Recent Reads: Witching You a Charmed Christmas by Jenna Collett

Witching You a Charmed Christmas by Jenna Collett 

Series: Witching You #1
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date:  December 9, 2023

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From a Stuff Your Kindle day. Also available on Kindle Unlimited at the time of this posting.

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A witchy matchmaker faces off against a grumpy Christmas tree farmer with a heart encased in ice.

Delia Frost wants only one thing for Christmas: to earn a promotion at her mystical agency known for granting holiday miracles. She wouldn't mind a stocking stuffer with the attention of her longtime office crush either, but neither of those gifts are under her tree unless she completes the case file that just landed on her desk.

Her mission? Travel to the quaint, snow-dusted town of Wood Pine and work her magic on Jack Bradley, a rugged, Christmas tree farmer with a heart as cold as winter itself. All she has to do is make Jack fall in love with the shy, yet talented, local pastry chef by midnight on Christmas Eve, and the promotion is hers.

The problem? As Delia weaves her spells, she finds herself drawn to Jack, igniting feelings she never planned for.

But Jack’s heart won’t melt without a fight.

Known for his Scrooge Complex, Jack's world is more about pine needles than tinsel and joy until Delia Frost blows into his life like a bad winter storm. The last thing he needs is the meddlesome woman playing matchmaker. But when unexpected sparks fly, he’s torn between driving the woman out of town and hoping she’s his Christmas miracle.

Review: 

This was my favorite read during the HoHoHo Readathon this year.  At only 130 pages this was super cute and had my love for the holidays, witches, and a great grumpy/ sunshine dynamic all rolled into one book. 

Delia works as a witch at an agency that grant miracles, and when her friend gets snowed in and she can't take a case, Delia steps in in hopes of gaing a big promotion. Her goal, matchmaking, get this grumpy, grinch-like man to fall for a women in town. Jack, her target, is not going to make it easy. 

Delia is so stubborn and can't wait to accomplish her goal that she doesn't even realize that she is falling for her target. Jack is stubborn as well and really a menace to the Christmas season and spirit. Their witty banter and pranks on each other had me laughing and loving this book so much. It was honestly sad that it is only novella length.

With novella, there is a lot more insta-love especially if noted as romance; but this one was sweet and written in such a fun manner that it really didn't matter all that mich to me. I liked Delia and how the author incorporated her being a witch into a holiday miracle setting, such a fun idea... it doesnt alway have to be elves with Christmas magic. I thought that Jack was a good male lead as well, he was a pain, but his determination to get Delia away from him only made it better when he figured out he had fallen. 

Overall, so wickedly cute. This was such a fun and funny read and I will certainly be looking for more from this author soon.

Recent Reads: Meltdown in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon

Meltdown in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon 

Series: Christmas River #10
Publisher: Vacant Lot Publishing
Publication Date: December 17, 2017 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: From a Stuff your Kindle Day. Also included on Kindle Unlimited at the time of this posting.

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

How do you find a killer when everyone in town has a motive?

That’s the question pie-baker extraordinaire Cinnamon Peters and the rest of the cozy little mountain town of Christmas River are asking this December.

After Moira Stewart — the town’s worst gossip — is found dead of unnatural causes one snowy morning, rumors begin swirling like snowflakes in a blizzard about her unexpected demise.

But not everything is as it seems in Christmas River this holiday season. And in a town where everyone stands to gain from Moira’s death, Cinnamon and her husband Sheriff Brightman find themselves stumbling into dangerous and deadly territory.

Because this December, the weather outside is frightful…And so is the murder.

Review: 

I picked this book up during a Stuff Your Kindle freebie day, and did not know that it was #10 in a series. That said, it was fine to read on its own, but you could tell that there were some things that happened in previous books that might have made it easier to understand. Especially around the relationships and town dynamics overall. 

The story itself followed Cinnamon, a baker in Christmas River. While the town is cozy, there has been a murder and Cinnamon found the body, and now she is a suspect. The body was of the town gossip, Moira. So anyone could have done it. 

