Wednesday, October 21, 2026

A Bookshop for Christmas by Heidi Chiavaroli

 A Bookshop for Christmas

Book Summary


Seven estranged cousins. One ambitious project. A hundred ways it could all go very wrong.

When Brooke’s beloved grandparents die unexpectedly, their final wish brings her scattered family back to Hope Creek, including Jeremiah, the boy she once loved—the same boy who abandoned them when the Chilton clan disintegrated years ago. Despite the long-held grudges and awkward secrets that kept them all apart, Brooke and Jeremiah convince the Chilton cousins to help honor their grandparents’ last request: to take the old church they saved from destruction and turn it into a bookshop that will serve their beloved community.

And to do it all before Christmas.

But repurposing the church building may be easier than healing the deep wounds that tore their family apart. Secrets, both old and new, threaten to destroy Brooke and Jeremiah’s hope that this project could be a new beginning for all of them. With the bookstore’s opening day fast approaching and everyone’s lives upended, each cousin must discover for themselves that the greatest inheritance their grandparents left behind wasn’t a building—it was the gift of forgiveness, the power of second chances, and the enduring hope of Christmas.

Leakey's Bookshop in Inverness (church to bookshop)

My Thoughts


A Bookshop for Christmas by Heidi Chivaroli wraps family, forgiveness, and hope in all the cozy charm of a small-town Christmas. The author’s warm, inviting style draws readers into a heartfelt story of reconciliation and second chances. The redemptive journey unfolds beautifully, while the gentle romance complements the family narrative without overshadowing it. Well-developed characters experience meaningful growth and emotional healing, and it is especially satisfying to see each piece fall into place by the end. Tender, uplifting, and full of heart, this is the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page.

Pour a cup of tea, claim your coziest chair, and get ready to unwrap the uplifting charm of A Bookshop for Christmas! Want a sneak peek before you settle in? Read a sample of A Bookshop for Christmas and enjoy a little early Christmas cheer!  On October 22, step into the seasonal sparkle of Christmas in Chestnut Crossing by Heidi Chiavaroli, Amy Clipston, Tia McCollors, and Shaen Layle. This delightful collection of four heartwarming novellas blends forgiveness, hope, faith, and small-town charm into one festive package. I’ll return on Thursday, October 22, with One Last Shot at Christmas by Heidi McCahan—because there’s always room under the tree for one more merry read!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.


Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The Ghost and the Dead Librarian by Cleo Coyle

 The Ghost and the Dead Librarian 


The Ghost and the Dead Librarian (A Haunted Bookshop Detective Mystery)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in the Series - Spinoff of the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries
Setting - Rhode Island
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 29, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496749332
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496749338
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496749352
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GDS6KY2P
Audio CD
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8228951006
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H55H66KS
Audiobook
ASIN B0H2NLG2YP
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A LIBRARY JOURNAL "MYSTERY PICK OF THE MONTH" In an utterly charming new mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle, a small-town Rhode Island bookshop owner investigates the death of an eccentric librarian with the help of a wisecracking, 1940s gumshoe ghost.

As a young widow, Penelope moved back to her quaint Rhode Island town to give her young son a safer home and her aunt's dying bookshop new life. Using her late husband's insurance money, Pen polished the store into a local treasure. But her updates did more than attract new customers. They roused a dead private eye from his big sleep.

With Pen's affection for hardboiled detective stories, it's no surprise she's developed a fondness for the wisecracking yet oddly likeable spirit. Sure, Jack's cold spots are exasperating, along with his proclivity for putting noir fiction in the cozy section. But murder was Jack's business in life, and his PI skills come in awfully handy when the body of an eccentric librarian is found amid the bookshop's aisles.

For years, Dory jokingly called herself "The Dead Librarian" because of her hobby of collecting and writing local obituaries. Now, in death, she's discovered with her own eerily pre-written obit. Was it a suicide note? Jack and Pen say no and their certainty takes them from a ghost town's ancient cemetery to a posh Newport mansion. When another body drops, a mysterious stranger makes Pen a shocking offer, one that may change her life—and Jack's afterlife. But unless Jack can help Pen prove who "checked out" the librarian, a ruthless killer may close the book on her.

