The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2025, Week 48’s New Books
My choices for this week include Romantic Fantasy Mystery, Historical Romance, Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Sweet Holiday Romances, Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery, Historical Private Investigator Mystery, Historical Mystery, International Mysteries, Psychological Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Sweet Cowboy Holiday Romances, Young Adult Historical Romance, and Romantic Suspense.
Thursday is Thanksgiving already! I can’t believe it. This year is flying by, and I’m unsure if I like that. I am getting my reading done, and I get at least Thursday and Friday off, so I have more time to read and cuddle with my dog. I hope your holiday is special.
Another fantastic list of books for this week! I have at least two books on my TBR from this list.
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 48 of 2025!
A Murder in the Making by Victoria Laurie
Magical Trinket Mystery #2
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Romantic Fantasy Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
The latest mesmerizing novel in a new mystery series featuring the captivating Dovey Van Dalen, once the belle of 1840s Copenhagen, now a spellbound, magic-wielding mystic in present-day Washington, D.C., charged with recovering magical property from the unbound—by any means necessary.
Dovey didn’t expect to fall in love after the age of 200, yet she can’t stop thinking about Grant “Gib” Barlow, the gorgeous FBI agent who helped her crack her last case. A romance with an unbound is obviously a terrible idea, but for Gib, it could be fatal—because Dovey’s employer, Elric Ostergaard, arguably the most powerful mystic in the world, also happens to be her longtime lover.
Alas, Dovey’s efforts to steer clear of Gib become impossible when her best friend, fellow mystic, and unapologetic romantic, Ursula Göransdotter, tricks them into a lunch date—during which Gib is alerted that a fellow agent has been murdered in his own home. The state of the crime scene, and of the body, seem to defy logic—but Dovey immediately recognizes the Crushing Curse, which could only be cast by a supremely powerful mystic—like her boss. When another agent is killed in the same manner, Dovey races to find Elric for answers.
Meanwhile, the FBI body count rises, and it becomes clear that a rogue mystic is targeting the unbound agents, but why? What ensues is another missing magical trinket, a tense confrontation with Elric, a shocking discovery about Gib, and grave danger to all involved—forcing Dovey to navigate realm-crossing love triangles, supernatural power struggles—and ultimately, her own surprisingly vulnerable heart . . .
Catching Lady Theo by Ella Quinn
Here Come the Grooms #2
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
A consummate rake pursues his perfect match in this charming Regency series featuring three of the ton’s most eligible gentlemen, set in the delightful world of bestselling author Ella Quinn’s much-loved Worthingtons and their extended family—where true love is the ultimate temptation.
For fans of sexy, sparkling historical romance by authors like Sabrina Jeffries, Amalie Howard, Martha Waters, and Evie Dunmore.
Leo, Duke of Chandos, can’t quite believe it. After many mistresses, and much mischief and merriment, he’s fallen head-over-heels for his best friend’s sister, Lady Theo Vivers. Now that she’s come out, Leo is ready to give up his wild bachelorhood for wedded bliss. Yet despite his attentions, Theo regards him at best as a friend, —at worst, as a brother. Determined to persuade her otherwise, he perseveres through the Season’s most grueling social events . . .
Theo is quite aware that Leo is irresistibly handsome, charming . . . and decidedly unsuitable husband material. She also happens to know of his vow not to marry until he is much older. So, when a compromising folly leads him to announce they are betrothed, Theo dismisses it as the kind act of a friend—and assures him she will liberate them from the situation. Until then, she must play along—while hoping to interest two far more appropriate matches.
But between misunderstandings, romantic rivals, and a risky move that will put more than Leo’s reputation on the line, the time they spend together as an engaged couple begins showing Theo just how devoted—and tempting—this allegedly reformed rogue can be . . .
Death and Dinuguan by Mia P. Manansala
Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries #6
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
Love is in the air for the citizens of Shady Palms, but Cupid’s arrow isn’t the only thing striking the town—not with another killer on the loose.
