The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2025, Week 18’s New Books
My choices for this week include Historical Mystery, Young Adult Romance, Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Romance Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sweet Romances, Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery, Sweet Royal Romance, Sweet Cowboy Romance, Young Adult Romantic Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Cozy Paranormal Mysteries, Middle Grade Adventure Fantasy, and Legal and Politicial Thriller.
April is wrapping up, and May will be here soon. That means that summer is right around the corner. I love all the flowers and the pretty greens everywhere in spring. How about you? Do you have a favorite season?
This week there are so many books! Some of these will be on my TBR list.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 18 of 2025!
A Death on Corfu by Emily Sullivan
Minnie Harper Mystery #1
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery
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Living in Greece at the turn of the twentieth century, widow Minnie Harper struggles to find her place in a swiftly changing world. But when a local woman is murdered, her resolve is put to the test in a race to shed light on the truth . . .
The first in a new series for readers of Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourn, Anna Lee Huber, and Rhys Bowen.
Minnie Harper isn’t used to putting herself first. Not after she moved away from England only to be left raising two children alone on the Greek Island of Corfu following her husband’s unexpected death. But with her daughter begging to be sent to school abroad and her son grasping at his own independence, Minnie realizes she must prepare for the next stage of her life.
When famous mystery author Stephen Dorian settles into a neighboring villa to escape writer’s block and hidden scandals, she is intrigued at first by the handsome Londoner—until he proves to be nothing more than a boorish grump. Determined to avoid the man as much as possible, Minnie is shocked when he offers her a well-paid job as his typist. She isn’t in a position to turn down work, even from a man she has sworn to hate.
But before Minnie can fully regret her decision to take the job, she makes a horrifying discovery that changes everything. A young maid has been murdered, and local authorities aren’t moving fast enough to bring justice to the terrible crime. Unwilling to allow the death to fade into obscurity like the stories of so many other women deemed unworthy by society, Minnie launches an investigation of her own—and reluctantly accepts Stephen’s help. As she embarks on a dangerous search for answers that reveals another side of Corfu, unsettling questions take shape about her employer-turned-confidant and the culprit who just might do whatever it takes to strike again . . .
Bad Influence by Claire Ahn
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romance
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In this contemporary YA novel, high school student Charlotte Goh is an aspiring Asian American fashion influencer desperately trying to lift her family out of hardship, only to find it may come at a cost higher than any Chanel bag.
Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Goh is juggling two very different personas: the dutiful Korean daughter, and the hustling NYC fashion influencer. Her best friend Steven scoffs at her ambition, but she secretly hopes that her posts will help financially support her struggling family. Then one night, after posting about a racist experience she had at an influencer event, Charlotte finds herself going viral and garnering the fame she’s always craved. And as much as she doesn’t want her newfound popularity to change her, she can’t help but be swept away by the exciting perks: chic new friends, the attention of one of Hollywood’s hottest heartthrobs, and a slew of companies clamoring to sponsor her.
But as she falls deeper into the influencer world, she finds that she may have to sacrifice more than she bargained for—including her unexpected new feelings for Steven. Will Charlotte be able to stay true to herself, or will she lose the things that are most important to her?
Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss
Cheese Shop Mysteries #6
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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In Korina Moss’s Bait and Swiss, Yarrow Glen’s newest business gives one unlucky resident the swiss of death.
It’s been almost two years since Willa Bauer opened Curds & Whey in Yarrow Glen, and both cheesemonger and cheese shop are thriving in the Sonoma Valley. While Willa doesn’t eat chocolate, it’s true that life is like a box of chocolates. Unfortunately, life’s latest curveball is that Willa’s ex fiancé and ex-best friend―the reason for her chocolate aversion―are opening a chocolate pop-up shop across the street. By the end of the shop’s first day, the town’s newest reporter is the victim of death by chocolate. Now Willa’s ex wants her to be Swiss Congeniality, solve the case, and save the day. As much as Willa wants to hit him with the nearest cheese wheel, she can’t stop herself from saying yes. And it’s not long before tourists decide to stay clear of town until the killer is caught. To save Yarrow Glen, Willa and Team Cheese have some work to do.
