The Baroness’ Choices for Upcoming Releases December 2018
Anyone looking for Christmas gifts? I love books as gifts any time of the year.
So, the third book in the Carson Chronicles is coming out. Look for Indian Paintbrush by John A. Heldt. I love this series.
The last book in the Return of the Blackwell Brothers, The Rancher’s Homecoming is another book that I am looking forward to reading. If you are into romance, this is a great series. I also found a rom-com Rivers and Moonlight; it’s guaranteed to make you laugh.
Then I picked some cozy mysteries for you to check out. And I mean I found lots of them. Some have a touch of the paranormal. Then there are some regular cozies. And a holiday visit with the Sweet Tea Witches in Southern Magic Christmas.
For the Young Adult fans, I choose Fire and Heist. This book sound so amazing. I mean I want to transform into a dragon, don’t you? There is also the excellent book The Cursed Sea; it is going to be an epic adventure.
For the Nora Roberts fans, she has the second book of her Chronicles of The One series, Of Blood and Bone.
Lastly, Grimoires, Spas, and Chocolate Straws the 8th book in Erin Johnson’s Spells & Caramels will be out at the end of the month. I can’t wait to read this book. Erin Johnson will be my featured author in December so look for the interview with her and a special giveaway.
Enjoy! Here are my choices for Upcoming Releases December 2018.
Indian Paintbrush by John A. Heldt
Carson Chronicles #3
Release Date: early November 29, 2018
Arizona, December 1943. After surviving perilous six-month journeys to 1889 and 1918, the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, seek a respite in their home state. While Adam and Greg settle down with their Progressive Era brides, Natalie and Caitlin start romances with wartime aviators and Cody befriends a Japanese family in an internment camp. The time travelers regroup, bury old ghosts, and continue their search for their missing parents. Then old problems return, new ones emerge, and a peaceful hiatus becomes a race for survival. In INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, the sequel to RIVER RISING and THE MEMORY TREE, seven young adults find love and adventure as they navigate the home front during the height of World War II.
The Rancher’s Homecoming by Anna J. Stewart
The Return of the Blackwell Brothers #5
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Chance Blackwell’s return–
Could cost her everything! Ten years after he eloped with Katie Montgomery’s sister, Chance Blackwell is back in Montana to sell his family ranch. Katie could lose her job and the only home she’s known. But the loyal cowgirl is keeping a secret that could shatter trust and jeopardize her future with the widowed musician and her toddler niece. Unless Chance’s growing affection for her and all things Blackwell can earn Katie his forgiveness–and his love.
Alpaca My Bags by Violet Patton
A Desert Oasis Cozy Mystery #1
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Murder? Romance? Intrigue? The Desert Oasis runs rampant with gossip and secrets.
Sweetie Bastard told Hunny Bunny—pack your bags we’re moving to lovely Tucson, Arizona. She didn’t have a choice. He sold her house and bought a park model online sight unseen in The Desert Oasis 55 plus community.
The park was more asphalt than oasis—hot—dry—terrible.
The trailer was a wreck. No air-conditioning. No beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay.
There’s an Arizona room to build. A golf cart to buy. Dances, crafts and funerals to attend.
Bunny agrees to take water aerobics. She hates water.
First lesson—the park’s ladies’ man athletic director was found weighed down and dead at the bottom of the swimming pool. Who killed philandering Dan? And why?
The last tenant in their new home, Wanda, left behind her clothes, knickknacks and dishes. The place gives her the willies. Bunny can’t stand an unsolved mystery, and she’ll dig deep and wide to solve Wanda’s case.
Download Alpaca My Bags today. Will Bunny agree to live happily ever after in the Oasis, or will she make Sweetie Bastard move to posh Scottsdale?
Hall of Mirrors by Christopher Fowler
Bryant & Mays #15
Release Date: December 4, 2018
London, 1969. With the Swinging Sixties under way, Detectives Arthur Bryant and John May find themselves caught in the middle of a good, old-fashioned manor house murder mystery.
Hard to believe, but even positively ancient sleuths like Bryant and May of the Peculiar Crimes Unit were young once . . . or at least younger. Flashback to London 1969: mods and dolly birds, sunburst minidresses—but how long would the party last?
