The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2025, Week 40’s New Books
My choices for this week include Cozy Animal Mysteries, Holiday Romances, Sweet Holiday Romances, Cozy Culinary Holiday Mystery, Cozy Animal Mystery, Middle Grade Mystery, Cozy Culinary Paranormal Mystery, Historical Mysteries, Middle Grade Fantasy, Cozy Holiday Mystery, International Mystery, Holiday Mystery, Sweet Romance, Middle Grade Horror, Historical Romantic Mystery, Historical Romantic Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Suspense Thriller, Young Adult Romantic Fantasy, and Sweet Animal Holiday Romance.
It’s the last week of September. Wow, how the time is flying by. But it is officially autumn, and I am even more committed to the fall season, including all the fun stuff like apple cider, pumpkin muffins, and the holidays. Yes, I am ready. We are even decorating for Halloween this weekend. I know we don’t get any trick-or-treaters, but it makes us happy. How about you? Are you preparing for Halloween?
This week’s list of new books is large. The publishers must also be preparing for the cooler weather by getting the books out to us. Look for some reviews of at least one book from this list.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 40 of 2025!
A Matter of Pedigree by Leslie Meier
Carole and Poopsie Mystery #1
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery
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In an upscale Rhode Island enclave, a newly wealthy empty-nester-turned-sleuth and her nosy dog, Poopsie, solve a baffling murder in this brand-new series from the author of the New York Times bestselling Lucy Stone Mysteries. Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn’s Killers of a Certain Age, JM Hall’s Liz, Pat and Thelma Mysteries, and The Marlow Murder Club series by Robert Thorogood.
Carole Capobianco has always counted her blessings, but it’s even more fun now that she and her husband Frank are finally making serious money, thanks to Frank’s newly patented Bye-Bye Toilet. With the kids finally on their own, Carole and Frank are empty-nesters, which will give her uninterrupted time to add to her impressive shoe collection—and lavish care on Poopsie, her beloved, very spoiled Brittany spaniel. The cherry on top is a hefty bid on a luxury co-op in a prestige building . . .
But that dream is quickly flushed when the offer is refused by venture capitalist Hosea Brown. Hearing the claim that the Capobiancos won’t fit into their wealthy, snooty community, Frank is outraged enough to roar something about killing that “old Yankee” on his way out the door. Three months later, Carole is shocked by the news that Hosea has been bludgeoned to death.
When Carole learns Hosea was one of the backers of a big new construction project for which Frank’s company has also been contracted, she’s worried. And that worry grows with every new twist in the case that’s discovered. Armed with her favorite Jimmy Choos and her beloved, if quirky, Poopsie, Carole sets out to clear Frank’s name—and just maybe save their lives . . .
A Sea Glass Christmas by Davis Bunn
Outer Banks #2
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Holiday Romance
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In the ultimate Christmas comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, a bracing Christmas on North Carolina’s Outer Banks opens the door to a second chance at love…
Some places never leave you . . .
Two days before his 21st birthday, Brody Reames left the Outer Banks to fulfill his dream of sailing. For years, it’s been a liberating, wayfarer’s life, crewing on ocean-bound vessels and joining cross-Atlantic races. He knew leaving his hometown wouldn’t be forever, but to mend a disillusioned heart in Fortunate Harbor, it was for the best. Still, he never expected that a family upheaval and his loving mother’s plea would call him back. With Christmas nearing, Brody is coming home again—to a crisp chill in the air and a warm former flame . . .
Some goodbyes aren’t meant to be forever . . .
Attorney for the Outer Banks’ 5-star ocean-front resort and resident treasure hunter, Rae Alden has a life that is adventurous, rewarding . . . and lonely. Still struggling with recent romances gone wrong, Rae directs all her energy into her career and caring for her ailing aunt, taking respite in dawn runs along the beach. But now, after eight years, she sees Brody again. They share more than a passion for the island realm. There are memories of a lovely once-upon-a-time fling. It lasted until a fateful change of seasons—and heart.
Like waves along the Crystal Coast, emotions thought long-gone come rushing back. But with both of them facing family turmoil and secrets yet to be revealed, how promising is a new chance at happiness, no matter how powerful the yearning? For Brody and Rae, this Christmas is all about making wishes come true.
Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Holiday Romance
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Some people are Christmas people, but Jill Jacobs is most certainly not. She hasn’t been ever since her hometown love broke her heart on Christmas Eve three years ago. After that, Jill moved to L.A. to pursue her dream of becoming a screenwriter. She hasn’t been home in years to avoid her ex, but this winter she finds herself back in drab, suburban Illinois for the holidays.
After one very hazy night, Jill wakes up to a hometown that’s filled with jolly neighbors, covered in pristine white snow, and seasoned with the smell of peppermint. She realizes that this is more than just a bad hangover… she’s stuck in a Heartfelt movie. One set in her town, starring real people from her life, including her family, her high school crush (uber perfect, owns a bakery, and definitely a Christmas Person), and of course, her ex ―handsome as ever and now exclusively clad in plaid flannel.
The only way out of this bizarro world is to complete the plot of the movie, including a holiday bake off and a cookie-sweet love story. To get home in time for Christmas, Jill must act out a picture-perfect holiday romance with the one that got away, all while her ex watches on. Fa la la la freaking la….
Christmas with the Single Dad by Amie Denman
Meet Me at Niagara Falls #3
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Sweet Holiday Romance
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Falling for her copilot…
Means risking it all!For pilot Jane Dumont, the only thing more thrilling than flying over the rushing waters of Niagara Falls is finally becoming a partner in her family’s helicopter-tour business. But first she needs to impress her parents’ skeptical silent partner. Armed with plans to expand the business, Jane hires a new pilot. Cal Morgan is a widowed single dad with a sweet five-year-old daughter, and before long, Jane is falling for them both. But following her heart means risking her career… Unless the season of hope can help Jane take a chance on love?
Death of a Tom Turkey by Lee Hollis
Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries #18
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Cozy Animal Holiday Mystery
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Thanksgiving season brings murder most fowl to Bar Harbor, Maine, as food writer and restaurateur Hayley Powell investigates a farmer felled at a turkey shoot . . .
The relationships between bad-tempered Tom Farley and his neighbors are as bitter as a bowl of raw cranberries, but would one of them have taken it far enough to replace birdshot with a real bullet and make him a target at a shooting competition? That’s what the injured turkey farmer is claiming from his hospital bed—in between terrorizing the nurses—and he insists it’s because a property developer is looking to buy them all out for big money. But Tom says he was born on that land, and he intends to die on it. Sadly, that happens sooner than he expects.
Now an inquisitive Hayley has a cornucopia of suspects to consider, from an agoraphobic therapist to an ex-Army sniper, while also preparing for Thanksgiving. But with the strange twists and dark secrets still to be revealed, this case will not be as easy as pie . . .
Epilogue to a Christmas Murder by Lauren Elliott
Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries #11
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery
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As bookstore owner Addie Greyborne shares the loving lesson of The Gift of the Magi, the spirit of the season falls prey to a thief and a killer . . .
There’s no place like the seaside Massachusetts town of Greyborne Harbor for the holidays, and there’s no better feeling for Addie than donating to the lighthouse museum’s Twelve Days of Christmas charity fundraiser. Of the dozen books she’ll be offering as prizes from her Beyond the Page Books and Curios shop, the most special volume is a first edition of The Gift of the Magi imported from England—signed by O. Henry! Addie receives an unexpected Christmas bonus when the book is hand delivered by visiting Detective Inspector Noah Parker, whom she met in England, and has been daydreaming about ever since.
But on the night Addie delivers the book to the museum, someone posing as one of Santa’s Little Helpers swipes it—and the rest of the charity gifts. As if the theft wasn’t bad enough, a body is found on the rocks outside the lighthouse, believed to be murdered. Now, it’s up to Addie to connect the clues, find stolen goods, and catch a killer—in order to usher in a Happy New Year . . .
Grady Jones and the Great Detective Game by Kerry Douglas Dye
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
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Glass Onion meets Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library in this twisty, laugh-out-loud middle grade mystery about an inexperienced detective who plans to solve a local murder to achieve greatness.
Only you can solve the mystery of my murder.
Grady Jones has spent nearly all twelve years of his life trying to find a way to be great at something. So when a mysterious note is delivered to his door, addressed to him, asking Grady to solve the murder of his town’s reclusive billionaire, Grady believes his search is over. He’ll be a Great Detective! The only problem is he is not known for being very observant…or intuitive…or clever.