"This spin-off of Coyle's 'Haunted Bookshop' series blends cozy mystery, supernatural intrigue, and classic noir influences into a suspenseful small-town murder mystery....Combining humor, literary references, ghostly interventions, and layered community drama, the novel explores how hidden truths from the past continue to haunt the present." —Library Journal (*Starred Review)

About Cleo Coyle 

Cleo Coyle - Alice Alfonsi - Marc Cerasini

Cleo Coyle is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries, now celebrating more than 20 years in print, and the national bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. With more than one million books sold, their works have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech; received multiple Best of Year selection honors from reviewers; and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections. Alice and Marc are also bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together, wrangle their rescue cats, drink a lot of java, and cook like crazy. Connect with Cleo at CleoCoyleBooks.com

Author Links

Webpage: https://www.cleocoylebooks.com/

Free Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/cleocoylerecipes/newsletter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleoCoyleAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleocoyle_author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleoCoyle

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cleocoyle.bsky.social

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cleo-coyle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51488.Cleo_Coyle

My Thoughts

Step into this haunted bookshop and prepare for a mystery with plenty of ghostly charm! The Ghost and the Dead Librarian by Cleo Coyle is a warm, entertaining debut in A Haunted Bookshop Detective Mystery, a spinoff from A Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. Jack Shepherd, the gruff ghost private detective, and Penelope Thornton-McClure make an endearing sleuthing duo, surrounded by quirky secondary characters who add extra sparkle to the story. Coyle’s friendly writing style blends charm, wit, mystery, and just a smidgen of suspense into an engaging whodunit. Penelope is a smart cookie and watching her unravel clues with a little spectral assistance is a delight. The humor is nicely sprinkled throughout, and the paranormal element adds fun without overshadowing the mystery. With its satisfying mix of clever clues, lighthearted humor, and ghostly guidance, this cozy mystery is a spirited good time from start to finish!

Giveaway

The author is giving away two (2) autographed copies of The Ghost and the Dead Librarian (A Haunted Bookshop Detective Mystery) by Cleo Coyle.  You can click here to enter,  enter via the form below, or click on the badge in the lower right hand corner of the screen.  Good Luck!

Calling all book lovers—The Ghost and the Dead Librarian is ready to haunt your TBR in the best possible way! Pick up your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Apple, or Bookshop.org. Be sure to follow Cleo Coyle on Amazon so you’ll receive a notification whenever a new book is released. You can also visit Cleo Coyle’s website to learn more about the books, find a handy series checklist in reading order, and sign up for the author’s newsletter. I’ll be back on Wednesday, October 21, with A Bookshop for Christmas by Heidi Chiavaroli. Before you dash off to your next great read, don’t forget to enter the giveaway—your bookish treat may be just a click away!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants


October 19 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

October 19 – Carla Loves To Read - REVIEW

October 20 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

October 20 – Romance Novel Giveaways – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 - Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW

October 21 - Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW

October 22 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 23 – Sarandipity's – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – deal sharing aunt – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW

October 26 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Salty Inspirations – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

October 29 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 30 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

October 30 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT

October 31 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

October 31 – The Editing Pen -REVIEW 


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*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts

 Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown

Book Summary

Jordan Frost had to do it. Her family was simply too perfectly eccentric not to put in a novel. She was thrilled when she got an agent and then a publishing deal. For two books. Two! Then reality set in. The book about an oddball family's holiday adventures is coming out in November. Just in time for her trip home to Holly Bay, Washington, from the big city. Jordan is desperately hoping she can keep her pseudonym a secret so she can stay in her family's good graces. She wrote the book under a pen name and when it was time for an author picture, she wore a wig and glasses. No one will know it was her, right?
Great disguise!
Wrong. Charles Pine, her high school friend who always hoped for more, recognizes the woman he's never gotten over as soon as he unpacks her book to shelve at the bookstore where he works. He knows this is the perfect opportunity to get Jordan to see him in a new light and he makes sure to run into her when she arrives home. She never thought of him as anything more than a shoulder to cry on back then, but he's determined to make her see him as boyfriend material. Can he be her hero and help her get through the season with her secret intact? Or at least save her from a holiday meltdown?

When a series of minor family emergencies threatens to add even more chaos to Jordan's already hectic life, Charles tries to help her find the true meaning of the holiday. Maybe coming home wasn't a bad idea after all...
My Thoughts

Grab the cocoa and cue the twinkle lights—Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts is a cute holiday tale brimming with seasonal spirit! Wrapped in humor, merry mayhem, and heartfelt emotion, the story captures everything that makes the holiday season so wonderfully memorable. I especially enjoyed how Roberts balances festive joy with the wonderfully messy moments that make the characters feel relatable. The story unwraps Jordan Frost and Charles Pine’s history through glimpses across the years, revealing how they met and how their relationship blossomed. 
Jordan’s personal growth makes her heartwarming journey of self-discovery especially satisfying, while Charles—sweet, kind, and loyal—was easily my favorite character. Although the plot held few surprises and revisited some ideas more often than I would have preferred, its familiar rhythms also gave the story the cozy comfort of a favorite holiday tradition. The ending left me smiling. Pour the cocoa, settle in by the twinkle lights, and unwrap Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown—a cozy blend of romance, humor, relatable characters, and holiday cheer!

