LADY ANNE AND THE WITCH OF WINTERMEDE by Victoria Hamilton
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical (1700s) England
4****

Blurb: When a brutal blizzard forces them to seek shelter at the home of Viscount Wintermede, Lady Anne and Lord Darkefell find themselves in the company of a cold-blooded killer . . . Caught in a fierce winter storm as they travel north on their honeymoon, Lady Anne and Lord Darkefell are grateful to take refuge at Wintermede Abbey. But the relief they feel at finding safety and warmth soon turns to wary curiosity, as the strange family and guests gathered there seem caught in a drama of furtive glances and simmering hostility. Until one mischievous young man makes a show of alluding to improper liaisons and scandalous behavior—and is rewarded for his cleverness later that night with a fatal blow to the head. Given the victim’s provocative nature and his apparent knowledge of shameful secrets, Anne isn’t completely surprised by his fate. She’s noticed that virtually all the occupants of Wintermede Abbey seem to be hiding something—high-born and servant alike—and is determined to discover which of them would kill to protect their secret. Methodically piecing together the clues, she slowly closes in on the guilty party, only to realize too late that once a person has killed to protect a secret, they won’t hesitate to kill again . . .

THOUGHTS: If you love your historicals with a bit of romance and mystery, you’ll enjoy this book. Set in the late 1700s during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Lady Anne and her new husband, Lord Darkenfell are on their way north to Darkenfell Manor when they are waylaid by a fierce snowstorm. They find shelter at the home of Viscount Wintermede and his family and guests. But all is definitely not well at the ancient abbey–especially when a young man ends up brutally murdered.

Anne takes it upon herself to find out who committed the heinous crime and, in doing so, uncovers dark secrets the viscount would have preferred to remain hidden. Her investigation definitely stirs up the household.

Though a bit slow at times for me, this is a must-read for anyone who likes their cozies packed with fancy gowns, lords and ladies, high society manners, and all set in historical England.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC.

DANGER LOOMS by Betty Hechtman
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, #11 in Yarn Retreat Mysteries
3***

Blurb: In the new Yarn Retreat mystery, Casey discovers that travel can be dangerous, but travel writing can be deadly . . . Yarn retreat host Casey Feldstein has solved more murders than she can count, but this is the first time she feels like committing one. A former TV heartthrob is leading a seminar for travel writers at Vista Del Mar, and when he’s not making excessive demands of the staff, his people are disrupting her yarn sessions. Casey would love to take the condescending man down a peg or two, but someone beats her to it, as she discovers when she stumbles over his dead body. What strikes Casey most about this murder is the number of ready suspects. The victim’s assistants willingly admit that they resented him for his arrogant mistreatment, and his writing students are openly grumbling about the empty promises he made. With so many potential culprits and a yarn retreat that’s unraveling before her eyes, Casey’s at the end of her rope. Until she finally unearths a vital clue—and faces down a killer who won’t hesitate to kill again . . . Includes notes on a loom project and a tasty cookie recipe!

THOUGHTS: This is the first book in the series that I’ve read, but I didn’t feel like I was missing much of anything by not having read the others in the series. Yes, maybe some background on the characters and their relationships, but the author fed me enough info on them that I got who was who and how they related. I thought Vista Del Mar seemed like a nice place to visit if you were looking for a no-frills kind of retreat. But I was a little taken aback by the no WiFi issue – especially when Casey has it right across the street. And yes, I know there are dead spots all over the place, but this seemed a little much for a hotel/resort. Also, there were a lot of characters to keep straight. Okay, so there were two workshops going on – but Casey’s only had maybe eight people. How many did the other one have? Yes, more, but not so many as to muddy the waters with who was who and where did they fit as far as suspects went. Things that bothered me: the no WiFi bit; and repetitions. Yes, I know your finicky cat likes stinky food. And yes, we know that one character’s husband is retired and sits in front of the TV all day, and the way Casey’s leading her cop boyfriend on. And a few other bits like that. What I did like: the princess learning to eat with her hands and wearing logo sweats from the gift shop all weekend. And getting a backbone at the end. I also liked that the teen boy helped Casey with the teen girl at the workshop with her aunt. That was sweet.