Oh, and he has no idea how to solve a mystery.
Luckily, he has some friends who have skills of deduction, and together, they might have the chops to figure out the murderer. Then a stranger also named Grady Jones comes to town, and Grady fears the note might not have been meant for him at all. And if that’s the case, how will he ever become Great?
In this hilarious mystery about mistaken identity, one boy must make life-changing decisions, perhaps most important of all: is it more important to be a Great Detective, or a great friend?
His Alaskan Christmas by Beth Carpenter
Swan Falls, Alaska #2
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Sweet Holiday Romance
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An instant family
Is a gift he never expected!The tiny town of Swan Falls, Alaska, has everything engineer Emily Cooper needs—except a nanny for the holidays. But her Christmas wish could be granted in the most unexpected way! Grounded as he waits for corrective eye surgery, pilot Nick Bernardi needs a place to stay. And helping his best friend’s widow with her two kids is an easy yes. But it’s not long before the dedicated bachelor starts to feel more than he should…especially considering he’s moving far away to Hawaii. Could falling in love change his flight plan?
His Holiday Gift by Alexis Morgan
Heroes of Dunbar Mountain #6
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Sweet Holiday Romance
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Family brought her to town…
Can love make her stay?From the moment Hailey Alston arrives in Dunbar, Washington, volunteer firefighter Finn Cooper has suspicions. She drove all the way from Missouri, this never-before-mentioned granddaughter of the man who raised Finn. There must be a catch. But trying to figure it out means getting caught up in wagon rides, tree shopping, holiday parties…all with Hailey at his side. Now Grandpa Jim isn’t the only one who’ll miss Hailey terribly when she returns to Missouri. Unless Finn can show her a future together is the best Christmas present of all…
Linzer Cookie Murder by Trixie Silvertale
Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries #3
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Paranormal Mystery
A shocking attack. A terrible truth. Will our unseasoned baker burn the wrong bridges?
Cindy Claus enjoys her successful bakery business. She’s finally proven to be more than the heir to her father’s sleigh. But right in the middle of her busiest season, a panicked message from her regal mother threatens to destroy her dreams.
With Santa hovering on death’s doorstep and Cindy delivering the presents this year, she’ll need her new sleuthing skills and the help of her father’s trusted arctic fox to save Saint Nic. But without a major holiday miracle, this could be the beginning of the end…
Can Cindy corner the culprit, or will this be the world’s last Christmas?
Linzer Cookie Murder is the third book in the festive paranormal cozy series, Christmas Catastrophe Mysteries. If you like kind-hearted heroines, furry sidekicks, and a dash of mistletoe magic, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s Yuletide puzzler.
Buy Linzer Cookie Murder to wrap up a mystery today!
*Features recipes from Cindy’s bakery!
Miss Morton and the Missing Heir by Catherine Lloyd
Miss Morton Mysteries #4
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery
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Society in England is most unforgiving of a reversal of fortune, as Miss Caroline Morton, left penniless after her father’s suspicious death, knows all too well. Once a lady, now a lady’s companion, she is still enmeshed in the settling of the earl’s estate—and soon murder as well—in this “charming cross between a Regency romance and a well-constructed detective story” (Kirkus Reviews) for of Victoria Thompson, C.S. Harris, and Deanna Raybourn.
Distraught over her younger sister Susan’s decision to leave for America and weary of shepherding her employer Mrs. Frogerton’s daughter in her relentless pursuit of marrying a peer, Caroline is dealt another blow when her family solicitors indicate they may have found the lost heir to the Morton earldom.
Possible heir Thomas, his mother Mrs. Scutton, and her widowed daughter Mary all descend on Mrs. Frogerton’s home on Half Moon Street. The air inside the house is soon thick with family tension and the near palpable presence of avarice. But things go from tense to tragic following the appearance of Mary’s dead husband—very much alive and recently released from debtors’ prison. Unseen by Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton, a fight breaks out upstairs, leaving Mary fatally stabbed and her mother wounded.
The manhunt is on for Mary’s husband, led by Inspector Ross. But both Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton begin to suspect that all is not as it seems The Scuttons have brought more than trouble into the home—they may be harboring secrets that could put Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton’s very lives at risk . . .
