Books that I Missed in 2023

Posted January 18, 2024 by karenbaron in Upcoming Book Releases / 0 Comments

New Books Books that I Missed in 2023

The books below are ones that I missed on their book birthday, and I wanted to make sure that all of you knew they were out in the world. These books include Cozy Mysteries, Historical Time Travel Adventure Romance, Sweet Romances, Police Procedural Mystery, Dystopian Romantic Suspense Mystery, and YA Fairytale and Folklore Adaptation.

2024 is so hitting fast and hard. Can you believe this winter weather? I hope you get lots of quality reading time in. I have been snuggled under a blanket with a cup of warm tea and my dogs.

Don’t forget to check these books out. To the authors, I am so sorry I missed these. Wishing everyone a blessed and happy day!

Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones by Heather Weidner

Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mystery #1

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

When a beat-up suitcase full of bones washes up by the pier, the residents of the quaint resort town of Mermaid Bay are whipped into a hurricane-sized frenzy over the gruesome find in the middle of their Christmas in July festivities. The holly-jolly mood retreats like the tide, with everyone wondering who was in the suitcase.

Christmas shoppe owner, Jade Hicks, wades into the fracas when voodoo dolls and mysterious notes and posters about impending doom start popping up all over town, threatening to destroy the economy of a community that lives and dies by tourist dollars. Then tensions crest when the prickly bookstore owner is found strangled to death with a string of holiday lights.

Jade and her French bulldog Chloe, have to solve the crime before anyone else gets hurt, and her business and the festival are forever tainted. Sticks and Stones and a Bag of Bones is the first in the Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries cozy series.

A Tale of Two Enemies by Gayle Leeson

Literatia #2

Publication Date: January 31, 2023

Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery

Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Nook

Have you ever wished you could be in two places at once?

Gia’s second trip into the fantasy portal of Literatia involves the murder of Dr. Manette, a key character from the classic book, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, by Charles Dickens. Gia’s goal is to untangle the knotted plot of the original novel and get herself and her partner, Matthew, back home. But her mission becomes even more complicated and critical when her mentor Cooper falls ill back in the real world.

Will old friends be able to provide the help Gia so desperately needs? Or will the villainous silverfish succeed in ruining this literary classic and furthering their evil plan?

Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly

Grilled Cheese Mysteries #3

Publication Date: January 31, 2023

Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery

A bridal shower gone bad quickly becomes the swiss of death, and grilled cheese shop owner Carly Hale must sniff out the suspect

Winter in Balsam Dell is a snowy affair, and to add in some cheer after the holidays Carly’s former classmate Klarissa Taddeo is hosting her extravagant bridal shower at the historic Balsam Dell inn. But when a double-booking throws some mold in the cheese, Klarissa is left scrambling. Dawn, the maid of honor and wedding planner, saves the day by moving the shower to her family’s mansion and books Carly to cater the party. It seems the group is going to pull off the shower without a hitch.

That is, until Klarissa’s fiancé crashes the event. She’s furious with her groom-to-be and when a loud argument ensues, everyone is shocked by what they hear. When the groom is later found dead at the bottom of the stairs, his drink spiked with a hefty dose of poison, Carly must put her nose to the rind and save Klarissa from being suspect #1.

Because you know what they say: it’s always the (almost) wife.

Annie’s Apple by John A. Heldt

Second Chance #2

Publication Date: April 1, 2023

Genre: Historical Time Travel Adventure Romance

Goodreads | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon | Book Review

Six years after emerging from a fountain of youth, siblings Bill, Paul, and Annie Carpenter, time travelers from 2022, make their way in 1911.

In New York, Bill and wife Cassie finish a year as educators and struggle to start a family, while Annie tries her hand as a society reporter. In Arizona, Paul and Andy Lee, sergeants and brothers-in-law, attempt to keep the Mexican Revolution from spilling across the border.

For all, life marches on. Then the soldiers receive new orders, Paul and Annie meet alluring strangers, and the family’s fortunes take dramatic turns.

In ANNIE’S APPLE, the sweeping sequel to THE FOUNTAIN, five young adults find love, danger, and adventure in the age of factory fires, high society, and the sinking of the Titanic.

Should Have Played Poker by Debra H. Goldstein

Publication Date: April 22, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Carrie Martin’s balancing of her corporate lawyer job and visiting her father at the Sunshine Village Retirement Home is further upset when her mother appears after a twenty-six-year absence. She makes a shocking confession to Carrie and leaves her with a sealed envelope.