Booked for Revenge by Karen Rose Smith
Tomes and Tea Mystery #2
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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Following in her mother Daisy’s footsteps, Jazzi Swanson has transformed her rural New York bookshop and tea bar, Tomes & Tea, into a must-stop destination in the lakeside resort town of Belltower Landing, New York, where, in addition to her talent for tea, Jazzi has shown a skill for sleuthing when trouble is brewing . . .
The Gentleman’s Bake-off is not only good for the town’s tourism, it’s bound to boost business at Tomes & Tea. The celebrity judges of the contest—chefs, bakers, restauranteurs—will all be signing their cookbooks at Jazzi’s shop. But with all the big personalities and inflated egos, she’s starting to wonder if there are—as the saying goes—too many cooks.
The competition is far from killer, with mostly residents and neighbors vying for bragging rights. But when local photographer Finn Yarrow takes first place, someone commits a most ungentlemanly act. Jazzi’s partner Dawn finds the man bludgeoned next to his prizewinning Black Forest Cake.
Between the judges and the contestants, the bookshop shop owner soon finds herself steeped in suspects as she tries to solve the crime. Was the murder connected to the bake-off—or did the shutterbug perhaps photograph something he shouldn’t have? Either way, Jazzi is determined to find a killer who’s trying to have their cake and eat it too . . .
Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews
Broken Souls and Bones #1
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Romance Fantasy
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Together they’ll restore a divided kingdom—or burn it down—in this new romantasy from USA Today bestselling author and TikTok sensation LJ Andrews.
Lyra Bien intended to live a quiet life to avoid the attention of the magic-obsessed king in the fortress of Stonegate. Until Roark Ashwood—the prince’s silent guard and rumored killer for the crown—invades her village and uncovers the truth behind the silver scars in her eyes. To save her best friend from death, she’s forced to reveal her abilities, and is immediately claimed by the crown as the next melder.
To be the King’s melder is to be revered and feared in equal measures, but above all it is a slow death sentence. Lyra is determined to find a way to free herself and her friends from bondage. But first she must get more information from the silent, brooding sentry who first took her captive: Roark.
As Lyra gets closer to Roark, she soon learns he’s nothing like she assumed—and in fact everything she needs. The more they work as allies, the harder it becomes to ignore the growing passion between them. After a sinister truth is revealed, Roark and Lyra must choose to stand against all they know, or accept their dark destiny.
Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves
Death by Chocolate Mystery #8
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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One of the sweetest places to visit in Eastport, Maine, is Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose, where people treat themselves to the most decadent desserts. But the island town also seems to cater to those with bitter dispositions . . .
Decorations of cobwebs and creatures are just being taken down across Eastport’s picturesque houses as the community says farewell to Halloween and ushers in winter with the unique confectionaries found only at the Chocolate Moose. Revelers have gathered on the waterfront for a party at local celebrity Hank Rafferty’s ramshackle mansion, known as Stone House. The home repair TV show star and his guests await a devilish dessert delivery from Jake and Ellie—who arrive just after Hank’s body falls to his death from the house’s turret’s balcony.
Despite his show’s popularity, Hank was not exactly beloved in Eastport, prompting the police to conduct a homicide investigation. Their number one suspect is the temperamental boyfriend of police chief Lizzie Snow, whom Hank openly hit on during the party. Although he may be hotheaded, Lizzie doesn’t believe her boyfriend is capable of killing anyone.
And neither do Jake and Ellie. Plenty of people had motive to want Hank dead—a disillusioned admirer, a school bully, and a discontented wife among them. Did any of them take the murderous plunge, or is there another ghost in Hank’s shady past yet to be revealed?
Fatal Brouhaha by Emmeline Duncan
Ground Rules Mystery #5
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
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Twentysomething master barista and owner of Portland, Oregon’s popular Ground Rules coffee cart, Sage Caplin is ready to celebrate her growing business at a weekend long maker’s festival, complete with live music, a cornhole tournament, 4th of July fireworks—and murder . . .