Mr. Grieves and the Grievous Deeds by Matt Lieberman
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
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When Victoria and Ozzy’s mom, the famous child behavioralist Anna Gray, leaves without a word, Victoria can’t help but think it’s all her fault. So, Victoria commits herself to being perfect in the hope that her excellent behavior will win her mother back. And Victoria knows the best way to show her mom just how good she’s become is to get into the extra-elite Wheaton Prep School. Then mom will have to return!
Victoria’s plan feels foolproof—until Mr. Grieves arrives. Donning a bowler hat and accompanied by a lock-picking capuchin monkey named Kevin, Mr. Grieves is anything but your usual babysitter. He has the most backward ideas about right and wrong, drives a van that’s anything but street legal, listens to music designed to make your ears bleed, and can convince anyone to do anything in the blink of an eye. And before she knows what’s happening, Victoria and her younger brother, Ozzy, have stolen a priceless Egyptian artifact, barely survived a high-speed police chase, joined a killer biker gang, and waged an epic pillow fight for their lives.
Part Lemony Snicket, part Adventures in Babysitting, and all sorts of fun, Mr. Grieves and the Grievous Deeds is the debut novel from the writer behind the hit Ryan Reynolds movie Free Guy, screenwriter Matt Lieberman.
Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine by Liz Ireland
Mrs. Claus Mysteries #6
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Cozy Holiday Mystery
As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air with April Claus’s friend, Claire, getting married to Jake Frost—but when a cold-blooded killer strikes, it sends shivers through Santaland . . .
It’s the wedding of the winter—Claire and Jake—and April and Juniper will be bridesmaids. Everyone’s feeling the love. Even the reindeer who pull April’s sleigh are feeling the Valentine’s vibes: both Wobbler and Cannonball fancy Flouncy, a doe from the Vixen herd. As for April, of course she couldn’t be happier being married to Nick (aka THE Santa Claus), but now that they’re no longer newlyweds, has their romance been a bit backburnered?
As the bridal party assembles at the Order of Elven Seamstresses for a fitting, Juniper’s new boyfriend, Sterling Redwinkle, stops by with a corsage. While he’s pinning it on Juniper, he’s pricked by a rose thorn and collapses. Though he’s rushed to the Santaland infirmary, he dies within hours. It turns out the thorns were covered in deadly poison. But who was the killer’s target—sweet Sterling or the now heartbroken bridesmaid?
With Ivy the florist immediately the chief suspect—even being called “Poison Ivy” by naughty gossipers—it’s up to Mrs. Claus to uncover the North Pole poisoner in time to salvage Claire and Jake’s wedding at Castle Kringle . . .
Murder at Somerset House by Andrea Penrose
Wrexford and Sloane Mysteries #9
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery
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Beyond the gilded ballrooms and salons of Regency London lurks a sinister web of intrigue and deception, and when a murder occurs within the scientific community, Lord Wrexford and Charlotte are the perfect pair to unravel it in USA Today bestselling author Andrea Penrose’s latest masterfully plotted mystery for readers of Charles Dodd, C.S. Harris, and Deanna Raybourn.
A welcome interlude of calm has descended on Wrexford and Charlotte, though with three lively young boys in their care and an unconventional circle of friends and allies, quiet rarely lasts long. And sure enough, in the dead of night, an old acquaintance appears and asks for help. His brother-in-law has been accused of murdering a fellow member of the prestigious Royal Society at their London headquarters, Somerset House.
Wrexford agrees to investigate, and with a little unexpected help from their young charges, discovers that what seemed a simple case may be part of a darker, more dangerous plot, where science, money, and politics collide. A mysterious new technical innovation threatens to ignite a crisis throughout Europe, with frightening consequences for London’s financial world.
There is also personal upheaval for Wrexford and Charlotte, when a shocking secret from the past brings a profound change to their family, testing the bonds of loyalty and trust as never before . . .
Murder in an Italian Piazza by Michael Falco
Bria Bartolucci Mysteries #3
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: International Mystery
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Set in beautiful Positano, Italy, the latest in Michael Falco’s transporting and hilarious series featuring widowed American B&B owner Bria Bartolucci is perfect for fans of Mario Giordano, Donna Leon, Lorenzo Carcaterra, and Jean-Luc Bannalec.