Before Carrie can open the envelope or find the answers to the past, tragedy strikes. Although told to leave the sleuthing to the police, Carrie can’t.

With the unorthodox, but enthusiastic, help of her co-sleuths, the Sunshine Village Mah Jongg players, Carrie also finds herself at odds with her former lover—the detective assigned to her mother’s case. And that’s not all!

As Carrie and the Mah Jongg players unravel the secrets hidden in Wahoo, Alabama, their efforts reveal what every good Mah Jongg (and Poker) player knows: Truth and integrity aren’t always what we’ve been taught to believe, and one could die making that discovery.

The Roots of All Evil by Angela McRae

Silver Sisters Mystery #1

Publication Date: May 22, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Goodreads | Bookhype | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Sisters Carolyn Hopeworth and Nan Padgett are busy growing their Silver & Salvage junk shop in Alabama and decide to take their vintage campers out for one last hurrah before putting them in storage. While out “glamping” for the weekend, they compare notes about their other big project—letting their hair go gray after decades of dye jobs.

At the campsite, they quickly find a new friend in Kitty Monroe, part owner of the Monroe Construction empire. The sisters hit it off with Kitty, and the three of them can’t wait to show off their vintage campers at a charity fundraiser the next day.

But before the Tour of Campers can get underway, there’s a shocking discovery of the body of a deceased glamper—the floozy whose affair with Kitty’s ex-husband led to the end of the Monroes’ marriage. When Carolyn and Nan’s new friend Kitty is hauled off to jail, they must rescue more than just roadside treasures. This time, a woman’s life may end up in the trash bin if her new friends can’t salvage her reputation …

We’ll Always Have Murder by Gayle Leeson

Movie Memorabilia #1

Publication Date: August 8, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

The art of deception takes center stage.

Dina and Patty, two sisters with a shared love for the arts, find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery that mirrors the intrigue of the stage. Dina, the proud owner of a quaint movie memorabilia shop, and Patty, a talented director at the Skillet Ridge Reparatory Theater, are shaken when Imelda, an older actress starring in Patty’s latest production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, is brutally murdered.

As the sisters delve deeper into the shocking crime, they discover an enigmatic clue that takes them on a thrilling journey. Dina stumbles upon an early script of the classic movie Casablanca with a heartfelt inscription addressed to Imelda, which reads, “We’ll always have Paris. R.” This poignant message raises unsettling questions: Was Imelda’s death merely a random act of violence, or does it conceal a sinister connection to her mysterious past?

Meanwhile, Kurt, Imelda’s dedicated grandson, steps up to assist Dina in unraveling the truth behind his grandmother’s untimely demise. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of secrets and hidden motives, diving into Imelda’s past to unmask the murderer. Will they discover the truth before the killer strikes again?

No Time for Temptation by Monique McDonell

No Brides Club #2

Publication Date: September 12, 2023

Genre: Sweet Romance

What happens when you meet Mr. Right at exactly the WRONG time?

Georgie Price moved to New York after spending her teen years as America’s Sweetheart. Hoping to reinvent herself now that she’s all grown up, she starts a cooking show that becomes an overnight success. Now with so much to focus on career-wise, she has no time for distractions–no matter how tempting they may seem.

Liam Stone has loved Georgie since their childhood growing up in a small, rural town. While watching her reach new heights in Hollywood, he worked hard to be someone worthy of her hand. Now a successful advertising executive himself, he’s finally ready to share his feelings…

But will Georgie want to hear them? Can she ever see him as more than the little boy who grew up next door? And if so, might their love story prove to be her greatest accomplishment yet? Join them and find out in this sweet, ford proximity story of unrequited love between two best friends.

The No Brides Club is a fun, sassy, and heart-warming series featuring sophisticated women and the men they fall for.

No Time for Trouble by Monique McDonell

No Brides Club #8

Publication Date: September 12, 2023

Genre: Sweet Romance

Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon

What happens when you meet Mr. Right at exactly the WRONG time?

One bad date too many leads Marnie to the No Brides Club but a fake engagement to a New York playboy might just lead her to love.

When Marnie Bates’ sister announces her engagement and she’s summoned back to Lemon Tree, Tennessee for the engagement party she accidentally implies she has a fiancé. Unfortunately, the first name out of her mouth is Mal Cooper’s. He’s a friend and a player and she’s already turned him down. Still, she’d rather swallow her pride and ask Mal for help than go home embarrassed and alone. She just must keep reminding both of them,this isn’t real.