I liked the story overall, but at times it really felt over done. There were full sections that I am not sure were really needed. For example, there was a lot of talk about weight from the baker... it is the holiday season, she is a baker - there are pies. I understand that we all need to be more understanding about our bodies, but it was just too much. 

The mystery itself is kinda a modern take on Agatha Christie's style where it all just kind of comes together in the end. While I like that style it was also not done as well as those classics. I did like the clue drops and surprises throughout the book though, they were well placed and kept the pacing moving steadily. It was just a steady pace though, nothing I wanted to fly through, just enough to keep me chugging along. 

In all honesty I had to put this book down for a day and pick something else up. While cozy and holiday themed, it was taking longer than I had hoped to get into it. The characters seemed a bit one-dimentional, but that could have been because book 10... not 1...

So overall it was good/ok. I don't think I will pick up more in this series, and maybe I might have liked it better if this was book 1 and not 10 (and I was more invested in the town, sorry I keep noting it, I was shoked to learn this was #10!). If you are looking for a cozy, Christmas themed mystery, this one might be for you. It is a slower pace and so if you need a leasure read, you should pick it up.

Happy Holidays from Cover2CoverBlog 2024

Happy December and Happy Holidays! 

I hope 2024 has brought you moments of joy, growth, and connection. For me, this year has absolutely flown by—it feels like just yesterday we were welcoming it!

Whatever your celebrations look like this season, I want to take a moment to wish you all the warmth, love, and magic the holidays can bring. May your days be filled with happiness, health, and plenty of time to enjoy some amazing reads.

Thank you for being part of my online community. Stay well, my friends, and cheers to a wonderful holiday season and an even brighter year ahead!

xoxo- Steph

 

Recent Reads: Slay Bells Ring by Mona Marple

Slay Bells Ring by Mona Marple

Series: A Christmas Cozy Mystery Series Book 2
Publisher: Aspen Park Publishing
Publication Date:  May 21, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Freebie during a stuff your Kindle day. Also available on Kindle Unlimited as of the time of this posting. 

Rating:


Synopsis: 

Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, where every day feels like Christmas!
It's New Year's Eve in Candy Cane Hollow.

This winter wonderland may look festive and be home to the Claus Family, but all is not as it seems. The festivities take a turn for the bizarre when the giant glitter ball comes crashing down on cantankerous elf chef, Greasy. Chief Superintendent Wiggles is sure the death is just a tragic accident, but Holly isn't so sure. Greasy was lots of things, but it appears that popular wasn't one of them. 

Holly begins her own investigation with the eager help of Mrs Claus, while dimpled Nick Claus warns them both to be careful.
Was the death an accident? Or is that a false ho-ho-hope? 

Slay Bells Ring is a festive cozy mystery and second in an exciting new series by popular author Mona Marple. 

Review: 

We are still in Candy Cane Hollow with Holly in the second installment of these holiday cozy mysteries. With Holly's appearance in town, things are really getting riled up. She got there and there was a murder, which she helped to solve. It is now coming up on New Years Eve and there is a huge town ball... sadly in a crazy turn of events the disco ball falls from the ceiling on top of an elf.  Holly is convinced that it is also a murder, decor like that doesn't often fall and hit anyone. 

Holly is trying to find out if it was a murder or just a very unlikely coincidence. She is still her determined self but is less lonely with the Claus familty and in the Candy Cane Hollow setting.

This book had the same flow and vibes as the last one - cozy mystery, clean romance, and lots of holiday themes. And like the last one, I only really had an issue with the timeline... in a week there have been 2 murders.... what the heck! I guess the holidays just make people crazy. 

What I like about these books is just how simple they really are - they are full of festive feels and while murder mysteries, they are pretty light and just fun to read. This book also has a bit more romance, but I won't spoil it for new readers. If you liked the first one, this is a good follow up, but very similar overall. 

Recent Reads: Christmas Corpse by Mona Marple

Christmas Corpse by Mona Marple 

Series: A Christmas Cozy Mystery #1
Publisher: Aspen Park Publishing
Publication Date:  May 21, 2024

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Stuff your Kindle day Freebie, also on Kindle Unlimited.