The sea, sunshine, and sleuthing have given Bria Bartolucci a new lease on life since her husband’s passing, and her southern Italian B and B is running as smoothly as her love life. But, just like the Amalfi Coast, some relationships can be rocky—and some can be downright deadly . . .
After solving a couple of murders, Bria is now known in the village as the “Italian Miss Marple,” which could cause problems in her budding romance with the local police chief. But for now, all of Positano is abuzz with the homecoming of a star now that Carlotta Incantaro, a famous opera diva, is coming out of retirement to make one last public appearance.
Not all the locals are happy about Carlotta’s return and Bria soon begins to hear stories about the singer’s petty past. She destroyed one woman’s music career and tried to sabotage her rival’s chances in a beauty pageant. With Carlotta staying at her bed-and-breakfast, Bria learns firsthand just how high-maintenance and demanding the woman can be. Even though Carlotta’s loyal pianist tries his best to smooth things over by blaming her nerves on her daughter’s upcoming wedding to a former soccer player, Bria senses something is terribly wrong.
And once again, Bria’s right. Carlotta’s swan song is just the beginning of the drama—after the performance, a dead body is found in the piazza. Bria is quickly drawn into a tragedy worthy of any opera, uncovering a family’s darkest secrets and deadly passions . . .
Santa’s Holiday Spectacular by Fern Michaels
Santa’s Crew #4
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Holiday Mystery
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In a madcap holiday adventure from New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, the four fan-favorite gal pals of Santa’s Crew are joined by their new friends from the Sisterhood to put a stop to some real-life Grinches in New York City. The perfect friendship-filled, escapist Christmas read for fans of Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, Mary Kay Andrews, and RaeAnne Thayne!
A Simultaneous Paperback Original—Also Available in Hardcover.
For onetime high school pals Amy, Frankie, Rachael and Nina, being together for Christmas has become a cherished tradition, whether they’re taking a trip or staying close to home.
There’s something special about giving back during the holiday season too, which is why Frankie is so dismayed when she learns that Salvation Army buckets are being pilfered all over town. Amy, Rachael, and Nina quickly agree to help her track down the thieves. It might not be their usual gathering, but it promises to be an adventure, especially when they bump into two women on a very similar quest . . .
Annie and Myra have learned that a shipment of children’s toys they sent to a charity event in New York City has been stolen. It looks like the thefts are connected, and it’s the kind of injustice that the ladies of the Sisterhood simply can’t abide. On a madcap spree through the city, the two groups join forces to find the bandits, save Christmas, and along the way, make this a holiday to remember for all the right reasons . . .
The Hero Next Door by Jen Gilroy
Strawberry Pond #1
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Sweet Romance
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A temporary neighbor…
Or a permanent problem?Single mom Josie Ryan cherishes two things: her small family and their struggling farm. Neither leaves room for much else—including romance—until a silver sports car shows up next door. Of course, Heath Tremblay is everything Josie dislikes about city guys. Flashy car, fancy job and he could sell his great-aunt’s property to developers. But the more time they spend together, the more Heath could be the remedy for both her farm and her broken heart. Is their unlikely connection just for the summer…or could this be for keeps?
The House Next Door by Ellen Oh
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Horror
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For fans of Not Quite a Ghost and Ghost Squad, acclaimed middle grade author Ellen Oh of Spirit Hunters and an APALA Honoree delivers a new spooky novel about young hero Rory and the creepy house next door. Filled with scary spirits, mysterious noises, and malevolent forces, the house has tormented many souls, and Rory must do everything he can to prevent the new neighbors from becoming its next victims. We Need Diverse Books cofounder Ellen Oh delivers another heart-pounding story that you won’t be able to put down.
Home is where the sinister lives. Rory Parker knows not to step a foot in, on, or around the house next door. He’s seen things creeping in the shadows, has had encounters with spirits, and lost a best friend to the house’s malevolence. But when his new neighbors, Jack and his lovable family, move into the house next door, Rory makes it his duty to protect them at all costs.
But the vicious forces lying within the house are plotting something evil, something that puts Jack’s little sister in extreme danger. Soon, Rory understands he’ll need the help of his new friend and some friendly ghosts in order to stand a chance at defeating whatever lurks within its walls for good. But what exactly lives in the house next door, and will Rory and Jack find out in time to save the day, or can its evil never be evicted?
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
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A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women—and their secrets—in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton.