After accidentally sinking a barge painted like the Yellow Submarine, Bryant and May are relegated to babysitting one Monty Hatton-Jones, the star prosecution witness in the trial of a disreputable developer whose prefabs are prone to collapse. The job for the demoted detectives? Keep the whistle-blower safe for one weekend.
The task proves unexpectedly challenging when their unruly charge insists on attending a party at the vast estate Tavistock Hall. With falling stone gryphons, secret passageways, rumors of a mythical beast, and an all-too-real dismembered corpse, the bedeviled policemen soon find themselves with “a proper country house murder” on their hands.
Trapped for the weekend, Bryant and May must sort the victims from the suspects, including a hippie heir, a blond nightclub singer, and Monty himself—and nobody is quite who he or she seems to be.
Eggs on Ice by Laura Childs
A Cackleberry Club Mystery #8
Release Date: December 4, 2018
The Christmas season at the Cackleberry Club café is marred by murder in the latest book in the New York Times bestselling series.
Some say that casting crusty attorney Allen Sharpe as Scrooge in the Kindred Players production of “A Christmas Carol” is just playing to type. He’s not the most beloved man in town. In fact, you’d have a dickens of a time finding someone who liked him. Still it’s a shock when the Ghost of Christmas Past stabs him during the first rehearsal. Suzanne, co-owner of the Cackleberry Club café, Kindred’s favorite combination diner, craft store and bookshop, chases the murderer out of the building but loses him in the alley.
As the days pass the list of suspects grows longer. Is it the disgruntled partner? The former secretary whom Sharpe sexually harrassed? Or is it fellow owner of the Cackleberry Club, Toni’s almost ex-husband, Junior? The women of the Cackleberry Club are determined to find the killer before he can add another victim to his Christmas list.
Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst
Release Date: December 4, 2018
In Sky Hawkins’s family, leading your first heist is a major milestone–even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It’s a chance to gain power and acceptance within your family, and within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated, especially when you’re a wyvern–a human capable of turning into a dragon.
Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky discovers secrets about her mother, who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family’s wealth and rank in their community.
With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist, and get her boyfriend and mother back in the process. But then she uncovers a dark truth about were-dragon society–a truth more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.
Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts
Chronicles of The One #2
Release Date: December 4, 2018
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the epic Year One returns with a new tale of terror and magic in a brand new world.
They look like an everyday family living an ordinary life. But beyond the edges of this peaceful farm, unimaginable forces of light and dark have been unleashed.
Fallon Swift, approaching her thirteenth birthday, barely knows the world that existed before—the city where her parents lived, now in ruins and reclaimed by nature since the Doom sickened and killed billions. Traveling anywhere is a danger, as vicious gangs of Raiders and fanatics called Purity Warriors search for their next victim. Those like Fallon, in possession of gifts, are hunted—and the time is coming when her true nature, her identity as The One, can no longer be hidden.
In a mysterious shelter in the forest, her training is about to begin under the guidance of Mallick, whose skills have been honed over centuries. She will learn the old ways of healing; study and spar; encounter faeries and elves and shifters; and find powers within herself she never imagined. And when the time is right, she will take up the sword, and fight. For until she grows into the woman she was born to be, the world outside will never be whole again.
A Spell of Murder by Clea Simon
Witch Cats of Cambridge #1
Release Date: December 11, 2018
“It’s Harriet’s fault. It’s always her fault, not that she’ll ever admit it.” So begins A Spell of Murder: A Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, the first in a new cozy series that mixes feline fiction with a touch of the paranormal, and a little romance as well.
Becca, newly single and newly unemployed, wants to believe she has psychic powers. With nothing but time – and a desire for empowerment – she’s studying to become a witch. What she doesn’t know is that her three cats – Harriet, Laurel, and Clara – are the ones with the real power. And when Harriet – “a cream-colored longhair with more fur than commonsense” – conjures a pillow for her own comfort, Becca believes her spells are finally working. Could that be why Trent, the coven’s devilishly handsome leader, has been showing her special attention? Or why Suzanne, a longtime coven member, draws her aside to share a secret – a confidence that may lead to murder?
Batter Off Dead by Maymee Bell
Southern Cake Baker Mystery #2
Release Date: December 11, 2018
Vanquishing the villain who vitiated a village vintner vexes vaunted pastry chef Sophia Cummings in this sweetly sinister second Southern Cake Baker mystery.