Things are looking up for the Brew-ha Cafe, and Lila Macapagal can’t think of anything that could break the spell, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up—she can’t wait to celebrate with her boyfriend, Jae Park. Adding to the lovey-dovey atmosphere is Hana Lee, Shady Palms’s newest resident. She’s also Jae’s beloved cousin and chocolatier at Choco Noir, the latest addition to the town’s culinary offerings. Everything is coming into place for Hana, who left her old life in Minnesota behind to work at Choco Noir, owned by her best friend.
Unfortunately, beneath the sweet surface of Shady Palms runs a bitter undercurrent, as a series of attacks against women-owned businesses in the area escalates from petty theft to assault and murder when Hana is found knocked unconscious inside Choco Noir, and the chocolate shop owner is put out of business—for good.
With Hana left in a coma, a murderer hiding amongst them, and the safety of the women entrepreneurs of Shady Palms at risk, the Park brothers team up with the Brew-ha crew to put a stop to the villain before they strike again.
Fiance Under the Mistletoe by Jacquelin Thomas
Polk Island #2
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Sweet Holiday Romance
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
Their fake engagement…
Could be a Christmas calamity!Tami Adams can’t resist Christmas on beautiful Polk Island—but getting dumped shortly before the holidays wasn’t her plan. So, she forms a new plan to guarantee a truly happy festive season, free from her mother’s pushy matchmaking: get fake-engaged to her best friend, Aiden Worthington. Aiden’s avoiding Christmas since his dad passed, but helping Tami might help him get through the holidays. There’s only one problem—this pretend relationship’s feeling a little too real. Going from “coupled for Christmas” back to “just friends” might be harder than they thought…
Gull and Bones by Sally Goldenbaum
Seaside Knitters Society #8
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery
Goodreads | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
The sugar maples are beginning to turn, and the seasonal visitors have closed up their cottages—one more summer has been thoroughly packed away. But the residents of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts, have a celebration to look forward to, until a killer calls sudden death . . .
Long-time resident Angus McPherron has a very special birthday coming up—his 100th! Known as the “old man of the sea” by Sea Harbor residents, he’s lived in town all his long life and has shared plenty of colorful tales of the area.
Back in town to fill a much-needed nursing position at the free clinic, Charlie Chambers, Izzy Perry’s brother, is staying in one of the handful of cottages Angus owns. The yarn shop owner is thrilled he’s in town—though she’d like to know more about his mysterious roommate, Annie Smith. Still, she’s grateful that each morning Charlie checks Angus’s vitals and makes sure he takes his meds.
Meanwhile, Izzy and the other Seaside Knitters are busy planning Angus’s birthday bash, knitting his beloved gulls into everything they make. With bands rehearsing and the menu set, Angus’s celebration promises to be unforgettable. But the day before, when Charlie stops by Angus’s cottage, he finds the old man has died in his sleep. Shocked and saddened, the town decides to go ahead with the festivities, which will now become a celebration of the old man’s life.
But when Angus’s closest friend, Father Northcutt, is found on the floor of Angus’s cottage, unconscious from a deadly blow to his head, Angus’s death is examined more closely, and soon is a suspected homicide. As the knitters delve into Angus’s history, more questions than answers surface. Soon the whole community is concerned over what now looks like murder, a tragedy buried deep in a shameful chapter in Sea Harbor’s past. And one that may point to a killer still in their midst . . .
Murder at Cottonwood Creek by Clara McKenna
Stella and Lyndy Mystery #7
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Historical Private Investigator Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
Far from England and their beloved Morrington Hall, Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst and his American wife, heiress and equestrian Stella Kendrick—now Lady Lyndhurst—find fossils and murder in Montana . . .
Led by his passion for paleontology, Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, has traveled all the way to Montana, to explore the fossil-rich horse ranch owned by Stella’s mother, Katherine, and her second husband, Ned Smith. Urged by Lady Atherly to look after her husband, Stella and Lyndy follow in his wake. Stella is excited to be reunited with her mother, and Lyndy is eager to experience the real “Wild West.” Both are equally thrilled to participate in a fossil dig.