Mal can’t believe his luck when Marnie asks him to be her fake fiancé for a visit to her hometown. He’s been looking for a way to get closer to her and this is his opportunity to prove he can be the best boyfriend ever. Let the wooing begin! From daily surprises at the office to chihuahua cuddling at the dog shelter, Mal is ready to set his plan in motion to finally win Marnie over.

Can their time together prove to Marnie that they both want the same things and that Mal might be just the guy to give her everything she ever dreamed of? Find out in this sweet opposites attract, fake relationship billionaire romance.

The No Brides Club is a fun, sassy, and heart-warming series featuring sophisticated women and the men they fall for.

No Time for Tears by Monique McDonell

No Brides Club #12

Publication Date: September 26, 2023

Genre: Sweet Romance

Goodreads | StoryGraph | Amazon

What happens when you meet Mr. Right at exactly the WRONG time?

When she’s unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé, Devon Bates heads to New York to hide out away from prying eyes. After a week of moping on her sister’s couch, things are looking up. She’s become a member of the No Brides Club and snagged a part-time job working alongside her sister and handsome television veterinarian, Sven.

But when the paparazzi get a snap of her and Sven together, the two hatch a plan to fake a relationship for publicity. Soon enough, the lines between what’s real and fake become blurred. She’s just come out of a long-term relationship, she can’t be falling for her fake boyfriend, can she?

Sven loves New York but yearns for a quiet life on his family’s farm. Meeting Devon throws that possibility into turmoil. He’s fake dating his boss’ sister, which is already bad enough, but now he wants whatever this is between them to turn into something more substantial. But he isn’t convinced Devon is over her ex, and if she decides to run back to Tennessee, she might take his heart with her.

Sven knows the only chance he must win Devon over is to convince her there’s more to this relationship than just the publicity. Can he make her see that the happily ever after of their dreams is in the cards for them? Join them on this sweet age- gap fake relationship adventure.

The No Brides Club is a fun, sassy, and heart-warming series featuring sophisticated women and the men they fall for.

Tornado Torment by Mildred Abbott

Twister Sisters Mysteries #4

Publication Date: September 18, 2023

Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery

Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Cordelia Harris is a survivor—of family tragedies and nature’s unpredictability. And she’s embraced life in the lovely Ozark town of Willow Lane, nourishing her community through casserole deliveries with her sister, Pamela, and her best friend, Wanda… and solving murders.

The Twister Sisters have faced life’s storms together, and Cordelia has even found love again. But as the winds of change usher in strangers and death to town, nothing can prepare Cordelia for the truths that are laid bare when the past repeats and a tornado visits her farm—and her beautiful willows—over fifty years after a twister altered Cordelia’s life.

This time the web of lies blown away in the whirlwind reveal long buried secrets, even as a new string of murders strike close to home. Can Cordelia face the past to solve an old mystery while saving a family member trapped in a deadly game?

*All editions include: Brown Butter Cinnamon Roll recipe, character art, family trees, and a map of Willow Lane.

Wrenched at the Reindeer Run by Barbara Barrett

Nailed It Home Reno Mysteries #7

Publication Date: September 28, 2023

Genre: Police Procedural Mystery/Cozy Holiday Mystery

Interior designer Rowena Summerfield is ready to add her festive flair to the reception for her Florida town’s first marathon, even if a local Scrooge turns down her request for a donation. But when he’s found dead under the wreckage of the race’s reviewing stand, it’s clear someone’s reindeer game has turned deadly.

Former homicide investigator Ro is once again recruited to help her former partner, Herc Morgan, find the killer. All of their suspects could be on Santa’s naughty list. And given that the victim dumped coal on every life he touched, any one of them could have decided to frost him.

Ro and Herc are eager to wrap up the case so they can get back to their yuletide fun. Herc’s agonizing over picking the perfect gift for his new girlfriend. Ro’s boyfriend, Chuck, hints that he has a very special ornament in mind. While Ro sorts through clues to discover the murderer, she must also sort through her loyalty to her late husband and her growing love for this new man in her life. Will the twinkle of the tree lights in her living room be outdone on Christmas Day by the sparkle of a rock on her finger? Maybe, but only if a killer doesn’t murder their merriment first.