Sophia Cummings may be unlucky in love, but she knows that the way to a man’s heart is through his sweet tooth. This evening, she plans to use that knowledge—and her skills as a New York City-trained pastry chef—to open the hearts and wallets of Rumford, Kentucky’s richest men. Sophia, proprietress of For Goodness Cakes, has been commissioned to cater the Heart of the Town Library charity fundraiser at Grape Valley Winery. She’s spent all her dough to make this a successful event, raise her profile, and win more plum catering jobs.
At first, the going is as smooth as an elegant chocolate ganache. After nibbling Sophia’s tasty treats, Ray Peel, the winery’s landlord, announces he will pay off Rumford’s library loan. But the evening soon turns decidedly frosty when Ray is murdered—before he can make good on his promise, and before he can pay Sophia for her catering services.
For Goodness Cakes will collapse if Sophia can’t collect what she’s owed. So Sophia once again puts on her sleuthing apron to figure out who iced Ray. A glass of your favorite red or white is the perfect accompaniment to Maymee Bell’s scrumptious Batter Off Dead―with authentic Southern recipes!
Fashions Fade, Haunted is Eternal by Rose Pressey
A Haunted Vintage Mystery #7
Release Date: December 18, 2018
A photo shoot in a graveyard ends in a grave shooting . . .
Cookie Chanel–owner of the chic clothing store It’s Vintage Y’All in Sugar Creek, Georgia–has been hired to dress models for a fashion shoot. The spread will be featured in Fashion and Style magazine’s October issue–so the models are posing in a cemetery. As someone who can see and talk to ghosts, Cookie’s not spooked by the location. But she is surprised when a new ghost appears, decked out in 1920s couture. And she’s shocked when she hears a gunshot. Then a model runs toward her, saying the grumpy photographer has been edited out of the picture – for good. With help from her ghostly pals, Cookie must zoom in on the truth before she’s the next to strike a final pose . . .
Don’t Miss Cookie Chanel’s Shopping Tips
Gown With the Wind by Stephanie Blackmoore
A Wedding Planner Mystery #4
Release Date: December 18, 2018
Professional wedding planner Mallory Shepard knows her job is challenging under any circumstances. But when the groom is your ex and someone invites murder, there may never be another tomorrow …
Mallory’s fine—really—handling the wedding arrangements for her ex, Keith. But his fiancée, Becca, has at the last minute decided to switch from a Japanese-cherry-blossom theme to a Gone with the Wind theme. She wants to honor her ailing grandmother, who owns an impressive collection of GWTW memorabilia—and who is fiercely at odds with the groom’s mother over the nuptial plans.
But among other complications, Becca gets into a fight with an old childhood rival over a replica Scarlett O’Hara wedding gown. She wins the dress—but soon becomes a murder suspect when the other woman is found dead in Becca’s swimming pool. And it’s up to Mallory to solve the mystery behind this unhappy occasion, before a different kind of civil war breaks out …
Steamed Open by Barbara Ross
A Maine Clambake Mystery #7
Release Date: December 18, 2018
It’s summertime in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and the clamming is easy—or it was until a mysterious new neighbor blocks access to the beach, cutting off the Snowden Family Clambake’s supply. Julia Snowden is just one of many townspeople angered by Bartholomew Frick’s decision. But which one of them was angry enough to kill?
Beachcombers, lighthouse buffs, and clammers are outraged after Frick puts up a gate in front of his newly inherited mansion. When Julia urges him to reconsider, she’s the last to see him alive—except the person who stabs him in the neck with a clam rake. As she pores through a long list of suspects, Julia meets disgruntled employees, rival heirs, and a pair of tourists determined to visit every lighthouse in America. They all have secrets, and Julia will have to work fast to expose the guilty party—or see this season’s clam harvest dry up for good.
The Cursed Sea by Lauren Destefano
Glass Spare #2
Release Date: December 18, 2018
The second in an exciting fantasy duology about a princess cursed to turn any living thing she touches into gemstone from Lauren DeStefano, the bestselling author of the Chemical Garden series. Perfect for fans of Shannon Hale and Renée Ahdieh.
Wil, the exiled princess of northern Arrod, must do what she never thought possible: return home to discover the origins of her own curse.
But home is very different from how she left it—Wil’s unpredictable elder brother Baren is now king, leading a war against the Southern Isles. And with time running out, Wil must navigate the dangerous secrets within her family to find the truth.