Can they fit another Christmas tree in there?

Let’s wrap up the week with cocoa, Christmas cheer, and a merry little meltdown! Grab a cozy cup and a copy of Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown, then settle in for plenty of laughter long after your mug is empty. I’ll return on Tuesday, October 20, with The Ghost and the Dead Librarian by Cleo Coyle—and there will be a giveaway! I hope you have a fabulous weekend. Mine will be a busy one with our community yard sale, but I’m ready for the fun. Until Tuesday, may your weekend be filled with wonderful finds, warm drinks, and plenty of page-turning delight!


Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton

 Dockside Secrets

About the Book

Book: Dockside Secrets

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

When Finley Burke moves to the peaceful lakeside village of Sunset Cove, she’s looking for a fresh start-not a mystery. But when a violent storm washes a strange tackle box onto her dock, she discovers more than fishing lures inside. Hidden within are antique jewels and secrets that link to a long-buried family feud and a suspicious death. As Finley digs deeper, she finds herself tangled in a web of lies that threaten the calm of the cove- and her own safety.

With the help of her quirky but loyal neighbors, a sharp-eyed detective, Finley must uncover the truth before the past catches up to her.

Full of Southern charm, close-knit friendships, and suspense that keeps you turning the pages. Dockside Secrets is a heartwarming cozy mystery that proves it’s never too late to start over or to solve a mystery.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

I must admit I have probably watched and read just about every Hallmark cozy mystery I have come across! I have become addicted to mysteries lately! I don’t limit it to just the cozy mysteries. Lately, I have been watching plenty of true crime. The attraction for me is the puzzle. I mean, really, who can resist a “whodunit?” I prefer more of the gumshoe approach, but I also watch several crime scene investigations.

It started out with a curiosity about why people do such actions. What motivates people to commit these crimes and then try to cover them up? In many cases, criminals just aren’t that bright. But there are some cases that remain puzzling.

I decided to give it a go. Dockside Secrets is my first cozy. It was fun to write this mystery in the little community outside of a big city. We moved to this new little cove on a lake, Sunset Cove, and this is where the characters live. The large city in the book, Sagebrush Bend, is in reality, Fort Worth, Texas. Plenty of changing landscapes here, and these appear in the story.

Grab this cozy and meet the quirky cast of characters: a retired forensic psychologist, a very proper southern lady, a nutty and loud best friend, and a middle-of-the-road peacekeeper join a fumbling local sheriff and a handsome detective to discover what really happened at Sunset Cove.

My Thoughts

Secrets, sleuths, and surprises under the docks—Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton serves up a delightfully warm and entertaining cozy mystery. Overton’s descriptive writing brings Sunset Cove vividly to life, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. The story unfolds at a comfortable pace, blending suspense and mystery with community, healing, and faith. Deceptive family dynamics, estate sales, and discoveries beneath the docks keep the plot lively, while the steadily building suspense kept me guessing about the culprit until the final few chapters. 

At the heart of the story is the Sunset Sleuths, a fun and varied crew of amateur detectives that includes Finley, Amelia, Birdie, Lynn, and Clay. Their camaraderie adds warmth and comic relief, and the humorous touches given to both the police and the local detectives bring extra depth and levity. As the first book in The Finley Burke Mysteries, Dockside Secrets launches the series with charm, intrigue, and plenty of cozy fun—and I’m already eager to dock at Sunset Cove for the next installment!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.  Good Luck!

https://gleam.io/55lW2/dockside-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

Secrets, suspense, and a dash of dockside intrigue—your next mystery read has arrived! Dockside Secrets, the first book in The Finley Burke Mysteries by Terry Overton, is available from Amazon. Once you’ve uncovered its secrets, continue the adventure with the second book in the series, Suspicious Delivery. Be sure to follow Terry Overton on Amazon so you’ll be among the first to hear about her newest releases. Don't forget to enter the giveaway! I’ll return on Thursday, October 15, with Have Yourself a Merry Little Meltdown by Sheila Roberts. Until then, happy reading—and may your next bookish adventure be filled with captivating clues and delightful surprises!


Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Holly’s Book Corner, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Lights in a Dark World, October 10

For Him and My Family, October 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

She Lives to Read, October 13

Sylvan Musings, October 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 14

The Avid Reader, October 14

Fruitfully Planted, October 15

Vicky Sluiter, October 16

Avid Reader Nurse, October 17

Book Looks by Lisa, October 18

Simple Harvest Reads, October 19 (Guest Review from Donna)

Mary Hake, October 19

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 20

Lily’s Corner, October 20

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.