But when a local man who was guarding the dig site overnight is found the next morning dead in a creek bed, the couple fear his death may not have been an accident—especially when things get wilder still. The paleontologist on the dig has his notebook stolen, several fossil bones disappear, and a second body is found in the research tent.
No one is above suspicion—a rival paleontologist up to some skullduggery, members of their own crew, even Lord Atherly himself. Stella and Lyndy must keep digging to unearth the clues that will expose a killer in their midst—before more bones must be buried . . .
Murder at Donwell Abbey by Vanessa Kelly
Emma Knightley Mysteries #2
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Historical Holiday Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
In this latest Regency-era mystery, Jane Austen’s clever Emma Knightley navigates shocking changes in her family—while meeting her match in a deadly adversary . . .
Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .
More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .
The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .
Murder at the Scottish Games by Traci Hall
Scottish Shire Mysteries #7
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: International Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
The Highland Games have taken over the quaint seaside village of Nairn, Scotland—and the life of sweater shop owner, knitting enthusiast, and busy single mom Paislee Shaw…especially when a killer enters the competition!
Paislee Shaw is no stranger to managing tricky tangles, but mid-August spins her world into more chaos than she ever could have imagined. Between her teenage son’s moody antics, friends making life-changing decisions, and the looming Nairn Highland Games, evenings with fellow crafters of the Knit and Sip crew are her one escape. But when she joins the games’ organizing committee, Paislee is instantly plunged into a whirlwind of clashing personalities and scandalous mishaps . . .
The festivities unravel faster than a dropped stitch when heavy throwing competitor Artie Whittle is accused of cheating—and his ill-tempered father is found murdered the next day. With Artie unconscious and pegged as the prime suspect, Paislee and DI Zeffer team up to untangle the truth. Navigating a cast of unusual suspects—from jealous judges to grudge-holding locals—Paislee must weave together clues hidden amidst caber tosses, kilts, and a killer who only plays to win . . .
Newlyweds Can Be Knocked Off by Amanda Flower
Amish Matchmaker Mysteries #6
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
After two decades as a widow, Millie Fisher, Amish matchmaker, quilter, goat tender, and sleuth is now a 60-something newlywed! But when she adds snowbird to her list amid the chill of an Ohio winter, murder finds a way to follow . . .
After years on her own, Millie has been busy adjusting to married life once again. Meanwhile, her best friend, Lois Henry, is still salty that Millie didn’t have a big wedding where she could get dressed up and be maid of honor. But there’s a way Millie can make it up to her: with a dreary January upon them, it’s the perfect time for a girls’ trip to the Amish community in sunny Pinecraft, Florida. Oft-divorced Lois is decidedly not Amish, but she thinks it will be a hoot.
With the blessing of her sweet husband, Uriah, Millie agrees to go. On the tour bus that transports Ohio’s Amish snowbirds to Florida every year, Millie and Lois strike up a friendship with a young woman traveling alone. She reminds Millie of her beloved niece, and Millie takes her under her wing. But even before the end of their first day in Florida, tragedy strikes.
Millie and Lois find their new friend dead on the beach, seemingly drowned. But who would want to hurt the sweet young woman? Is there a murderous snowbird among them? Or was it someone vengeful from her past? Clearly, vacation time is over for Millie and Lois, and it’s time to dive beneath the surface to hook a killer . . .
One Small Mistake by Dandy Smith
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
How far would you go to make all your dreams come true?
Obsession and ambition collide in this twisty, thrillingly addictive novel for readers of Freida McFadden, Adele Parks, and B.A. Paris, as the bestselling author of The Wrong Daughter explores the complex relationships between sisters and the dark secrets that can be hidden even by those we know best.