In this story, a famous actor is putting on a travel writer workshop and has a lot of demands, including the fact that his people can go anywhere in the resort – even invading Casey’s workshop. While she has to put up with his people, the same doesn’t hold true for his sessions as he has Casey thrown out physically when she attempts to see what he has going on. He’s rude to everyone and has an ego streak a mile wide. So when he ends up dead, she’s not really surprised. She doesn’t go out of her way to investigate, but she does anyway and discovers the perp to her dismay. Huge thread left dangling after the murder is solved is what she’s going to do next.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley for providing this ARC

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET AIR FRYER COOKBOOK by Julie Andrews
Nonfiction, Health, Cookbook
5*****

Blurb: All the crispy comfort you crave—made anti-inflammatory in the air fryer The Easy Anti-Inflammatory Diet Air Fryer Cookbook shows you how to prepare satisfying dishes that help reduce inflammation while still delivering the textures and flavors you love. If you bought an air fryer to eat healthier but find yourself making the same few basics, this cookbook offers a fresh approach. By pairing anti-inflammatory ingredients with simple air-frying techniques, you can cook nourishing meals even on busy or low-energy days. Expert-developed recipes. Created by a registered dietitian nutritionist and trained chef, these recipes combine nutrition science with culinary expertise to deliver meals that support anti-inflammatory eating while still tasting deeply satisfying. Comfort foods made lighter. Enjoy air-fried versions of familiar favorites—from crispy chicken tenders to baked treats to suit gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, and vegetarian diets. Works with any air fryer. Recipes include guidance for basket-style air fryers, countertop ovens, and air-fry settings in modern ranges, helping you achieve crisp results with minimal added fat. Practical and flexible cooking. Learn the foundations of an anti-inflammatory eating pattern with simple ingredients, budget-friendly substitutions, and streamlined prep that fits real-life schedules. Whether you’re navigating chronic pain, autoimmune concerns, or fatigue, or simply want to support long-term health, this cookbook offers an approachable way to make nourishing meals that taste as good as they make you feel.

THOUGHTS: The author starts off this cookbook with guidelines for reducing saturated fats in your diet and utilizing an air fryer to help with that. She goes into why air frying is better for you than deep frying in oil. There’s also a good “low cost” section that proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive. The rest of the book is given over to the recipes. Each one includes techniques, tips, time, diet (gluten free, fast, etc.), servings, and (YAY) nutrients. The recipes are divided into sections like Breakfast, Vegetarian, meats, and Desserts. There are some really good color pictures (though I could wish for more), but enough so you can get an idea of the recipe it goes with. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes. Definitely a cookbook to have on your shelf if you have an air-fryer – or even if you don’t!

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist Publishing for providing this ARC.

SELF-GUIDED EMDR WORKBOOK by Natalia Aiza
Nonfiction, Self-Help, Psychology
5*****

Blurb: Use safe EMDR techniques adapted for self-guided practice to reduce triggers, reprocess painful memories, and shift negative self-beliefs

If you feel stuck in the past—triggered by memories, overwhelmed by anxiety, or trapped in patterns you can’t explain—Self-Guided EMDR Workbook offers a structured, supportive path toward healing. This practical workbook introduces a safety-first approach to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), one of the most effective, research-backed therapies for trauma recovery. While EMDR is traditionally guided by therapists, the tools in this book have been carefully adapted for safe, self-guided practice at home by a licensed EMDR trained clinician. Inside, you’ll learn how to: Identify the root memories behind emotional triggers; Reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts and reactions; Reprocess painful memories so they feel less overwhelming; Replace negative self-beliefs with healthier, more accurate ones; Build practical tools for emotional regulation and resilience. Through clear explanations, guided exercises, and step-by-step worksheets, you’ll learn how to move through the eight phases of EMDR at your own pace while staying grounded and supported.