In addition to her beloved coffees, Sage is thrilled to be expanding her offerings in collaboration with the local whiskey company that is throwing the festival. And how better to launch their new product than with fellow entrepreneurs. But among the crowd of artists and creators, Sage is surprised to spot Left Coast Grinds owner Mark Jeffries, who has it out for Ground Rules. The distillery didn’t invite Mark and they apologize. But nothing can make up for the glare Mark aims at Sage and her co-owner, Harley. And that’s just a taste of what’s to come . . .
Soon Mark incites a loud argument with Harley and is ousted from the property. But later that night, Sage finds Mark’s body by the Ground Rules Subaru. She knows that when investigators learn that Harley and Mark had a history of butting heads, Harley will be a prime suspect—and she’s right. But Mark rubbed many people the wrong way, and several are at the festival. Now Sage will have to filter through secrets, grudges, and blackmail to get to the bitter truth—and as her sleuthing heats up, the closing fireworks won’t just be the ones in the sky . . .
Gigi Shin, Live from Manhattan by Lyla Lee
Gigi Shin #2
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade
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This second book in a sparkling middle grade series that gives a fresh take on The Baby-Sitters Club follows Gigi and her friends to New York City as they attend the art camp of their dreams.
Gigi Shin is looking forward to her best summer ever: not only did she get accepted to the prestigious Starscape Art Academy in New York City, but so did all her friends and fellow Ace Squad members! Plus, Gigi’s art idol, Christiana Moon, is going to be a guest lecturer and Gigi is determined to make a great impression.
But as soon as they land in NYC, things don’t exactly go to plan. Instead of being able to room with each other, the girls are all assigned to room with other attendees; Gigi is paired with Sohee, who doesn’t seem too excited to have Gigi as a roommate. The workload is heavy, and while the teachers are all experts in their field, they aren’t exactly the best instructors—including Gigi’s idol, Christiana, who’s dismissive when Gigi asks her for advice.
When all the attendees are given a huge opportunity to showcase their work, Gigi and her friends are determined to turn things around and make the best of camp, using the city for inspiration. With the help of some unexpected allies, can Gigi prove to everyone—and herself—that she has what it takes?
Her Alaskan Summer by Beth Carpenter
Snow Falls, Alaska #1
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Sweet Romance
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An unexpected inheritance…
Could change their livesCash is key to saving widow Amanda Flores’s garden center—the future for her daughter, Paisley. So inheriting her great-aunt’s lodge in Swan Falls, Alaska, is a miracle. But ownership is shared with soft-eyed stranger Nathan Swan…and he refuses to sell. As they repair the lodge, take part in the Feather Festival and have run-ins with the local wildlife, bookish Paisley is blossoming. And Nathan’s kindness is healing Amanda’s bruised heart. Can she let go of her well-laid plans, and past pain, to risk a second chance at love?
Last Wool and Testament by Peggy Ehrhart
Knit and Nibble Mystery #12
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery
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Spring has sprung in Arborville, New Jersey, and Pamela Paterson and Bettina Fraser are keeping busy with their knitting group, Knit and Nibble. But it looks like April showers have brought May murders . . .
Fiber artist Ingrid Barrick has just been found dead in her ransacked house, but the fact that she’d seemed a bit troubled lately—and had been obsessively doodling pictures of bees—has the Knit and Nibblers wondering if this was really a burglary gone bad like the police think. There had been tension with a neighbor who was fuming (and sneezing) over the ragweed in Ingrid’s garden—but allergies don’t seem like grounds for murder.
As they chat with a local beekeeper, learn more about Ingrid’s knitwear-designer ex, and look into a suddenly cancelled tapestry exhibit, Pamela and Bettina are intrigued to find more nature-themed sketches by Ingrid. The question is which of these many threads will lead to the truth about her unnatural death . . .
Knitting tips and delicious recipe included!
Royal Rebel by Holly Kerr
Love in Laandia #5
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Sweet Royal Romance
There’s always been a connection between Spencer and Princess Lyra.
Everyone expects Spencer Laz to eventually win the heart of Princess Lyra, the only daughter of the king of Laandia. Spencer is best friends with the four princes. His father is the right-hand man to the king. He’s been a part of the family his whole life, patiently waiting for his HEA with Lyra.
Only now, a new love has him confused if Lyra is really the one he’s meant to be with.