Stuffed to Death by Meg Macy

Mariner’s Point Cozy Mystery Novella #0.5

Publication Date: October 1, 2023

Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery

Goodreads | Amazon

Claire Richardson is a certified dog walker who also helps her aunt at the gorgeous Lilac House B&B in Mariner’s Pointe. When the chef of the local Ambrosia Cafe is murdered, and the owner becomes the prime suspect, Claire is dragged into helping her best friend prove him innocent.

The victim’s boyfriend seems to fit the bill as the killer. But proving that won’t be as over-easy as making scrambled eggs or a specialty omelet on the cafe’s menu.

The Legend of Creepy Hollow by Gayle Leeson

Literatia #2.5

Publication Date: October 1, 2023

Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery

Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Nook

In a world where literary realms collide with reality, Cooper Wellingham embarks on a perilous journey from his tranquil North Carolina home into the enigmatic realm of Literatia. But his quest quickly takes a nightmarish turn as he comes face-to-face with the menacing specter of the Headless Horseman.

Cooper’s mission? To unravel the chilling murder of Brom Bones, a pivotal character in Washington Irving’s timeless tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” However, Literatia is a far cry from his home in North Carolina. The villainous silverfish, mysterious creatures capable of distorting reality itself, have wreaked havoc upon Irving’s original story. The once-prominent characters have faded into the shadows, while unknown figures have seized control of the narrative.

As Cooper delves deeper into the twisted tapestry of Literatia, he must solve Brom’s murder to restore “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to its pristine and untarnished state. But the stakes are higher than he could ever imagine. For in this literary labyrinth, losing oneself can be as dire as losing one’s life. Cooper’s journey is a race against time, a battle against malevolent forces, and a quest to save both a timeless tale and his very existence.

Will Cooper Wellingham conquer the darkness lurking within Literatia and emerge as the savior of a literary masterpiece, or will he too become a forgotten footnote in the annals of literary history? The answer lies shrouded in the mists of Sleepy Hollow, awaiting a hero bold enough to rewrite destiny.

A Corpse at the Witching Hour by Debra Sennefelder

Food Blogger Mysteries #6

Publication Date: October 5, 2023

Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery

Hope Early has to contend with ghosts, a fatal curse, and a decades-old family secret to catch a killer in the new Food Blogger Mystery . . .

When her best friend’s Aunt Issy falls ill, food blogger Hope Early agrees to help him hand out Halloween candy at his aunt’s house, which is rumored to be cursed. A murder-suicide took place there a century ago, and legend has it that a woman has died there every twenty years since—on Halloween. Hope doesn’t really believe in curses or ghosts, but when all the trick-or-treaters are gone and she discovers a woman’s dead body on the front lawn, she wonders if the curse might be real after all.

Then Hope and her friend discover a cache of love letters linking the dead woman to Aunt Issy’s husband years ago, and Hope is certain they’ve uncovered the motive for murder—and the police are certain Aunt Issy is their main suspect. Determined to prove Issy’s innocence and nab the real culprit, Hope starts shaking other branches of the family tree. But she forgets that Halloween isn’t the only day people hide behind masks, and if she’s not careful, Hope will come face-to-face with a ghoulish fiend who’s not afraid to kill again . . .

Includes two tasty recipes!

The Fatal Folio by Elizabeth Penney

Cambridge Bookshop #3

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery

In the third in Elizabeth Penney’s delightful Cambridge Bookshop series, The Fatal Folio, Molly Kimball is learning that every killer has a story…

After moving to Cambridge, England, Molly Kimball has found a lot to love, including―of course―her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe―Manuscripts and Folios. And though she’s not quite ready to use the “L” word when it comes to her boyfriend Kieran, she’s definitely fallen for his intimidating family’s library.

His family is paying her handsomely for an updated catalog when Molly discovers the original manuscript of a Gothic novel, A Fatal Folio by the pseudonymous Selwyn Scott. Kieran’s cousin Oliver, a professor specializing in Gothic literature, is eager to publish a paper on the mystery―especially because a troublesome student, Thad, is threatening to file a complaint against him and prevent his long-awaited promotion.

On Guy Fawkes Night, Molly, Kieran, and her friends set out to enjoy the costumes, fireworks, and fun―at least until a stray firework starts a panic, and the group stumbles upon a prone body, their face covered by a mask. It’s Thad, and he’s been stabbed to death.