London, 2024: American expat Margo Reynolds is renowned for her talent at sourcing rare antiques for her clients, but she’s never had a request quite like this one. She’s been hired to find a mysterious book published over a century ago. With a single copy left in existence, it has a storied past shrouded in secrecy—and her client isn’t the only person determined to procure it at any cost.
Havana, 1966: Librarian Pilar Castillo has devoted her life to books, and in the chaotic days following her husband’s unjust imprisonment by Fidel Castro, reading is her only source of solace. So when a neighbor fleeing Cuba asks her to return a valuable book to its rightful owner, Pilar will risk everything to protect the literary work entrusted to her care. It’s a dangerous mission that reveals to her the power of one book to change a life.
Boston, 1900: For Cuban school teacher and aspiring author Eva Fuentes, traveling from Havana to Harvard to study for the summer is the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a whirlwind adventure that leaves her little time to write, but a moonlit encounter with an enigmatic stranger changes everything. The story that pours out of her is one of forbidden love, secrets, and lies… and though Eva cannot yet see it, the book will be a danger and salvation for the lives it touches.
The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes by Amy Rose Bennett
Parasol Academy #1
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Historical Romantic Fantasy
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Mary Poppins meets Bridgerton in a feel-good blend of cozy fantasy magic, historical romance, humor, and Victorian era charm, as a recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses finds her supernatural abilities are little help when it comes to falling for the shy, mysterious inventor who happens to be her employer…
For readers of Heather Fawcett, Allison Saft, Katherine Arden, Freya Marske, and Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales series.Emmeline Chase, 25-year-old widow and new alumna, may be more high-spirited than the Academy would like. Few graduates, however, could turn a mismanaged teleportation onto a duke’s rooftop into an offer of employment. But Emmeline’s circumstances, along with her desperation to support her bankrupt, incarcerated father, have made her dauntless. Which seems the primary qualification to work for expert horologist Xavier Mason, Duke of St. Lawrence, and manage his three rambunctious wards. Yet Emmeline soon discovers that the nobleman’s heart-melting voice and captivating mind present an entirely different sort of trouble. She cannot risk losing her license by fraternizing with her employer . . .
Xavier’s wards have sent two nannies packing in a month thanks to frogs, firecrackers, and general mayhem. In addition, Xavier’s professional reputation is on the line. He’s already considered odd, with his talking raven companion and his fascination with timekeeping instead of pleasure-chasing with his peers. Charming, vivacious Emmeline seems intrigued with his quirks—but Xavier must have absolute peace to design London’s “King of Clocks” for Westminster Palace before the competition closes. Emmeline can no doubt restore order. As long as he doesn’t fall under her spell . . .
Yet, with a possible saboteur in their midst, and the attraction flaring between them threatening to become a deliciously disastrous distraction, a touch of magic may be required . . .
The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Paranormal Romance
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A magical cookbook and a summer on her family’s Italian olive farm help a brokenhearted social media chef cook up a satisfying new life in this delectable novel from the bestselling author of Recipe for a Charmed Life.
Rising star Jules Costa loves re-creating vintage recipes for her popular online cooking show. But when personal and professional disaster strikes, her only chance to save her career is to complete her new cookbook before the end of the summer. Panicked, Jules returns to her family’s beloved olive farm on the shores of Italy’s stunning Lake Garda. Seeking culinary inspiration, she’s hoping to convince her spunky eighty-year-old Nonna Bruna to share her precious collection of family recipes.
Jules’s plans quickly go awry as she discovers that Nonna’s cookbook has magical and unpredictable powers. It reveals only one recipe at a time, offering a cooking experience guaranteed to satisfy the chef’s palate and bring clarity to their life. Yet the pages remain stubbornly blank for Jules. To make matters worse, the olive farm is in deep financial trouble, and Jules soon uncovers a web of family secrets involving the cookbook and a lost recipe for orange blossom cake that holds the key to everything. Then there’s Nicolo, the boy next door, who broke her young heart years ago. He is now all grown up, even more attractive, and the only person poised to help Jules find answers.
In a whirlwind summer beyond her imagination, Jules begins to unravel the mysteries baked into her family’s history and discovers the essential ingredients to create the future of her dreams.