When Lyra discovers Spencer has found someone else, she overreacts and signs up to be the next Suitorette on a reality dating show, ready and eager to pick one of twenty-five men to be her Prince Charming.
Hope may be lost for Spencer and Lyra unless Spencer finally decides it’s time to make a bold move to win the heart of the royal rebel.
Royal Rebel is the fifth in the Love in Laandia series, a brothers’ best friend, reality romance closed-door romcom.
The Cowboy’s Wedding Proposal by Melinda Curtis
Cowboy Academy #7
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Romance
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What’s sweeter than chocolate?
A second chance at love!Single mom Tillie Powell has spent enough time getting over Keith Morgan and his misguided marriage proposal six years earlier. All she wants now is to be the perfect maid of honor to her cousin, proving to her uncle that she’s ready for the ranch manager job, which will support her daughter, Shay, in the process. But best man Keith suddenly seems to be everywhere she is, helping with wedding tasks and annoyingly winning over Shay. As the big event draws closer, Tillie must decide if she’s finally ready to hear Keith’s side of the story—and let his love in.
The Firefighter Next Door by Alexis Morgan
Heroes of Dunbar Mountain #5
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Sweet Romance
Can a pretend relationship…
Lead to real happiness?Juni Voss told her overbearing family that she moved to Dunbar, Washington, to be closer to her graphic design client, but her real motive was to get space from them. In fact, she’d still be stuck planning her cousin’s wedding if local firefighter and kitten savior Ryder Davis hadn’t stepped in with his stunning blue eyes…and a plan! He’ll be her fake business partner if she’ll be his fake date to his mother’s party. But when genuine feelings emerge, can Juni put aside her hard-won independence and admit that their worlds belong together?
The Floating World by Axie Oh
Floating World #1
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
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From Axie Oh, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this lighthearted romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.
Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. An ex-soldier, he can remember little of his life from before two years ago, when he woke up alone with only his name and his sword. Now he does odd-jobs to scrape by, until he comes across the score of a lifetime―a chest of coins for any mercenary who can hunt down a girl who wields silver light.Meanwhile, far to the east, Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family and performing at villages. But everything changes during one of their festival performances when the village is attacked by a horrific humanlike demon. In a moment of fear and rage, Ren releases a blast of silver light―a power she has kept hidden since childhood―and kills the monster. But her efforts are not in time to prevent her adoptive family from suffering a devastating loss, or to save her beloved uncle from being grievously wounded.
Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off over the mountains, where the creature came from―and from where Ren herself fled ten years ago. Her path sets her on a collision course with Sunho, but he doesn’t realize she’s the girl that he―and a hundred other swords-for-hire―is looking for. As the two grow closer through their travels, they come to realize that their pasts―and destinies―are far more entwined than either of them could have imagined…
Their Surprise Reunion by Shelley Shepard Gray
Matchmaker Knows Best #1
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Sweet Romance
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Friendship can turn to more…
When you least expect it!Kayla Harding knew she’d reached rock bottom when she forced herself to walk through the front doors of Loaves of Love, the food bank in Medina, Ohio, one Saturday morning. Happily, what she finds there is a loving community of people who offer her not just food, but friendship and hope. She also finds Sean Copeland, a former crush, father to six-year-old Jackson and small-town football coach, who volunteers at the food bank. But Kayla is still reeling from her divorce, and Sean is a recent widower. Can they find it in their hearts to fall in love again?
What Comes After by Katie Bayerl
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
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Sixteen-year-old Mari Novak is dead—and her problems don’t end there. For Fans of The Good Place.
Mari never gave much thought to the afterlife before her untimely demise, but she certainly didn’t think it would be an experimental wellness enclave called Paradise Gate—a place where the newly dead go to sort out the unfinished business of their lives. She also didn’t think the biggest problem to plague her in life would follow her into the great beyond: her also recently deceased mother, Faye. Mari quickly realizes Faye is her unfinished business, and in order to move on to whatever’s next, she’ll have to find a way to forgive her dysfunctional mother for being no mother at all. But there’s so much to forgive: never holding down a steady job, never having a stable home, and abandoning Mari in the end.