This was supposed to be Elodie Fray’s year. She quit her job to pursue her dream of being a published author, determined to escape her sister’s shadow. Ada, with her successful husband, enviable house, and Pinterest-worthy parties is their parents’ pride and joy. Just once, Elodie longs to be the one everybody talks about.
There is a way to get everything she wants. And Elodie is just reckless enough to try it. But once she does, she realizes the terrifying truth. There’s someone else who wants something, just as much as she does. And they’re willing to go much, much further to get it.
Elodie craved the spotlight. Now she has it. The question is, can she survive it?
Pen and Peril by Lucy Lakestone
Comet Cove Mysteries #2
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Mystery meets romantic comedy in the Comet Cove Mysteries!
A new job, a new romance, a new … murder?
Reporter Roz Melander has juggled more than enough chaos since she moved back to her quirky Florida hometown. After breaking the big story that led her to the reinvented Courier-Beacon, she has her hands full with work … and a hot-off-the-press romance with colleague Alden Knox. But when they stumble upon a disturbing death that looks like murder, she knows they have another explosive story to investigate.
Alden’s specialty is digging up celebrity dirt, but he’d rather not go through a grave to do it. The hapless movie producer who was killed behind Comet Cove’s bookstore—in the middle of a signing by Alden’s favorite author—had glittering connections and a gift for gab. It seems everyone at the event knew him. But who wanted him dead?
As Roz and Alden chase leads, secrets, and a decent cup of coffee through their star-studded beach town, their story takes a treacherous turn. Can they unravel the mystery before someone else dies—or, perish the thought, they miss deadline?
Pen and Peril is a low-spice funny romantic mystery. This novel contains mild cursing, unabashed longing and closed-door canoodling with lots of giggles. This is the second book in the Comet Cove Mysteries by Lucy Lakestone, author of the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries.
Snowed In For Christmas by Jennifer Brown
Haw Springs #3
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Sweet Holiday Romance
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | Amazon
She’s ho-ho-ho…
And he’s no-no-no!Café owner Ellory DeCloud is determined to enjoy Christmas, even if she was uninvited to her family’s festivities. All she needs is plenty of home-baked cookies and holiday spirit! Then a massive blizzard blows in, along with a stranger looking for a place to wait out the storm. Unfortunately, while Rowan Kelly is good-looking, he’s also a total grinch. Now Little Miss Merry-And-Bright is stranded with a guy who could give Scrooge a lesson in bah-humbugging. But is this the worst Christmas ever…or the start of something unforgettable?
The Christmas Cowboy by Melinda Curtis
Cowboy Academy #9
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Holiday Romance
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | Amazon
Will he find the ultimate present…
Or lose his heart?Zane Duvall has one goal this Christmas: attend all Twelve Parties of Clementine and win the grand prize—a small ranch he’s always dreamed of owning. But his plan hits a snag when his well-meaning family decides he needs a holiday romance to go with his holiday cheer. Lily Smith has come to town to confront a man claiming to be her father—and ends up facing a lot of questions she’s not ready to answer. When Zane proposes a fake relationship to keep nosy citizens and matchmakers at bay, Lily agrees. After all, it’s just pretend…right? But when family secrets and old wounds come to light, will their budding romance survive the season?
The Cowboy’s Christmas Match by Tanya Agler
Violet Ridge #4
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Sweet Cowboy Holiday Romance
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | Amazon
Will his best friend…
Be his happily-ever-after?Accidentally agreeing to speak at the social event of Violet Ridge’s holiday season threatens to ruin quiet introvert and town historian Crosby Virtue’s whole December. His outgoing best friend, Sami Fleming, insists a makeover will cure his public-speaking fear—an extra-special Christmas gift as she’s leaving town to travel the world. Sami’s also sure her beautician skills will help Crosby meet the woman of his dreams. But Crosby already has—her. Now the clock is ticking… Can Crosby find the courage to tell Sami the words she suddenly, secretly, longs to hear?