Rating:

Synopsis: 

Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, where every day feels like Christmas!

Holly Wood (yes, that's her real name) is driving home for Christmas and not feeling too happy about the empty house waiting for her.

When her car skids into a snow bank, she's rescued by a sweet old lady who promises her name is Mrs Claus.

Holly is taken to Candy Cane Hollow to recover, and finds herself in a genuine winter wonderland.

As Christmas Day approaches, the grouchy medical receptionist appears to have been poisoned by a mince pie.

And to Holly's surprise, Mrs Claus is the prime suspect.

With Mrs Claus under suspicion, Holly vows to return the woman's generosity by clearing her name.

Maybe it will impress Mrs Claus' dimpled dish of a son, too?

Review: 

Holly Wood crashes in the snow on her way home from work and is saved by an older woman going by Mrs. Claus. Holly is rescued at just the right time - for her health but also for her life outlook, she is in need of a change. 

On their way to town they head to urgent care to ensure Holly is ok and upon returning to Mrs. Claus' house they learn that the receptionist was murdered and the Mrs. Claus is the prime suspect. 

This was a short holiday murder mystery, set in a Christmas themed town with the Claus family. Holly, with time on her hands, stays around to ensure she is better but also help out Mrs. Claus since she saved her. It probably doesn't hurt that she has a very good looking son as well and Holly might be interested. 

Holly seems a bit lost to start and this is just the distraction that she needs. She is lonely and alone and it is the holidays. She is a determined and self-sufficient main character trying to help in this hidden town. 

I livked the overall story, but the timeline seemed a bit lost for me - was she driving home on Christmas eve... was she in town for Chritmas Eve... and christmas comes and goes in there but seems like a few days. That was my biggest hang up with this read. I just had trouble figureing out how many days Holly was in town. 

Overall, this was a cute, short holiday novella. So if you like a murder mystery and a very holiday themed world, this might be a good one to pick up.

Book Blitz w/ Giveaway: Made To Last by A.S. Kelly

Made To Last by A.S. Kelly
(Love At Last, #5)
Publication date: December 4th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

About the Book 

Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Tommy O’Doherty, and I’m madly in love.

Too blunt, you say? Seriously, why lie?
Everyone seems to know about it already. The gossip about my major crush on my best friend’s neighbour has spread like wildfire.
And I have to admit, I didn’t do anything to stop it.

Not everyone is as good at pretending to be a playboy—even if the most they can handle is a PlayStation—like my weird colleagues and messy friends. Not everyone can keep it together when they meet the sweetest, most sensitive, and most wonderful creature on Earth.

Too bad she doesn’t see herself that way. Too bad she doesn’t believe my words, my kisses, my caresses, or my romantic gestures. Too bad she’s not ready to believe that what we have is real and that I’m not just her backup boyfriend, but the man who truly wants to be with her.

Even though I keep telling her that we are made to last, I’m starting to think she will never believe me unless I am willing to show her in a dramatic and obviously questionable way that I’m serious and that there is no better man for her than me.

Each book in the Love At Last Series is standalone:

– Last Call
– About Last Night
– One Last Kiss
– The Last One
– Made To Last

  

Barnes & Noble / iBooks

I walk into her place and shut the door, but I linger in the doorway as Ivy heads to the kitchen. She returns two minutes later with a vase full of flowers. She places them on the coffee table next to the couch and then looks at me.
“Did you really say you’re into me?”
“Totally. I said I’m totally into you.”
Ivy bites her full red lip, her eyes bright, emotional, and surprised. The perfume she’s wearing wafts through the air, making me lose my lucidity for a moment, and…
And she’s already messed up my head.
You know that, right?
All I need is that twinkle in her eye, that slight flush on her face as she realises I can’t take my eyes off her. All I need is that anxious breath that seems to be a reflection of my own. All I need is this silence, filled with images to capture and moments to write about. All I need is to know that she wanted this as much as I wanted it.
I don’t know how long it takes to realise that the person in front of you is the one you want next to you. I’m already there.
Am I completely insane, or am I unexpectedly wise?
Only time will tell.

