Books, Recipe Roundup

Thanksgiving Side Dishes & Cozy Mysteries: 5 Perfect Autumn Reads to Savor

As much as I adore October, there’s something truly special about November. After the excitement of “Falloween” (the mash-up of fall and Halloween) winds down, I’m ready to savor the slower pace of late autumn. My Barefoot Dreams throw is always within reach, a cup of tea in hand, and Connie curled up beside me as I dive into a cozy mystery. The outdoor Halloween décor comes down, but the autumn accents stay up because I hold onto fall for as long as possible.

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Books

Why We Love Friendly Ghosts in Cozy Mysteries

Not all ghosts are here to scare us. In fact, in many cozy mysteries, they’re here to help! From offering cryptic clues to lighthearted banter, “friendly ghosts” have become a beloved trope in paranormal cozies. These spectral sidekicks balance spooky atmosphere with humor and warmth, making them the perfect companions for an amateur sleuth.

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Coffee & Chat

Coffee & Chat #38

Happy October! This month is my happy month. I love the autumn colors, the dip in temperature, the shorter days, the swirl of fallen leaves  in a breeze and rainy days. Oh, and I love the food! Pumpkin everything. Plus some comfort food faves like butternut squash soup and beef stew. I also love cozying up on the sofa with Connie and a book. And I’ve read some good ones leading up to this month.

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Books, Reads

Fall Into a Cozy Mystery: Reading Tips + Death on Dickens Island

Autumn has always been my favorite season. As a kid, I looked forward to back-to-school shopping (I loved picking out a new school bag!) and the excitement of a brand-new TV lineup—remember when shows only had one season a year? As I got older, I started anticipating cozy fall fashion (bring on the sweaters!) and later, as a baker, I spent summer counting down the days until I could dive into all things pumpkin spice. But through every stage of life, one constant has remained: my love of reading. And there’s something especially magical about reading in the fall—cooler weather, shorter days, and the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book.

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Friday Faves

Friday Faves 8/22/25

This week has been a blur of writing and life things, but I still managed to squeeze in some fun. We had a few deliciously cool days, so Connie and I took full advantage with long, leisurely walks. And let me tell you, those cooler temps gave her a burst of energy—she’s been a little tornado with her toys every morning! Even my Shih Tzu seems to love that “almost fall” feeling. I know, I know—it’s still technically summer. But a gal can dream, right?

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