It soon becomes clear Oliver isn’t the only one with a motive, and Molly must once again put on a few masks of her own to sleuth out Thad’s killer, prove Oliver’s innocence, and discover what Selwyn’s novel might have to do with this most atmospheric mystery…

Murder on the Geneva Express by JB Michaels

Mac and Millie Mystery #6

Publication Date: October 26, 2023

Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery

It’s the season for love, new dreams, and second chances.

On Christmas Eve, just hours before their wedding, Rebecca Huntley is left at the altar by Ben Cole, her college sweetheart and fellow co-founder of the hugely successful dating app, Dealbreakers.

Rebecca is shocked but a small part of her isn’t surprised. Dealbreakers matches potential couples by the things they hated, instead of what they had in common. Lately, she and Ben seem to have less and less in common. He craves the trappings of success, while Rebecca enjoys simple things.

Rebecca decides to go on their honeymoon to the cozy Christmas Cove Inn in the charming small town of Christmas Cove on the shores of Lake Tahoe. There, Rebecca runs into an old college friend, Zach Mason, who had always had a crush on Rebecca. Through a misunderstanding, Zach believes Rebecca is married to Ben, and Rebecca believes Zach is in a relationship with a sophisticated older woman, when really, he is a waiter at the hotel.

As Christmas week unfolds, will the two learn the truth about each other and then be open for a second chance at love? Or will they begin the new year with broken hearts? People are complicated. Everyone has positive attributes as well as faults – but none are deal breakers when you’re really in love.

Dreams Never Seen by Sarah Westill

Bella and the Beast Master #3

Publication Date: October 31, 2023

Genre: Dystopian Romantic Suspense Mystery

After an entire winter apart, Bella and Markus want nothing more than a few private moments to themselves. But a historian desperate for answers is waiting at their apartment door, disrupting their hopes.

An archaeologist who may have made the discovery of the century has gone missing in the distant land of Thanzia. The assistant director for ancient civilizations for the Sziverian Museum of History and Art convinces Markus he’s the only one who can help solve the mystery. With the antiquity of a culture on the line, Markus doesn’t feel he has much of a choice but to accept the request. However, he refuses to go without Bella.

After persuading his new bride the world has more to offer her than the Sziverian National Investigative Division can give, they set off for the desert country in what remains of the African continent. What they learn has the power to change the course of history for an entire nation.

And in the midst of unearthing the secrets left behind by a lost archaeologists, Markus and Bella struggle to find enough stolen moments to appease the awakening desires of their new relationship….

A Christmas Conundrum by Stacy Wilder

Liz Adams Mystery #3

Publication Date: November 1, 2023

Genre: Private Investigator Mystery

Nancy Drew meets How the Grinch Stole Christmas in this delightful cozy mystery set in Charleston, SC.

Who’s stealing the holiday decorations? They’re disappearing like Christmas cookies from PeggyLou Designs, and Lou’s newly launched event planning service is in trouble. He implores his neighbor and friend, Private Investigator Liz Adams, to bring the thief to justice.

The clock is ticking. It’s only ten days until the mayor’s big holiday celebration. The party that will make or break Lou’s business.

Liz’s mom, Babs, steps in to help, and the investigation becomes complicated. Suddenly the holidays are not all mistletoe and merriment when Bab’s life is threatened. Will Liz and her lie-detecting Labrador retriever, Duke, discover the perpetrator before it’s too late?

Experience Charleston in the city’s full Christmas glory in this fun fast-paced holiday story.

Thanksgiving Treachery by Tonya Kappes

Holiday Cozy Mystery #7

Publication Date: November 2, 2023

Genre: Cozy Holiday Mystery

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES

New holiday, new mystery, and Violet Rhinehammer’s got her notepad ready!

In the festive heart of Holiday Junction, where the turkeys are stuffed and the traditions are age-old, shadows dance with the autumn wind. The Hardens, the town’s glitz and glamour, face a pie-slice of tragedy, and suddenly everyone’s holding the knife!

With a dash of sass and a sprinkle of wit, it’s up to our gal Violet of the “Junction Journal” to sift through the tales and tattles, from glittering pageants to art district whispers. But as the Leaf Dance Festival twirls closer, secrets simmer and suspicions brew. Can Violet serve up the truth before the main course, or will the killer come back for seconds?

Hold onto your hats and pumpkin pies, y’all! This Friendsgiving, join Violet in dishing out justice in the coziest, quirkiest holiday whodunit of the season!