About the Author

A. S. Kelly writes Rom-Com, Romantic Fiction and Family Saga.
Avid reader, hopeless romantic, lover of yoga, knitting and home baking.
She was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar. 

Find the Author 

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | X | Bookbub | Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

As the year winds down, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you. Thank you for being an incredible part of this blog community. Your time, support, and engagement mean the world to me, and I’m so thankful to have you here—whether you’re a long-time reader or just stopping by.

To my readers in the US, I wish you a joyous and meaningful Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude. And to everyone else, I hope today (and every day) brings you reasons to smile and feel appreciated.

Thank you for being the wonderful, kind, and supportive internet friends that you are. You truly make this space special. 💖

xo - Steph 

Recent Reads: The Lost Portal by Lenore Borja

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Lost Portal by Lenore Borja 

Series: Mirror Realm #2
Publisher: SparkPress
Publication Date:  October 8, 2024

 

Format: Ebook
 
Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

For fans of Kendare Blake’s Goddess War series comes this second installment in a gripping YA fantasy series that follows a band of huntresses taking on a world of demons and gods.

For years, Hadley Caldwell kept humanity safe by hunting demons. But that came to an end when the Mirror Realm disappeared. Now her life is filled with bridesmaid dresses, family pressures, and—oh yeah—hosting ancient deities in her sleep. It’s not world-saving work, but if dream-hosting is all it takes to keep the gods happy, she’s willing to play along and leave her huntress days behind her. That is, until the gods demand something the Portal of Osiris.

The Portal was part of the Realm. It shouldn’t exist anymore. But the gods believe it does, and claim it holds the key to their salvation. The quest for the Portal takes Hadley and her band of huntress sisters on an enigmatic adventure to the sands of Egypt and beyond. But chasing a portal isn’t as easy as outrunning your past, and soon the only things Hadley knows for certain are that the gods can’t be trusted . . . and some portals should never be found.

Join Hadley, Alice, Olivia, and Soxie in this electrifying second book of the Mirror Realm series as they traverse the globe on an ancient scavenger hunt full of mystery, magic, intrigue, and sisterhood.

Review: 

The Lost Portal is book 2 in the Mirror Realm series. In the first installment, we followed Alice as she became a Huntress and learned about her powers, the mirror realm, and these other girls that share the duty of protecting their realm and human existance. 

This installment in the series shifts focus to Hadley, offering a new perspective within the unique world established in the first book. The premise—a group of four girls gifted powers by Greek deities to combat demons through mirrors—remains somwhat intriguing. The sisterhood among the hunters and the Greek mythology elements are also still compelling, though this book, like the first, struggles with pacing and cohesion. I really struggled to be engaged throughout the book. I had a hard time wanting to pick it up, but also really feeling immersed in the story. 

The plot centers on Hadley and the girls searching for a portal to appease gods haunting their dreams. While the story builds on the fascinating mix of Greek and Egyptian mythology and supernatural concepts introduced earlier, it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. Much like the first book, the narrative feels disjointed at times, with slow-moving sections and plot holes that interrupt the flow. Transitions between dreams and reality are particularly unclear, making the story harder to follow. The plot was interesting and a good continuation but it felt like there were big pieces missing to make things work correctly for the story to progress, like sections had been edited away that were necessary.

That said, Hadley’s perspective brings fresh character dynamics and I appreciate learning more about the background of the other characters that seemed a bit thrown-in in that last book.  The mix of mythology and world-building remains an interesting highlight, though it leaves me wanting more depth and explanation.

Overall, while it’s enjoyable to revisit this imaginative world, this installment feels less engaging than its predecessor. Fans of the series may still find value in Hadley’s story, but the pacing and gaps in the plot make it just an okay addition.

