trevor dead? As Flora and Jack question the vying bonfire societies, they find a surprisingly competitive underbelly at play. Did Edwin Brooker, former chairman, stoke the flames of rivalry too far? Or are the tears of the victim’s friend, Leo Nelson, faked to keep himself safe?

Just as the sleuths believe they’ve figured it out, the body of a key suspect in the case is found dead on their hearth rug, and Flora and Jack realise that no one is safe – including themselves. Together, can they smoke the murderer out? Or will their chances of survival go up in flames?

A completely addictive and absolutely charming cozy mystery novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.

So, we are in the twelfth book of the series. The story can work as a standalone, though you might enjoy it more if you read at least a couple of earlier books.

After complaining about the FMC’s overenthusiasm in the previous books, it’s a relief to see her reluctant to take on a new case in this one. Of course, it’s the MMC who has the itch to know what happened. That said, they solve it together, as they often do, so all is good.

November’s winter plays a good role in the story and elevates the plot as well as the setting. The descriptions of the bonfire night, the costumes, etc., are well done without slowing the narration.

The mystery is quite interesting, with some twists and turns and a few red herrings. I did figure out who the killer was and the reason for it. Easy, since all the clues are provided to the reader. We are not kept in the dark to maintain suspense.  

As always, the side characters add extra charm to the story by appearing a few times here and there. Not a lot of developments in that area, but there are a few. Though the FMC’s clinginess to the past could create some trouble for the couple in the future.

I think I can guess what the next case is likely to be. Let’s see if I’ll be right!

To summarize, Murder in Firelight is a quick cozy mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. It’s a small book and can be finished in a couple of sittings.

Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Merryn Allingham

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas, and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cozy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

Follow the Author:

Website: https://merrynallingham.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/merrynwrites

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Merryn Allingham here:  https://www.bookouture.com/merryn-allingham

***

This has been a pitstop on the blog tour for #MurderbyFirelight by Bookouture (@bookouture). Thank you for stopping by! 

Sign up for all the best Bookouture deals: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Is This Real or Just Pretend? by Emily Sullivan - Book Review

Series: Untitled (#2) 

Publication Date: 09th Sep 2025 

Genre: Historical Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Better than book one 

Alexandra Atkinson (Alex) is a master of business and has spent all her life helping her father with their company. However, none of her talents is of use if she cannot win the approval of the board. It doesn’t help that she has no time or inclination for parties and balls. She never really fit. 

Lucien Taylor is the son of a coachman and a childhood friend of the Atkinson girls. He had always crushed on Winifred, who treated him like a little playmate. Years later, he is back from Paris after a failed business. 

Alex offers a simple proposition – a fake courtship for her to secure the board vote and him to get investment for a new business. It seems easy enough until they realize love could complicate things. 

The story comes in Alex and Lucien’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

Though I didn’t much enjoy the previous book (Duchess Material), I knew I would read this one. I liked Alex in that and liked her even more in this book. It is sad that no one really seems to see her and try to understand her. 

The MMC is nice enough, not a complete idiot, but I didn’t like that he hurt the FMC more than once. He does apologize, yet it doesn’t seem enough. 

The danger elements are pretty much non-existent until the last quarter, so much so that I totally forgot the track until the Inspector walked in. 

The FMC’s sisters have substantial roles, though, as before, I wasn’t much impressed by them. Book three will certainly be interesting, given who it will have as the main leads. 

Historical romance is changing, which is nice in a way. We have the reverse age gap and virgin hero tropes in this one. There is spice (2.5 maybe), which is not great. You can skim through. 

The pacing is solid. I like that it keeps a steady momentum and doesn’t slacken at any point, even when the characters are being idiots. It made me finish the book faster! 

This could have been a proper 4-star if the lead couple had a proper and heartfelt conversation, at least at the end. They patch up and all, but where is the conversation where they sort things out? 

To summarize, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is a fast-paced and entertaining read for a lazy afternoon. You can finish it in three hours or so. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC.

#NetGalley #IsThisRealorJustPretend

A Promise of Forever by Sheryl Lister - Book Review

Series: Firefly Lake #3 

Publication Date: 19th August 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fic 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Low-stakes and sweet

Terri Rhodes and her husband had a whirlwind marriage and moved to Firefly Lake. As time passed, Jon’s legal practice and Terri’s work as an ER nurse made them guests in their own home. Terri yearns to connect with Jon as before work, and an unexpected tragedy changed their lives. 

Jon knows his wife is unhappy, and so is he, but he isn’t willing to talk about it. But when Terri left, Jon was desperate to do anything to bring her back and worried if it was too late. With help from his new Supper Club friends, he hopes to win Terri back no matter what. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Terri and Jon. 

My Thoughts: 

When I requested the book, I wasn’t aware that this was the third in a series. Not a problem when I know I’m jumping into a series, but I do like to know it in advance. 

A Table for Two and A Perfect Pairing are the first two books, and it’s clear that I would have enjoyed this more if I had read at least one of them. This book is possibly the last in the series, so it divides the attention between the main couple and the side characters. 

The writing is easy to read, like very easy to read, with light-hearted dialogue and basic descriptions. I could finish the book in 1.5 days, so that tells you something. 

The main characters are likable. They are in love with each other but are going through a tough phase. The MMC has a lot of suppressed trauma to unpack, which he does eventually, since he loves his wife. 