Nothing goes as planned, and suddenly Wil and her allies are fighting for their lives as the Southern king is out to ensure neither of his children will survive to take the throne. Traveling across cursed seas and treacherous kingdoms, Wil and Loom must make peace with their pasts if they hope to secure the future of their world.
But when their plans lead them right back to evil marveler Pahn, and to Baren—who is more dangerous than ever—can Wil and her friends outsmart their enemies, this time for good?
Wine and Punishment by Sarah Fox
Literary Pub Mystery #1
Release Date: December 18, 2018
In the first in an engaging new mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox, the owner of a charming literary pub finds her fresh start on the rocks thanks to a case of murder.
Booklover Sadie Coleman knows that in life, as in fiction, the right setting can make a world of difference. The small town of Shady Creek, Vermont, seems like the perfect place to start over after losing her Boston job to a merger and her relationship to her ex’s gambling addiction. She’s bought and redecorated the old grist mill pub, transforming the Inkwell into a cozy spot where tourists and regulars alike can enjoy a pint or a literary-themed cocktail, or join one of several book clubs.
Little by little, Sadie is adjusting to the rhythms of her new home. Fall in Shady Creek is bookmarked by the much-anticipated Autumn Festival, complete with a pumpkin catapult competition and pie bake-off. Unfortunately, the season also brings an unwelcome visitor—Sadie’s ex, Eric, who’s angling for a second chance . . .
Before Sadie can tell Eric to leave, he’s found dead near the Inkwell. When the local antique shop catches fire on the same night, it’s clear the town is harboring at least one unsavory character. Now, with her Aunt Gilda, her friend Shontelle, and the pub’s patrons all in the mix, Sadie must uncover the truth . . . before a killer declares last call.
Southern Magic Christmas by Amy Boyles
Sweet Tea Witches #8
Release Date: December 18, 2018
It’s Christmas in Magnolia Cove and Pepper Dunn is ready. She’s making her list and checking it twice.
Giant snowmen? Check.
Magical snow? Check.
Murder? Check.
Wait—what?Axel’s parents are visiting for the holiday and Pepper wants things to go smoothly. But when his mom insults the town Scrooge things turn rocky fast.
Worse, when the town Scrooge is murdered, fingers quickly point to Axel’s mom.
Now it’s up to Axel and Pepper to find the real murderer before his mom winds up paying the price for a crime she didn’t commit.Can Pepper and Axel save the day or will the magical season of Christmas turn into the deadliest ever known to Magnolia Cove?
Find out now!
Rivers and Moonlight by Jovee Winters
Hidden Tales of Blue Moon Bay #3
Release Date: December 20, 2018
Welcome to the Witches Dishes, where the food is so good you might just scream…
Rose Monroe is blonde, perky, and beautiful. In fact, if you asked most people they’d call her a harmless butterfly, a little scatter-brained but sweet. But Rose wants to prove that she’s more than just a pretty face. She needs to help secure a new client to make sure that she and her sister can keep the lights on with the Witches’ Dishes. And she thinks she may have just found the perfect mark. There is just one problem, the potential client takes hermit to a whole nother level. First off, he contacts her through a glass of water. Like literally speaks to her through her morning cup of H2O and only says two words, “Help. Me.” She might have fibbed to her sisters and told them he was wanting to become their latest client, but for some reason, she feels compelled to help the perfect stranger and if maybe she can convince him to hire her, well, mores the better.
But when Rose follows the origin of the call to its source she’s shocked to discover a placid lake with no signs of life whatsoever. Considering the fact that she lives in a community full of “monsters,” he could either be a friend or foe. But Rose isn’t scared. She aims to prove to her sisters and her town that she’s much more than just a flighty witch or pretty face…
Grimoires, Spas, and Chocolate Straws by Erin Johnson
Spells & Caramels #8
Release Date: December 29, 2018
Imogen and friends are up to more shenanigans– solving mysteries and taking names!
(Real blurb coming soon)
Well, that’s it for the Upcoming Releases December 2018
What did you think of my picks for Upcoming Releases December 2018?
Have you already picked the books that you plan to read in December? Or do pick your next book by your mood? I have selected a bunch of Christmas Romances, a cozy mystery or two, and some blog tour books. Most of these books are in the romance genre, again. Stop by in December to see what you think.
Thank you for dropping by. Happy Holiday Reading!
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