The Marriage Method by Mimi Matthews
Crinoline Academy #2
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Historical Romance
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
The Academy always comes first . . . which makes marriage to its most formidable adversary an exceedingly inconvenient arrangement.
Well removed from London’s more curious eyes, the Benevolent Academy for the Betterment of Young Ladies strives toward one clandestine goal: to distract, disrupt, and discredit men in power who would seek to harm the advancement of women—by appropriate means, of course.
When intrepid newspaper editor Miles Quincey starts to question the school’s intentions, the Academy appoints Penelope “Nell” Trewlove, one of their brightest graduates, to put this nuisance to rest. An easy enough mission, she supposes. Or it would be, if Miles wasn’t so fascinating—too fascinating to resist—and if Nell’s visit to London didn’t perfectly coincide with the murder of one of Miles’s reporters.
When the inexorable claws of fate trap Nell and Miles in a compromising situation, they agree to an arrangement that will save their reputations while enabling them to investigate the story that led to a man’s death, as well as the surprising chemistry between them . . .
Under the Marshal’s Protection by Anna J. Stewart
McKenna Code #2
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | Amazon
He wants to protect her…
From herselfUS Marshal Howell McKenna has every reason to mistrust federal prosecutor Kara Gallagher. He’s also dedicated to his job. When she asks for his help convicting a mobster, he agrees—because it’s the right thing to do, and because her emotional attachment to the case means she’s in danger. Working together, they discover that putting their past behind them is easier than ignoring the heat that simmers between them. And, as an already-menacing case takes unexpected twists, Howell’s not always sure that Kara wants justice more than she wants revenge…
Vows and Villainy by Elizabeth Penney
Cambridge Bookshop #5
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
Genre: International Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon | Karen’s Book Review
Vows and Villainy is the fifth book in Elizabeth Penney’s delightful Cambridge Bookshop series set in Cambridge, England, where celebrations are about to commence.
It’s wedding season in Cambridge, and Molly Kimball is thrilled that it’s almost time for her best friend’s special day. With the help of her boyfriend Kieran Scott, she is determined to be the best maid of honor for Daisy and Tim. Daisy’s heart is set upon a Shakespeare-themed wedding to be held at Hazelhurst House, Kieran’s family’s home. The Scotts are also hosting a Shakespeare troupe for the summer, and the actors have kindly agreed to be part of the festivities.But all goes awry with the discovery of Sir Nigel Peck, a famous actor with a checkered past and present-day misdeeds, floating dead in the moat with flowers strewn around him, à la Ophelia. When Kieran’s brother Alan becomes a top suspect, Molly and company must investigate to uncover the ugly truth behind this picturesque scene . . . before more bodies pile up.
Can Molly solve the murder before Daisy and Tim say “I do”?
Espresso and Espionage by Wendy Meadows
Snow Falls Alaska Cozy #10
Publication Date: November 27, 2025
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery
Sometimes justice is just one cup away.
Bethany Lights thought autumn in Snow Falls would be the perfect time for a break after a long, perilous winter and too many overtime hours at O’Malley’s Department Store. But when Alma Mae Ferns, a stubborn Arkansas woman, storms into town convinced her brother’s untimely death is foul play, Bethany is drawn straight back into mystery.
Federal agents shut the case and neighbors want peace, but Alma’s refusal to leave and a string of odd incidents—from missing medication to a suspect who seems to be everywhere at once—force Bethany to investigate against her better judgment. With her closest friends out of reach and the community relying on her, Bethany must use every bit of resourcefulness she has to keep Alma safe and find the truth hidden beneath the fall leaves.
As the nights grow colder in Alaska, Bethany’s instincts—and her heart—tell her there’s more brewing than coffee at Snow Falls café.
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 48 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!
Baroness’ Book Trove is an Amazon affiliate, meaning that if you click the link and purchase something, this blog gets a tiny percentage back. Mainly, this helps with the cost of the website and a few giveaways.
Leave a Reply