The main side characters were delightful (not a surprise since they featured as leads in the previous books). The others were nice too. In fact, we don’t have villains here. Just some nosy and overbearing people who also learn to tone down by the end. 

Based on the first 50%, this was a 4-star read. However, the plot lost its momentum in the second half. It still had interesting moments, but I felt like it became a bit too easy despite the triggers. 

Food is a strong theme, and there are a couple of recipes at the end for those who want to try. I appreciate this (obviously), though it’s not my kind (doesn’t matter; any food works in books). That said, I’d love a recipe for the 7Up cake. It sounds interesting! I remember there was a trend, maybe, of using soda water in some cakes. Will have to look it up again. 

There’s some open-door romance and spice, but not in detail. Maybe 1.5 on the scale. My favorite is that there’s no unwanted drama. While it does make the book too sweet, it also sticks to the core theme of a couple in love trying to find their way back to each other. It's assuring when the characters confidently state they love their partners with all their hearts and are learning to show it. 

To summarize, A Promise of Forever is a sweet, hopeful, and heartwarming read set in a typical small town where the gossip mill works overtime. Rounding it up since the book made me smile. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #APromiseOfForever

*

TW: premature birth and death of the baby  

Love's a Witch by Tricia O'Malley - Book Review

Series: The Scottish Charms #1

Publication Date: 26th August 2025

Genre: Small Town Witchy Romance

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyed it! 

Sloane MacGregor vowed never to return to Briarhaven. But with her 25th birthday approaching (the day witches get their magic), she answers the summons of her grandmother and sisters. She also has a teeny task – to break an ancient curse on their bloodline. 

The town’s mayor, Knox Douglas, worked hard to make the town a safe place for magic folk. He doesn’t want the cursed woman messing things up, even if he had a crush on Sloane long ago. 

But… magic has its own plans! 

The story comes in Sloane's (more %) and Knox’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the first book in the series, so the overarching plot is left open. Also, the book divides its time between romance and setting the stage for the central conflict. You’ll enjoy it more if you are prepared for these two. 

There’s insta-lust, though the characters have known each other in their teens. Since we get only a couple of short references to the past, you should be prepared for insta stuff. Though the rest of the book is cozy, the romance is hot and steamy (3.5+ with many ‘searing kisses’). This combination could have been a bit odd, but I was expecting it based on all that inner monologue. 

Family and relationships, small town communities, and a magical setting (such a beautiful place!) are the highlights of the book. Magic is seamlessly integrated into the plotline. The bond between the sisters is realistic. The grandma is a badass. Totally love her. A few side characters like Raven, Dorothy, Henry, etc., are sweet. I hope Raven gets her own book. 

Do you see a cutesy with blue wings on the cover? That’s Blue, an emberwolf (a cross between a dragon and a werewolf) who loves cheese and flies like a drunken bee. Then, there’s a blind cat named Oswald and a wheelchair bound Highlander coo named Higgs. And… another favourite fantasy creature. You can tell they add a lot of charm to the story. 

The curse is mentioned at many places, though it is dealt with only towards the end. And since this will be a series, there’s only a partial resolution. The next book has to be Lyra’s, and we know who the guy is! 

To summarize, Love's a Witch is a cozy witchy romance that also deals with themes like dysfunctional families, finding one’s roots, overbearing parents, and longing for a place called home. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #LovesAWitch

Murder in Hollywood by Millicent Binks - Book Review

Series: An Opal Laplume Mystery #2

Publication Date: 18th August 2025 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: It was a fun read 

Opal Laplume gets the job of making costumes for Jean Margeaux, the rising star of Hollywood. However, she has a case on her hands when Jean is killed on the set by a gunshot that was supposed to be fake. With everyone having a motive and hiding secrets, it won’t be easy for Opal to get to the bottom of the truth. But she won’t stop until the killer is found! 

The story comes in Opal’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

After Paris, the FMC is in Hollywood with her miniature black poodle, Napoleon. That little doggy is soon becoming a favorite! Who doesn’t like a pet that looks like a toy with a pom-pom tail? Aww! 

Okay, so the book. 

The Hollywood set from the 1930s comes alive on the pages. The studios and their competitiveness, the place where money wins over ethics, and where no one is a true friend. It’s very well done with the array of characters and the details of backstage working. 

The FMC is a smart pie, sometimes a bit too smart, which leads to more trouble, but usually capable enough. She’s going about making friends, though her backstory says the opposite. Quite a contrast, which explains how she fits better in flashy settings than among the London ton. 

The book should work as a standalone. That said, you’ll meet the guy the FMC has a crush on as well as see another development in the overarching plot dealing with her father. There is enough information to go with the flow. 

Not everything is plausible, and I found a certain event rather strange given her profession, but okay, since it can be explained through the father’s profession. I’m being very vague to avoid spoilers, lol. 

The mystery is decent, easy enough to guess. All clues are right there. The FMC takes some time to connect them, which is expected. 

The pacing was good in the first half or until 65% or so. After that, it seemed to slow down quite a bit. Not sure why it took me more time to read the last section! 

Don’t miss the author’s note! 

To summarize, Murder in Hollywood is an easy and entertaining mystery with some red herrings, clues, drama, and a whole lot of suspects. I’ll be reading the next book since the FMC is easy to like. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderInHollywood