Can't Wait for... Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #WolfWorm by #TKingfisher #gothic #paranormal

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

T. Kingfisher is such an amazing author! She's become one of my favorites in the past couple of  years. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...

Wolf Worm

By T. Kingfisher

Gothic, Historical, Paranormal

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 288 Pages

March 24, 2026 by Tor Nightfire

Summary

Something darker than the devil stalks the North Carolina woods in Wolf Worm, a new gothic masterpiece from New York Times bestselling author T. Kingfisher

This gorgeous hardcover edition features endpapers illustrated by the author and a foil case stamp.

“I saw the devil in these woods.”

Sonia Wilson is a talented scientific illustrator―but she is only able to follow her dream because of her father’s reputation as a renowned scientist. Such is the lot in life for a woman in science in 1899. And after his death, she is left without work, prospects, or hope.

So when the reclusive Dr. Halder offers her a position illustrating his vast collection of insects, Sonia jumps at the chance to move to his North Carolina manor house and put her talents to use.

Once there though, she encounters dark happenings in the Carolina woods, and even darker questions come to light, like what happened to her predecessor? Why are animals acting so strangely, and what is behind the peculiar local whispers about “blood thiefs?”

With the aid of the housekeeper and a local healer, Sonia discovers that Halder’s entomological studies have taken him down a twisted road. His ground-breaking discoveries come with a cost―one that Halder is paying with human flesh.

If Sonia can’t find a way to stop the monstrosity, she may be next under the knife.

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Will you be reading this one?

Can't Wait for... Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson & The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #WithoutaClue #MelissaFerguson #TheSunandtheStarmaker #RachelGriffin #romancebooks #yabooks #yalit #fantasy

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I'm behind in sharing so I have two more February releases this week. Check them out...

Without a Clue

By Melissa Ferguson

Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

February 17, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

A laugh-out-loud rom-com wrapped in a whodunit, this high-seas adventure proves that sometimes the best love stories start with a little murder.

Penelope Mae Dupont has one superpower: keeping her cool. Which is essential when you're the personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a luxury book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven--a glittering cast of seven bestselling authors known for both their brilliance and their drama--her trademark composure starts slipping. One boat. Seven egos. Hundreds of fans. What could possibly go wrong?

Well . . . murder, for starters.

On day two, Hugh is found dead--and the cruise security team proves to be utterly incompetent. Stranded in the middle of the Atlantic with no help in sight, Pip realizes if anyone's going to solve the case, it'll have to be her. And so, with her friend and ally Nash, the dreamy Western author who's just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about, she puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test.

As Pip and Nash navigate an ocean of secrets, shocking twists, and one too many red herrings, she'll have to decide whether she's meant to stay behind the scenes--or finally step into the spotlight . . . and maybe, just maybe, find love along the way.

In the world of mystery and love, sometimes you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.

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Also in KindleUnlimited

The Sun and the Starmaker

By Rachel Griffin

Young Adult Fantasy, Folklore, Fairy Tale

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 448 Pages

February 17, 2026 by Sourcebooks Fire

Summary

There once was a village so far north that most considered it the top of the world... and in that village, the Sun fell in love with her Starmaker. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches comes a whimsical and sweeping romantic fantasy.

Nestled deep in the snowy mountains of the Lost Range, the village of Reverie is a small miracle. Beyond the reach of the Sun, Reverie is dependent upon the magic of the mysterious Starmaker: every morning, he trudges across a vast glacier and pulls in sunlight over the peaks, providing the village with the light it needs to survive.

Aurora Finch grew up on tales of the Starmaker's magic, never imagining she'd one day meet him. But on the morning of her wedding, a fateful encounter in the frostbitten woods changes everything. The Starmaker senses a powerful magic within her and demands she come study under his guidance. With her newfound abilities tied to the survival of the village, Aurora is swept away to his ice-covered castle and far from everything she's ever known.

The Starmaker is as cold and distant as the mountain itself, leaving Aurora to explore his enchanted castle alone. Yet the more she discovers about the sorcerer, the stronger their attraction grows, pulling her closer to the secrets he refuses to share. But a deadly frost approaches and Aurora must uncover what the Starmaker is hiding before she is left in an endless winter that even the Sun cannot touch.

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Will you be reading either of these?

A dark romantasy... The Cursed Queen's Daughter by Elly Blake (Review) #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #fantasy #TheCurseQueensDaughter #EllyBlake

Welcome to my tour stop! Find my review below...

The Cursed Queen's Daughter

(Thirstwood #2)

By Elly Blake

Young Adult Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

February 10, 2026 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary

A warrior princess falls for a shadow prince in this darkly romantic companion to The Forest King’s Daughter.

Fearless Thea has never known life outside of war. As the favorite daughter of the Sylvan King, she’s a relentless fighter who longs to lead his army as First Huntsman, ignoring the pretty clothes and fanciful notions others enjoy. But when a mysterious dress full of dark magic appears on her hearth one evening, Thea doesn’t know how to fight an enemy she can’t see or touch. Still, her curiosity builds as a new gown appears each night—until she gives in to temptation and is whisked to a forgotten land of shadows.

The prince of the shadow realm is a handsome host, and while Thea does all she can to resist his charms, it’s clear he knows something about the long-ago disappearance of Thea’s mother. All he asks in return is for Thea to dance with him, their dangerous attraction growing each time she returns for more information. Meanwhile, shadows are seeping into the living realm, and Thea may have to embrace her own darkness if she has any chance of saving her beloved sisters and home from an otherworldly threat.

From the author of the Frostblood Saga comes the second book in a spellbinding series about the daughters of the powerful forest king, with simmering romance and plot twists that will leave readers desperate to enter the Thirstwood themselves.

Content Warning: Blood, war, death, violence

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My Review

THE CURSED QUEEN'S DAUGHTER is a rich, lush and dark young adult fantasy in a world full of different peoples and magic. The story is character driven with its leading heroine. She is passionate and a fierce warrior. The plot is intriguing with mystery and action, romance being the central focus. Young adult romantasy fans should enjoy this one! 

The start of this story was magnificently done! I loved the characters and the fantasy world. There was a slight refresher from the first book (which you don't need to read to read this one) and lots of different dynamics and relationships. The love interest, Damon, is seductive, mysterious, cunning, and charming. Thea matches him in her fierce strength, stubbornness, and beauty. The story moves at a good pace with time for development and for different aspects of the story to build. The climatic ending was well done and fit the story with a sweet twist.

I did want more from the story. There were several parts that weren't consistent, almost like the characters forgot they had a resource or had figured something out. The romance was a bit too central and too descriptive for my tastes, especially when I was enjoying the story so much and then felt the romance completely took over. Part of that was Damon all of sudden being a completely different character, losing his intelligence and cunning as well as the back and forth pull he had with Thea up to that point. Thankfully the ending was somewhat redemptive.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an engrossing and entertaining read. I loved the setting, the characters were likable, with a story full of family and romance.

Content: Violence, some gory, lots of innuendo and suggestive content, closed-door scene, torture.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Toppling Stacks Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Elly Blake is the NYT bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga and the Thirstwood series. After earning a BA in English literature, she held a series of seemingly random jobs including project manager, customs clerk, graphic designer, reporter for a local business magazine, and library assistant. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids, and rescue dogs.

Her work is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.

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Tour Schedule

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Have you read the first book in this series? Do you have a favorite fantasy book?

A YA fantasy twist on a classic... A Promised Vengeance by Sara B. Larson (Review) #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #fantasy #APromisedVengeance #SarahBLarson #TopplingStacksBooks

Welcome to my tour stop! You can find all the other stops on the tour here. Read my review below...

A Promised Vengeance

By Sara B. Larson

Young Adult Romantic Fantasy, Romantasy

Hardcover & eBook, 309 Pages

October 28, 2025 by Jumelle Press

Summary

From the author of the DEFY trilogy, get ready to immerse yourself in this romantasy reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo!

They took everything from her.
Now she will destroy them all.

Falsely accused of murder, impoverished Elodie Dantès is torn from her childhood love, Killian, stripped of her most valuable possession—a forbidden artifact that wields ancient power—and banished to the otherworldly prison of Autremonde.

Awaiting certain death in a world poisoned by magic, Elodie meets an unexpected ally, and together they begin digging for an escape. However, once Elodie is finally free, she discovers that the very people who betrayed her are those she trusted the most. Consumed by vengeance, Elodie develops a plan to ruthlessly destroy them all.

But all too soon Elodie is forced to choose whether vengeance is worth the price, especially if it means losing the love of her life forever.

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My Review

A PROMISED VENGEANCE is a retelling of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO YA fantasy style. What a tall order to fill! This twist on the classic was creative with an interesting fantasy world with unique magic and a character readers will relate to and cheer on. There's romance and plenty of heart for fans of romantasy.

I liked the heroine, Elodie, from the start. She's relatable and just a solidly good person in wanting to find success as captain of a ship and raise her living for herself and her best-friend-turned-love and his family. There are some side characters who play small roles and who I felt were a bit flat but still added to the story. The world building was creative and interesting. I would have loved a lot more immersion and descriptions, but I thought it was fairly well done. The stakes were high and there's some action and some climatic moments, especially towards the end. There were also themes of love, friendship and forgiveness.

I think this story needed an additional book to give it as much depth, growth and needed complexity. I just don't think you can really do what this story needs in one book since it felt like the plot and characters didn't have enough time to really fully develop before moving on. There was also some over-the-top drama and a few things that didn't make sense to me.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This one didn't work for me as much as I was hoping for. It was still decently written, but I wanted so much more and know the author is talented enough to give it. However, it was still an enjoyable read and a book my 14-year-old daughter would enjoy. Will I pick up the next release from this author? Yes. Yes, I will. Some of hers are past favorites so I'm looking forward to seeing what she writes next!

Content: Some violence and innuendo but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Toppling Stacks tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA fantasy DEFY trilogy (DEFY, IGNITE, and ENDURE), the DARK BREAKS THE DAWN duology (DARK BREAKS THE DAWN and BRIGHT BURNS THE NIGHT), and SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT DUOLOGY. Her new releases include a YA fantasy coming Fall 2025, and EVERY BEAT AFTER (adult debut) coming spring 2026. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband, their four children, and their dogs, Loki the Maltese and Bindi the English Cream Retriever. She writes in brief snippets throughout the day and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction.

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Tour Schedule

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Are you a fan of this author, The Count of Monte Cristo, or YA fantasy? What's the most recent fantasy your read and loved?

A creative twist on Cinderella... Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow (Review) #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #fairytale #romancebooks #UntiltheClockStrikesMidnight #AlechiaDow #TopplingStacksTours

Welcome to my tour stop! Follow the tour here and check out my review below...

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

By Alechia Dow

Young Adult Romantic Fantasy, Fairy Tale

Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

February 3, 2026 by Feiwel and Friends

Summary

The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.

Darling is the most talented—and unusual—Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms—if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it’ll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there’s one thing Darling’s good at, it’s a makeover.

Calamity is the most talented—and arrogant—Misfortune of his class. It’s his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical “Happily Ever After.” When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy—Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too—a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.

To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy’s life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves… and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.

Content Warning: Bipolar disorder, intrusive thoughts, brief self-harm and passive suicidality

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My Review

UNTIL THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT is a fairy tale twist of Cinderella with two fairy godmothers. There's some creative world building, relatable characters, and sweet romance along with some darker and deeper topics, making the story not all fluff. Young adult romantic fantasy or fairy tale fans may enjoy this one. 

I'm a big fan of strong heroines and lots of banter, so this story was off to a great start for me. Both Darling and Calamity were very different people with different backgrounds and struggles. I felt like Calamity knew more what he was doing while Darling was very spontaneous and didn't think things through. He also was supposed to be the darker one while she was full of light. Those lines didn't stay drawn as the story progressed though. It's not called bipolar disorder, but that's kind of what Darling has with her extreme ups and then downs that show severe depression and self-infliction. Regardless of her struggles she brightens the town and brings people together.

Even though this story started well, I wanted a lot more development and consistency as it went. I'm also not an insta-love fan, and that's basically what happened here. Calamity also wasn't consistent with his character from the second day and I would have liked those changes to happen more over time instead of him feeling like his whole character changed. That also made it so the romance felt flat to me because all of a sudden the banter and conflict wasn't there and the couple went straight to the romance with no substance. Darling's struggles were a major part of the story, but even more so because she also wasn't taking care of herself, so she basically spiraled multiple times. Part of that also didn't feel consistent to me from how she was presented at the beginning of the book and her being on her own for so long and managing it before. It came off overly dramatic instead of feeling organic. From about half-way through I just felt like rolling my eyes over and over again.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I think there was a lot of promise here. I really liked the overall concept, storybook world, and characters. This didn't turn out to be a book I loved but for those of you who do enjoy lush characters, lots of drama and insta-love, this one might be for you.

Content: Some suggestive references, some swearing (including the f-word and a few s-words), gay relationships.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Toppling Stack Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef, librarian, and award-winning author of acclaimed YA scifi-fantasies: The Sound of Stars (a Junior Library Guild Selection and Hal Clement ALA notable), The Kindred (Locus & Ignyte finalist, Indie Next Kids January 2022 Pick, British Science Fiction Association’s Best Book for Younger Readers Nominee, Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Book of 2023), A Song of Salvation (Kirkus starred, British Science Fiction Association’s Best Book for Younger Readers Finalist, Hal Clement ALA notable, Locus finalist), several short anthology pieces, and middle grade stories Just a Pinch of Magic (PW starred, Kirkus starred & Best Middle Grade of 2023), The Cookie Crumbles and Their Just Desserts which she co-authored with Tracy Badua. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her family, baking, reading, and exploring her local food scene.

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Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

What other fairy tale twists have you read that you enjoyed?

Can't Wait for... Mists over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin & An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #MistsOvertheChannelIslands #SarahSundin #AnUnconventionalLady #SarahELadd #histfic #historicalfiction #christfic #christianfiction #romancebooks

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I'm so sorry that I've missed the past two weeks! Life has been a touch crazy. This week I'm sharing two books, both February releases (the first released today!). They're my picks this week...

Mists over the Channel Islands

By Sarah Sundin

Christian Historical Fiction, Romance, WWII

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

February 3, 2026 by Revell

Summary

Behind enemy lines, adversary and ally become impossible to distinguish.

The German invasion of the British Channel Islands shatters Dr. Ivy Picot's peaceful world, forcing her to shoulder the weight of her father's medical practice and hold together a family unraveling under the strain of war. As conditions worsen in Jersey with the arrival of thousands of forced laborers, Ivy's quiet allegiance to the Allies compels her to risk everything by providing medical aid to escaped workers--even as danger closes in.

Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee volunteers to build fortifications for the Germans so he can secretly send maps and diagrams to the Allies. On his arrival in the Channel Islands, he crosses paths with Ivy, who shows him contempt for the uniform he wears. As tensions mount and their missions grow increasingly dangerous, Ivy and Gerrit must confront the cost of courage, the meaning of sacrifice, and whether love can survive in the shadow of war. Will their covert efforts turn the tide--or will they pay the ultimate price for defiance?

Renowned WWII fiction author Sarah Sundin crafts a compelling historical romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, wartime resistance, and medical intrigue--a tale of loyalty, resilience, and courage when love and duty collide.

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An Unconventional Lady

By Sarah E. Ladd

Christian Historical Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 348 Pages

February10, 2026 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

One woman works to expose a scientific fraud while also finding love in the latest sweet Regency romance by Sarah Ladd. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, An Unconventional Lady delivers what Publishers Weekly calls Ladd's "pitch-perfect blend of suspense and sweetness" (The Cloverton Charade).

She faces the worst ultimatum possible for a woman--marry a man she detests or lose the future she's always imagined.

Charming and headstrong, Ella Wilde always knew she was different than other women. Thanks to her unorthodox upbringing as the daughter of Keatley Hall School for Young Men's headmaster, Ella has long dreamed of opening a school for girls that would meet the needs of inquisitive, brilliant, unconventional young women just like her--girls who longed for the education exclusively reserved for boys. But there's just one catch: Unless she marries before her father dies, Keatley Hall will pass into the hands of a distant cousin. In that case, Ella will be left destitute, and at this point her only option appears to be an undesirable marriage.

Ella's family had long been proponents of phrenology, the belief that an individual's personality and dispositions were predetermined by the shape of their head. Shortly before her death, however, Ella's mother's views on phrenology changed, and she endeavored to expose phrenology as nothing more than a fraudulent parlor trick. Consequently, she earned the wrath of phrenologist community, who called her "unstable," "bizarre," even "dangerous"--and branded her daughter the same.

Now, renowned phrenologist Thomas Bauer is about to arrive at Keatley Hall to speak at the Natural Philosophers' Society gathering, and Ella embraces the opportunity to clear her mother's name--and her own--once and for all. And her partner in crime? None other than her childhood friend Gabriel Rowe, who's grown into an ambitious, handsome London solicitor.

Gabriel has his own scores to settle, and when he learns that Thomas Bauer is visiting Keatley Hall, he jumps at the chance to prove himself and right past wrongs. As he is drawn deeper into the unusual happenings, it's clear that he and Ella must work together if they want to unmask the truth. Over time, Gabriel's attraction to Ella's beauty and wit becomes impossible to ignore, and as the lines between professionalism and passion blur, they both must decide what they're willing to risk for happiness.

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Will you be reading either of these?

Can't Wait for... Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TamingLadyTemperance #KarenWitemeyer #TheSecretSocietyofSpinsters #westernromance #christianromance #romancebooks

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

Witemeyer has some fun books. I have picked hers up ever since her debut which still claims a space as one of my favorite reads. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...

Taming Lady Temperance

(The Secret Society of Spinsters #1)

By Karen Witemeyer

Christian Western Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

February 17, 2026 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.

Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.

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Will you be reading this one?

A culinary cozy mystery... Mayhem on the Marzipan Express by Rebecca Connolly (Review) #newbooks #bookx #MayhemontheMarzipanExpress #RebeccaConnolly #ClaireWalkerMyster #cozymystery #romancebooks @ShadowMountn

Mayhem on the Marzipan Express

(A Claire Walker Mystery #2)

By Rebecca Connolly

Contemporary Cozy Mystery, Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

January 26, 2026 by Shadow Mountain Publishing

Summary

A romantic getaway through the Scottish Highlands turns deadly when a passenger on the train is murdered—and a famous chef is the prime suspect.

Amateur baker and part-time sleuth Claire Walker may not have won Britian’s Battle of the Bakers cooking competition, but she still went home with a grand prize: Jonathan Ainsley’s heart. The happy couple boards the famed Scottish train, the Mallaig Steam Express—temporarily renamed “The Marzipan Express” in honor of famed chef Alan Gables, who is hosting an exclusive culinary experience for his most devoted fans. Claire is delighted to serve as Alan’s sous chef for the trip, hoping to learn some baking tips from the master.

The trip has barely begun when the train screeches to a halt. The engine has malfunctioned and must be repaired. While Claire and Jonny explore the train, they discover a dead body in one of the dining cars. It appears to be an accident, but Claire can sense something is wrong as easily as she can sense an overbaked soufflé. When the clues all point to Alan as the culprit, Claire and Jonny decide to investigate on their own. Unfortunately, Alan doesn’t have an alibi, his assistant is oddly nervous around him, and a shadowy figure keeps appearing at all the wrong times. Could it be someone from Alan’s past trying to frame him? Or could Alan be trying to cover his tracks?

Claire had hoped for a delicious, romantic getaway, not investigating a mysterious death while stress-eating trifle in the kitchen car and trying to not be jealous of a magazine reporter who is flirting with Jonny. It’s mayhem in more ways than one.

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My Review

MAYHEM ON THE MARZIPAN EXPRESS is the second book in this culinary cozy mystery series where these characters find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery. With delightful characters, delectable food, and a unique setting this is an enjoyable story for fans of the genre and series.

I fell in love with these characters in the first book of the series. Claire was her usual personable, naturally beautiful, genuine, and talented self. Jonny was his staid, blunt, but utterly charming and humorous self. I enjoyed how they complimented each other and worked together to figure out what was going on. I also enjoyed the addition of one of the baking show judges, Alan, and the dynamic he brought. The bromance was so fabulous! So many laughs there, plus the delicious food that made me quite hungry. The mystery was fairly low-key but grew in intensity towards the end. There weren't a lot of red herrings or clues, but they did come together. The sweet romance was woven throughout with a few swoon-worthy moments.