Blog Blitz w/ Giveaway: Last Call by A.S. Kelly

Last Call by A.S. Kelly
(Love At Last #1)
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Niall Kerry. I’m almost forty years old, and I’m drowning in something that begins with ‘S’ – it doesn’t quite seem appropriate to write it down here.

After a lifetime out on a sports field, living as a champion – as someone who never had to ask for anything – I’ve suddenly found myself starting from scratch. I’m living in the middle of nowhere with my parents, I’m jobless, and I have a teenage daughter who hates me. Oh, and I have to try and regain the trust of everyone I know.

It’s not easy to convince people that, deep down, you’re not so bad; that you’re no longer that troublesome kid they once knew. It’s not easy to work my way into the heart of my favourite headmistress, Jordan.
It’s especially difficult when she wants nothing to do with me.

But you know what? I’m not the kind of guy who just sits back and accepts defeat, or who stops at the small print at the bottom of the page. I’m someone who plays right until the final whistle.
And when her heart is on the line, I’m ready to make my strict, sexy headmistress an offer she can’t refuse.

Each book in the Love At Last Series is standalone:

  

Last Call, Love At Last #1

“Please, Jordan. Tell me there won’t be any more contracts to sign.”
I slowly open my eyes and turn my head a little.
“As long as you tell me there’ll be no need for them.”
“Do you really need me to say it?”
“I just want you to be honest.”
“About what?”
I gather my courage. “About us.”
His eyes widen, his hands moving onto my hips.
“Skylar is in the other room,” I remind him. “She might see us.”
“You’re lucky she’s here,” he teases, “or no one could save you from me.”
“I’m not scared of you.”
He grins smugly. “I like that you’re not scared of me. And I like that you used that word.”
“What word?”
“Us.”
“It’s actually more accurate to call it a personal pronoun.”
“Don’t make me close that mouth for you.”
My body shivers at the thought of his mouth on mine.
“Even though something tells me you’d like it.”
I part my lips instinctively, as he gazes at my mouth.
“I know you’d like it, Headmistress.”
“Oh, shut up,” I manage, miraculously.
“Or what?” he teases, pressing his chest against mine. “Will you put me in detention?”

About the Author

A. S. Kelly writes Rom-Com, Romantic Fiction and Family Saga.
Avid reader, hopeless romantic, lover of yoga, knitting and home baking.
She was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar.

Find the Author 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / X / Instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Building the Book Pile #468

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

And we are home... so happy to see all the pets but so sad to be back to reality.

I didn't read much while away and honestly was trying to finish a review book for a Friday review, but I didn't complete the book til yesterday on the plane... so sorry for the delay on that one.

I am participating in the HoHoHo Readathon for the next week..so holiday reads and reviews are coming 🎄

Linking up this week with the Caffinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week

Blog Blitz w/ Giveaway: Love At Last Series by A.S. Kelly 

Recent Reads: The Lost Portal by Lenora Borja (YA) - delayed sorry hoping to have this up this week.

Books Received Recently...  

 

 

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk - From the publisher for review.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith - From the publisher for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

2024 HO-HO-HO Readathon! Commitment page

Early Reader Review: Take it from the Top by Claire Swinarski (MG) -4 stars

Recent Reads: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (Adult) -5 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas  

Series: Throne of Glass #2
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date:  February 14, 2023

 

Format: Paperback & Audiobook
Source: Bought/ Own

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

Review: 

Celaena is champion now and tasked with killing on behalf of the king, but she is doing it her way. I felt like so much happened in thei sequel and I don't want to spoil things, so here are just some overall thoughts.

There was a lot to this book, Celaena is a badass but we see more of that now through her actions than we were allowed to see in book one. There is more determination and character growth overall, not just the survival instinct. She is going through a lot of changes and information being thrown at her. I liked the politics that weave through these books so far. 

There was also a lot more romance in this story than the first.. more chaos and it was just more twisty. Some parts were so sad, tragic really and it was hard to read them when you are loving things that are happening and then they go up in smoke. I really enjoyed this installment and jumped right into the next... guess I am part of this cult now.