The Unseen by Kat Martin
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Suspense Thriller
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For fans of Darcy Coates’s paranormal thrills and Jeneva Rose’s romantic suspense, the supernatural and physical worlds collide in this mesmerizing tale of a gruesome murder set against the Southern Gothic backdrop of a historic Louisiana mansion.
It begins when two young boys discover the 100-year-old skeleton of a murdered man buried near the grounds of Belle Reve, a Greek revival style mansion built in the 1870s. As police investigate, strange occurrences and eerie sounds overtake the mansion—footsteps in empty hallways, slamming doors in empty rooms.
Rachel Belmond, owner of Belle Reve, is petrified. Beautiful, and still young at 47, Rachel is also in failing health, her deteriorating condition baffling doctors. It’s her niece, Nicole, who begins to suspect that something deadly has invaded the house. And it is Nicole who meets someone who might be able to find answers . . .
As the incidents grow more intense, Rachel’s niece, Nicole Belmond, begins to suspect that something otherworldly may have invaded the house.
Lucas Devereaux is the owner of the Baton Rouge Youth Center where Nicole’s teenage half-brother is serving a sentence for a juvenile crime. The attraction between Lucas and Nicole is instant. Hearing rumors that Lucas, a former priest, has the ability to deal with supernatural events, Nicole shares her worries about Belle Reve. But Lucas can’t begin until he has more information.
Fearing for Rachel’s fragile health, trying to ignore their growing attraction, Nicole and Lucas work to find the link between the mysterious old bones and the terrifying events in the house that grow more ominous every day. Can Nicole and Lucas protect Rachel and stop the demonic forces that threaten the very existence of Belle Reve? Or is more happening than anyone can imagine?
The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic
Weaver Bride #1
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Fantasy
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A sweeping fantasy about a witch who must navigate a ruthless marriage competition—and try not to fall in love along the way. Part twisting mystery, part thrilling romance, The Weaver Bride is an unputdownable romantasy steeped in a lush magical world.
The gorgeous first edition of The Weaver Bride will feature stunning, stenciled edges and printed endpapers!
Lovett Tamerlane is a silkwitch. Like all girls of her kind, she holds a rare magic—a magic that can be harnessed only through marriage to a Weaver. But finding a Weaver husband requires status, refinement, and money, all of which Lovett sadly lacks. Her one secret ability, to open any door, is her saving grace. Hidden in plain sight, Lovett spends her days using her gift to steal from wealthy families and her nights avoiding the fate imposed on all unwed silkwitches: a life confined to the cloisters.
But opening doors can be dangerous, and when Lovett steals from the wrong person, she finds herself face to face with Eliot Lear, the notorious son of a prominent Weaver. It turns out Eliot’s been watching Lovett. He knows she’s a silkwitch, and he offers her a life-altering opportunity: entrance to the Vainglory, a competition with the ultimate prize—marriage to Noé Alaire, heir to generations of Weaver wealth. The catch? Last year, the Vainglory ended in tragedy. The winner died. And the winner was Eliot’s sister.
The arrangement is simple: If Lovett solves the mystery of Ophelia Lear’s death and unmasks her killer, Eliot will ensure she has her pick of Weaver suitors, regardless of who wins the competition. Yet unraveling Ophelia’s murder proves far more complicated than either of them anticipated. And Lovett should know better than to take a Weaver at his word.
After all . . . what is love without betrayal?
Puppy Love and Snowflake Kisses by Jennifer Faye
Kringle Falls #2
Publication Date: October 1, 2025
Genre: Sweet Animal Holiday Romance
When she needs help, he’s the last person she would turn to…
Belle Sinclair has recently adopted a stray puppy. It was love at first snuggle. He is the best Christmas present ever. And yet her holiday happiness goes sideways when she hears a siren and spots flashing lights in her rearview mirror.
Sheriff Parker Bishop is a confirmed bachelor. He firmly believes all laws should be obeyed without exception. And so when he spots the beautiful Belle Sinclair once more committing a moving violation, what choice does he have? He has to pull her over.
But this holiday, Belle’s puppy has gone missing. Suspecting foul play, she has to call on the one man in Kringle Falls who can get under her skin with just a look. This Christmas will they be able to work past their differences in order to help the puppy? And along the way will they find that opposites just might attract?
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 40 of 2025
Drop a comment if you like one of the books above or if you have one to recommend.
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Happy Reading!
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