Dear reader, if you love dogs, every holiday with all the holiday trimmings, and a cozy town, you’re going to love this new series by Tonya Kappes. It’s time to CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES in the town of Holiday Junction! Just because it’s the holiday, doesn’t mean it’s free of crime and murder! But I can guarantee this series is clean with no foul language or gore. Each book can be read as a stands alone because each murder is wrapped up. Grab your cozy blanket and a cup of tea or coffee! It’s time to sleuth along Violet Rhinehammer and celebrate good crimes!

Duties and Dreams by John A. Heldt

Second Chance #3

Publication Date: November 9, 2023

Genre: Historical Time Travel Adventure Romance

Goodreads | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon

From the author of THE FOUNTAIN and ANNIE’S APPLE comes a story that spans decades of conflict and change.

As World War I rages in Europe, the Carpenters and the Lees make a home in Southern California. Bill and Cassie add to their family. Andy and Annie start one of their own. Paul, a bachelor, enters the world of business. All find peace in a turbulent time. Then draft notices arrive, illness strikes a child, and life for two intertwined families takes a troubling turn.

Thirty years later, Emilie Perot, a beautiful resistance fighter, and Steve and Shannon Taylor, an American couple with ties to Paul Carpenter, conspire to escape Nazi occupation. Each seeks freedom and a new life in France’s Vosges Mountains, home of a legendary fountain of youth that can restore health and send visitors through time.

As events unfold in the different eras, the participants march on. All are unaware of the forces that seem determined to throw them together.

In DUTIES AND DREAMS, the epic conclusion of the Second Chance trilogy, several young adults find love, heartbreak, and redemption in a world of war, pandemics, and social unrest.

In Royal Ruins by Serena Clarke

Publication Date: November 20, 2023

Genre: YA Fairytale and Folklore Adaptation

Goodreads | Bookhype | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Appalled by his daughter’s vain and impertinent attitude, the king forces her to marry a peasant, hoping to teach her a lesson. Feeling devastated by this decree, Alora loses everything she knows and is thrust into a world she is not prepared for. The skills she learned to help her rule a kingdom have not prepared her for the drudgery of living the life of a peasant’s wife.

Larik, her new husband, is determined to help Alora and show her kindness despite her unfriendly personality. Will Larik’s example and affection towards her be enough to heal her heart of anger and grief so that she can see the beauty in the world once again? Can she let go of the past and allow herself to be loved? This is a retelling of the Grimms’ fairytale, King Thrushbeard.

Christmas Chaos by Paty Jager

Shandra Higheagle Mystery #16.5

Publication Date: November 24, 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Goodreads | Bookhype | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Check out a super-special Christmas surprise– a continuation of the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series. Ten years later the twins are at college but there’s trouble brewing.

Shandra Higheagle Greer is anxiously awaiting a visit from her twins as they head home from college for Christmas break. After a ten-year absence, her deceased grandmother is back in her dreams and the message seems clear. The twins are in trouble. After giving a young woman a ride to a nearby town, they become suspects in her murder.

Even though he’s been removed from the case, Shandra and her husband, Weippe County Sheriff Ryan Greer, continue to investigate, determined to dig up proof that the twins had nothing to do with the homicide. Even if that means putting one of the twins in danger to uncover the truth.

Cake and I Scream by Gayle Leeson

Down South Cafe Mystery #7

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery

In the snowy retreat of Beech Mountain, the grand opening of a ski lodge becomes the backdrop for a chilling crime when a cast-iron skillet attack shatters the festivities, drawing Amy, Scott, and Aunt Bess into an icy puzzle.

Join Amy, the owner of the Down South Cafe, her quirky Aunt Bess, and talented cake decorator Scott as they embark on a thrilling culinary adventure. Their journey begins with catering the grand opening of a luxurious ski lodge in the breathtaking Beech Mountain, North Carolina. As if the frosty landscape weren’t intriguing enough, Scott has delved deep into the local lore to craft a cake masterpiece, featuring a legend of buried Civil War gold hidden amidst the mountain’s secrets.

However, before the grand opening festivities can commence, a shocking discovery in the kitchen’s icy depths changes everything. A lifeless body is found, its demise brought about by an unlikely weapon—a cast-iron skillet.