It’s a lot to sort through, but faced with the possibility of being turned out into the abyss, Mari gets to work. She enrolls in the prescribed self- actualization classes (think: journaling, positive self-talk, and lots of Youga™). It all seems pretty hokey, but still, the assignments force Mari to confront difficult truths about her past.
When a shocking revelation about Mari’s death captures the attention of the afterlife media, Mari is suddenly in the spotlight, her messy history being judged by the whole realm. She finds escape in an equally troubled boy, who takes Mari to an obscure part of Paradise Gate and introduces her to rebels who show Mari that this “wellness center” is not all it pretends to be. With classmates disappearing and an afterlife revolution brewing, Mari must decide whether to play it safe or break the rules. At stake? Her eternal fate. Literally.
Séance and Sensibility by Kirsten Weiss
Tea and Tarot Cozy Mysteries #10
Publication Date: April 30, 2025
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
In the beach town of San Borromeo, (patron saint of heartburn suffers), Abigail and Hyperion have brewed more than just the perfect cup of Darjeeling. Their latest endeavor? Hosting a séance for the local Jane Austen fan-fic group in their tea and Tarot room.
But when the candles flicker and plunge the tearoom into darkness, the gathering takes a turn to sense and suspicion. Because when the lights come on, a guest is dead. With Abigail’s grandfather at the top of the suspect list, the situation brews into a real problem.
With Abigail’s grandfather in the hot seat as a suspect, our amateur detectives must sift through the clues faster than Abigail can pour a cup of Earl Grey. Will they manage to read the signs before the killer serves them their last cup of tea?
Join Abigail and Hyperion in Séance and Sensibility, a new novella in the Tea and Tarot mystery series. In this culinary cozy mystery, only one thing is certain: the truth will be as hard to catch as the perfect Mr. Darcy.
Scone recipe in the back of the book!
Murder on the Witch Express by Ada Bell
Haunted Haven #4
Publication Date: May 1, 2025
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
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Enjoy this small town paranormal cozy mystery with an amateur sleuth by award-winning author Ada Bell.
When Emma’s boyfriend invites her on a romantic train ride for their first Valentine’s Day, she’s unsurprised that her feline familiar and ghostly grandfather wheedle their way into an adjoining suite. But the last thing she expects is to become stranded with her magical companions in a murder mystery.
From the beginning, the other passengers seem off the rails. Halfway to their destination, a snowstorm stops the train in its tracks and knocks out the satellites. Then one passenger is murdered, which means the killer must be on the train. Who would engineer such a thing?
Isolated from the outside world, Emma and Tim must conduct an investigation of a half dozen of the victim’s enemies. With the help of her magical cat and her ghostly grandfather, can Emma blow the whistle before the killer strikes again?
Accompany Emma and her companions on a cozy ride through the Adirondack mountains. This magical twist on Agatha Christie’s classic tale will appeal to longtime Haunted Haven fans and new readers alike. Fans of Angie Fox, Amy Boyles and Annabelle Chase will love this bewitching series.
The Abandoned Theater by Dana Robertson
Alderland #1
Publication Date: May 1, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Adventure Fantasy
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Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there – the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.
The Boomerang by Robert Bailey
Publication Date: May 1, 2025
Genre: Legal and Political Thriller
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John Grisham meets Yellowstone in a gripping political thriller by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Robert Bailey, as one man fights for family against a government with a shattering secret.
The president of the United States has terminal cancer. Chief of Staff Eli James, his faithful consigliere and best friend, is one of the few who know. But just as the president’s condition mysteriously improves, Eli’s hit with another blow: his daughter has cancer too.
Hell-bent on helping her, Eli turns to Big Pharma’s top lobbyist for advice, but their encounter yields more questions than answers. As he races along a twisted trail to the truth, he stumbles upon a devastating cover-up worth billions of dollars―and millions of lives.
Armed with this deadly secret, Eli goes rogue, fleeing with his family out west. To keep them safe, he forms an uneasy alliance with land baron Nester “the Beast” Sanchez, known for his ruthless power tactics. An epic showdown brews, and it’s the state versus one desperate citizen, willing to risk everything to save his daughter. Can Eli broker a truce with his once allies? Or will there be war in the desert?
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 18 of 2025
Drop a comment if you like one of the books above or if you have one to recommend.
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Reading!
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