THOUGHTS: There is a lot of buzz these days about EMDR. It uses bilateral stimulation – either visual or audio – to help you move past trauma memories in the safety of the present moment. It can be used to help treat PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and more. The author emphasizes that though you can work through this book by yourself, seek professional help when necessary or to gain more from the practice as some of the work can raise triggers for you. This book goes through eight phases and stresses that you need to move through them step-by-step and not skip around. You are encouraged to take your time and not rush the process. At the end of the book are a glossary that explains the terminology used, resources for more information, and references. If you are at all interested in this type of technique, this is a good place to start, but beware of triggers that may happen.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and Zeitgeist Publishing for providing this ARC

COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR HEALTHIER BOUNDARIES by LaToya S. Gilmore
Nonfiction, Self-help, Psychology
4****

Blurb: In Communication Skills for Healthier Boundaries, Dr. LaToya S. Gilmore empowers you with the communication tools and strategies to build and maintain fulfilling relationships while honoring your own needs. Discover how to effectively express yourself, confidently say yes or no, and create the boundaries that support your well-being. Whether you’re looking to strengthen, relax, or establish boundaries, this book provides practical guidance to help you thrive in every aspect of your life. Embrace the journey to healthier, happier connections! This book features: REAL-LIFE SCRIPTS OF DIALOGUES to help readers practice asserting boundaries. VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS & ACTIVITIES for building assertiveness, confidence, self-awareness, and more. COMMON BOUNDARY ISSUES that are addressed and explored using the skills and tools needed to navigate these challenges.

THOUGHTS: This was an interesting workbook to go through for review. I will be revisiting it at a later day to work through it more slowly. It encourages you to work through things that you may find difficult in order to become more attuned to what you need. Basically, how to “advocate for yourself while respecting the needs of others.” There are several levels to work through, but unlike some self-help books, the exercises in this one build on each other so you have to go through it from front to back and not skip around like you can in some workbooks. Each lesson tells you what you need for that lesson (including things like paper, pens, etc.), the time it takes for each lesson (from a few minutes to an hour+), and then gives you steps to follow for that lesson. It also encourages you to think about each one before moving onto the next one. I particularly liked the examples at the end of the book and the explanations with them. There are also lists of resources for more information and references.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and Zeitgeist Publishing for providing this ARC.

HOW (NOT) TO RENOVATE A HAUNTED HOUSE by Jenny L. Howe
Fiction, Paranormal, YA, Ghosts, Romance
4****

Blurb: In this spooky, small-town YA romance, an amateur ghost hunter and a supernatural skeptic team up for a haunted home renovation project. But is their relationship the real fixer upper? Amity Callaway is sick of being known as the weird girl. As annoyed as she is that her recently divorced mom just moved them across the country to the tiny, quirky town of Harlow’s Rest, Massachusetts, it could be the fresh start she needs. Until Amity discovers their absolute disaster of a new house is supposedly haunted. Theo Hargrave, amateur ghost hunter and son of the local general contractor, is a true believer. When he shows up on their property with his EMF reader in hand, Amity is ready to debunk all his theories. She’s definitely not staring at the small scar through his eyebrow or his ridiculously soft lips. But even Amity can admit their home renovation is doomed. Nothing is going right, from the paint that refuses to dry to the fixtures that keep coming loose. So Amity and Theo strike a deal—his family’s construction expertise for her help investigating the house’s supernatural secrets. Even scarier than ghosts, though? Amity’s growing feelings for Theo.

THOUGHTS: What a perfect story for this time of year! Ghosts, haunted houses, fall… all the right elements. And good characters that aren’t cutouts of standard teens. This one would be perfect for older teens getting ready to head off to college.

Amity and her mother move to a new town and into a new-to-them house…that turns out to be haunted. Amity already has enough issues with insecurity thanks to bullying, divorce, and more, and now she’s facing living in a haunted house. But it also brings her new friends, especially Theo who accepts her for herself and their friendship turns to romance. One thing I did find a bit hard to accept was Amity’s age – 17. At times, she seemed much younger than that. The side characters – including the squirrel! – were well-crafted and perfect for the story. Overall, an adorable paranormal (ghost-hunting) story with sweet romance, self-acceptance, and more.

Recommended.