Initially, Amy believes that solving this chilling mystery should be left to the Beech Mountain police, allowing them to return to their peaceful Winter Garden haven. Yet, mysteries have a way of following them home, turning their tranquil lives into a battleground of secrets and danger. Will they be able to unravel the truth, uncover buried secrets, and unmask a killer hiding in the snow-covered shadows?

Baffling Bachelorettes by Mildred Abbott

Cozy Corgi Mystery #31

Publication Date: November 29, 2023

Genre: Cozy Culinary Animal Mystery

Bachelorette parties, dazzling big city lights, and… a hitman?

Winifred Page-Lopez might not relish the idea of partying in the city, but for Katie Pizzolato’s bachelorette night, Fred has put her heart into planning the perfect evening and will brave it all—including the pink stretch limo! She even shakes off the wistfulness of missing Watson trotting beside her, knowing her grumpy corgi well enough to not dare take him away from his fireplace naps for city chaos.

Pulling off a night on the town for Katie shouldn’t be too difficult, but with multiple bachelorette parties converging, tensions flare. And when Fred walks in on murder and literally chases down a killer, the trail of plots and betrayals leads back up the mountain to Estes Park. The Cozy Corgi Bookshop & Bakery—and Katie’s heavenly dirty chais and baking—are exactly what Fred needs to step out of the sanctuary of the bookshop’s mystery room with Watson by her side, determined to solve this mystery and ensure smooth sailing for Katie’s final stretch to the altar.

With too many suspects and a range of motives, this murder might lead Fred in circles. Fortunately, Watson is on the case with her, ready to ensure his mama’s safety as they catch a killer.

(This culinary cozy mystery includes a recipe for bachelorette party-worthy No Bake Mixed Berry Cheesecake Bars.)

Wolvenguard by Sarah Westill

Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #7

Publication Date: November 29, 2023

Genre: Dystopian Romantic Suspense Mystery

To find the assassin responsible for murdering her family, Lucianna Castien is willing to do anything. Even commit treason.

Once Cia learns a wanted felon may have the answers she seeks, she sets off unaccompanied to the hazardous Uninhabited Zone of New Columbia. Still training to become a guardian, she’s unprepared for the confrontation with one of Sziveria’s most dangerous criminals. All hope of finding the truth is lost when she’s thrown into a cell and left for dead.

Complicated missions are nothing new for Deklan Ralston, the Arch Guardian of Wolvenguard. Bonded to three wolves, Deklan makes quick work of even the worst situations. Rescuing a wayward guardian and returning an escaped convict, will prove to be no challenge. But the beast master didn’t count on the young woman turning his entire world upside down.

Tenacious, sexy, and refusing to take no for an answer, Cia continues to run headlong into danger. Deklan must do everything in his power to keep her safe, even as he opposes his nature to claim her for his own. A fight Cia is determined he lose as she convinces the arch guardian the passion smoldering between them is worth igniting….

Dear Mister Frost by Shanna Hatfield

Christmas Letters #1

Publication Date: December 28, 2023

Genre: Sweet Holiday Romance

Goodreads | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

He can’t save Christmas, but he can save her tree farm.

Dr. Jaxon Frost, a highly regarded authority on Christmas trees, is known nationwide for his expertise in the field. Preferring solitude, he dedicates his life to his work. However, his routine is interrupted when he receives an unexpected letter from Holly Crest Tree Farms, seeking his assistance in identifying a disease affecting their Christmas trees. Jaxon heads to the farm and is caught completely by surprise to find the owner isn’t a crusty old farmer, but a beautiful woman who captures his interest and admiration. He will do anything to help Jaylyn save her trees, even at the risk of losing his heart.

Jaylyn Smith carries the weight of immense responsibility as the owner and manager for Holly Crest Tree Farm, a family-owned business passed down through four generations. The fate of their cherished legacy, symbolized by their beautiful Christmas trees, rests solely on her shoulders. When she can’t identify a disease attacking a section of trees, she reaches out to an expert for help. Jaxon Frost is nothing like she expected, but everything her heart has been longing for.

Will their collective efforts salvage the valued heritage of her family?

Discover the answer in Dear Mister Frost, a heartwarming and sweet holiday romance that exudes warmth, laughter, and the joy of the festive Christmas season.

Well, that’s it for the Books That I Forgot in 2023

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, Books A Million, and Barnes and Noble affiliate, meaning that if you click on a link that takes you to one of those retailers and purchase something, this blog gets a tiny percentage back. Mainly, this helps with the cost of the website and a few giveaways.