There were a few things that didn't quite work for me. One was Claire's emotional drama in thinking she was unworthy and not the ideal match for Jonny. I also wasn't super fond of Jonny letting one woman treat him as she did. He could have been distracting while still staying truer to Claire. Another was that the murder plot and villain were a bit too unrealistic. I wanted something a more logical.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable read and a series that I'll definitely keep picking up! The characters were great, with a cozy mystery and some delicious food.

Content: Some off-page violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Image linked to my review.)

Have you read any similar books or either of these in this series?

The start to a delightful new series... The Crime Brûlée Bake Off by Rebecca Connolly (Review) #newbooks #bookx #TheCrimeBrûléeBakeOff #RebeccaConnolly #ClaireWalkerMyster #cozymystery #romancebooks @ShadowMountn

The Crime Brûlée Bake Off

(A Claire Walker Mystery #1)

By Rebecca Connolly

Contemporary Cozy Mystery, Romance

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

February 4, 2025 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

The Great British Baking Show meets a cozy mystery with a contemporary romance and a Regency-era twist.

"Connolly, known for romances, ably opens this new ro-mystery series, crafting a slow, charming, sweet fall and filling the case with details of baking, estate living, and reality TV filming." --Library Journal

When Claire Walker is selected to be a contestant on the immensely popular cooking show, Britian’s Battle of the Bakers, she is thrilled. She can’t wait to spend eight enchanting weeks baking at the picturesque estate of Blackfirth Park. She can almost smell the fresh pastries wafting through the air as she and her fellow contestants use historical equipment to bring pre-1900s recipes to life. If she can win the fifty thousand pounds, she’ll be able to ditch her teaching job and launch her baking career.

The Viscount of Colburn, Jonathan Ainsley, is the custodian of Blackfirth Park and an eligible bachelor. With his family’s income dwindling, he reluctantly agrees to host the entire production team, but he refuses to participate since he’s had enough of single women who see him as nothing more than a potential conquest. But when a contestant is found dead soon after filming begins, Jonathan is forced to get involved. To make matters worse, the baker’s death is eerily similar to the legendary death of the tenth Viscountess of Colburn two hundred and fifty years earlier, which sends rumors racing through the estate.

Even as suspicion falls on some of the bakers, a decidedly different kind of heat begins to simmer between Claire and Jonathan. If they are to have any hope of a future romance, they must first solve the mystery before the show gets canceled or someone else falls prey to the Blackfirth Park ghost.

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My Review

THE CRIME BRÛLÉE BAKE OFF is a delightful start to this new culinary cozy romantic mystery series! The heroine is relatable with a dashing hero and a surprising murder to solve during a baking competition show set in England. It's a book with bakes and romance weaved throughout the mystery along with plenty of charm, that is ideal for fans of the genre.

Claire is this self-depreciating heroine who loves baking and dreams of competing on her favorite baking show. Of course, somehow she makes it on and is equally stressed and thrilled. Her love interest isn't a fan but is sacrificing to support his estate. He's a bit of a Darcy with his grumpiness and avoidance of people, but that doesn't last as he gets to know Claire. I liked how the author slowly grew the mystery and suspense alongside the romance. I also adored the setting along with Jonathan's female relatives (particularly his sister) who bring some fun teasing and humor. The amateur sleuthing was also fun although also suspenseful as the characters try to figure out who the villain is. There is a climatic ending in more than one way that tied things up nicely.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This book was a mix of baking show with delectable treats, sweet romance, mystery and great characters. It was lovely to read and full of entertainment. I'm looking forward to further releases in the series!

Content: Some off-page violence.
Source: Purchased. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Image linked to my review.)

Are you a fan of The Great British Baking Show? Do you enjoy books with descriptions of food and recipes?

Can't Wait for... If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #IfYou'llHaveMe #EstherHatch @ProperRomance @ShadowMountn #romancebooks #historicalromance

Can't-Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I've loved Esther Hatch's books for a long time and I'm looking forward to her newest in the Proper Romance line. It's my pick this week...

If You'll Have Me

(A Proper Romance)

By Esther Hatch

Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

February 3, 2025 by Shadow Mountain Publishing

Summary

A lady desperately seeking freedom. A prosperous younger man. An unexpected connection.

Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.

David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting himself in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing his own deepest secrets.

In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.

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Will you be reading this one?