A TAIL OF TWO MURDERS by T.C. LoTempio
Fiction, Cozy Mystery
4****

Blurb: It was the best of crimes, it was the worst of crimes, and Nick and Nora are dead-set on catching a killer without losing their heads . . .
When local police suspect that a dead body found in the woods is tied to an unsolved heist of rare gold coins, Nora Charles and her sidekick cat Nick are dying to get involved. But she’s got a catering gig to plan for at her friend Lance’s bar, and it looks like that might present a world of trouble all its own. The sleazy former owner of the bar has blown back into town and is aggressively harassing Lance to sell the bar back to him. Nora’s worried her friend is in real danger—until the former owner is found dead and Lance is pegged for the murder. Certain that her friend is innocent, Nora begins digging into the victim’s seedy past to figure out who would have wanted him dead. Then a sudden spark of inspiration tells her that the murders and the unsolved heist are all connected, and that someone is knocking off their fellow thieves to get all the loot for themselves. After tracking down every person even remotely connected to the heist, Nora’s still baffled by who’s behind it all. But that’s about to change, because now she and Nick are all that’s standing between a killer and a fortune . . . Includes mouthwatering sandwich recipes!

THOUGHTS: I enjoy these books with Nora and her cat Nick. Even though Nora is the one with the (new to her) PI license, Nick is often the one who comes up with the solutions and even saves her life a time or two. Nora runs a small cafe where she puts out delicious sandwiches named after famous people. Her good friend Lance owns a bar and hires Nora to cater his engagement party – where things go horribly wrong as the nasty man trying to force Lance to sell the bar to him ends up dead – and Lance is the main suspect. Nora and Nick start sleuthing in order to exonerate their friend and find the real killer. Using Scrabble tiles, Nick provides the main clue, but Nora misinterprets it. Still, when things go from bad to worse, it is Nick who saves the day – and Nora’s life.

I love Nick, but I have to wonder… I guess there aren’t any health code laws in this town? I mean, Nick is all over the kitchen and jumping up on tables and counters. That feels a little…icky to me. But to each his own and Nick is important to the story, and is adorable. So I’ll let this one go.

Overall a fun story and a good addition to the series.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley for providing this ARC.

HARD LEMONADE by Darlene Deluca
Fiction, Women’s Fiction
5+*****

Blurb: Her husband fails. Her marriage fails. Does that make Emily Sherridan a failure?
With high hopes and rose-colored shades, Emily Sherridan leaves her family and friends to build a new life with her screenwriter husband in sunny Los Angeles. There, she learns that love conquers all…until the rent is overdue, the rejections pile up, or the test is positive. As months, then years, go by and Eric’s career fails to launch, Emily is determined to hold everything together. But when he brings danger into their lives, it’s over. When the cops arrive at her doorstep, anguish mixes with anger. She wonders how low they can go—until one of the officers hands her the number to a women’s shelter. Broke and broken, her dreams are dashed and her confidence is shaken. With Eric’s taunt about running home pounding in her ears, Emily pushes forward though she’s unsure of her direction. She cannot give up. Her daughter deserves more. From rosy dreams to real-life roadblocks, Hard Lemonade is a compelling story of friends, family, and fierce sheroes.

THOUGHTS: Had I seen this book on a shelf, I probably would not have picked it up. It’s not my “usual” type of read. And that would have been a huge mistake because this is an amazing story. It drew me in and didn’t let go until the last page. The story is actually written from two points of view – the main character of Emily, and occasional bits from her mother. As a young woman, Emily fell in love with Eric, a hopeful screenwriter. They move from Chicago to California where the weather is beautiful – but life isn’t. Emily works hard to provide for them, but Eric refuses because “writing” is his job. Except he’s not getting anywhere. Her mother helps them furnish their tiny apartment. As things go from bad to worse, Emily tries hard to hold everything together and makes friends with the neighbors. When she gets pregnant, Eric goes from bad to worse. But when the baby comes along, he turns into a good daddy. But isn’t working. And isn’t writing. And when he brings danger home… Emily has had enough and, on the advice of the police, moves to a women’s shelter. While trying to get her life together, she refuses to let her parents know how bad things are. Then Eric dies. She tries to keep going, but eventually, she has to move home to Chicago, where she starts over, and turns her life around and into a success.

This is a highly emotional story. It could be hard for some people to read, but it is a beautifully written story with an uplifting outcome. It is definitely a story worth reading.

Highly recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE WRITE WAY TO CATCH A KILLER by Beth Prentice
Fiction, Cozy Mystery
5*****

Blurb: A cold case. A grieving family. A killer who’s been walking free for eighteen months. Cozy mystery author Aubrey Jackson thought the hardest part of her week would be trying to turn a blank page into the hopefully-bestselling follow-up to her debut novella. Then Detective Jacob Tate shows up with news that shatters what’s left of her family—her sister Emily’s fatal car accident wasn’t an accident at all. It was murder. And before Aubrey can catch her breath, the police pull her brother, Corey, in for questioning. Certain Corey is innocent, Aubrey starts digging through her sister’s old planner, half-forgotten emails, and a tangle of secrets that Emily had been keeping from everyone, including Aubrey. With her best friend (and secret crush) Spencer by her side, Aubrey uncovers a trail of stolen money, buried affairs, and a mysterious stranger with a spider tattoo who might hold all the answers. Only problem? Detective Tate—brooding, infuriating, and entirely too easy to fall for—keeps getting in her way. Or is it that Aubrey can’t stop thinking about him? Can Aubrey catch her sister’s killer…before they decide to write Aubrey’s final chapter? Or will digging up the past cost her everything she has left?

THOUGHTS: I had fun with this story. It’s actually a story within a story – sort of. Aubrey is a writer working on her second cozy mystery book. While she is at that, there’s a real murder mystery going on in her life. Her sister, Emily, died in a car crash eighteen months ago. A tragic accident–or was it? When Detective Jacob Tate shows up with suggestions that Emily might have been murdered, Aubrey’s life takes a deep dive. But when Tate suspects Aubrey’s brother of doing the deed… Aubrey is shattered. And determined to prove his innocence (at least in this–her brother isn’t exactly the poster boy for good behavior). And while she’s investigating, she’s also writing her second book – and you get to see excerpts from it. And even better, it’s a real book called “Shore to Kill” (which I read and reviewed!).

There are a lot of suspects in the story. In both stories. But with the help of friends and a lot of sleuthing on her own, Aubrey figures out what’s going on, but not without facing danger. And she has two handsome men who would like her to think they’re special. And friends who will always be there for her.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

ODE TO LOVE by Derrick Webber
Fiction, M/M Contemporary Romance
4****

Blurb: Braeden Byrne is starting his career as a third-generation art detective. The owner of Briarvale Estate in Surrey, England hires him to search for her great-granduncle’s missing poetry. Cyrus Pemberton, following in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, dared to write of his love for another man. Imprisoned in the house by his brother in 1905, the question was his missing poetry hidden or destroyed? Dr. Anton Smythe, noted Cambridge literary scholar, is also keen to track down the lost work, but not keen to work with this young American upstart. He fights to resist his attraction to Braeden, only to discover that the attraction is mutual. Though they strive to remain professional, nights alone in the decrepit manor house ignite passions the two men cannot ignore. Will they discover lasting love alongside the missing verses of the Ode to Love?

THOUGHTS: At only 115 pages, this is a relatively quick read. Braeden Byrne and Anton Smythe are well-done characters who are on the search for the answer to a decades old mystery. For me, their hot romance was a little too quick, especially after the initial animosity between them. They are looking for the lost stanzas to a poem written decades ago by Cyrus Pemberton, the great-granduncle of the owner. Anton is a professor at Cambridge who specialized in Pemberton and Braeden is an art detective. Together, the two of them find a way to work together to not only find the missing poetry, but pieces of Pemberton’s life that have been missing as well – and save the estate in order to turn it into a museum. It’s a lot to take on, but they manage to do it and find themselves as a couple as well.

A nice romance, but as I said above, it was a little too rushed for me. But it is a good story with a great outcome.

Recommended.