Under the Weather, but Finding Some Weekend Magic ✨
Hi, friends,
I hope this email finds you feeling healthy and cozy—unlike me, unfortunately. It seems I’ve caught something just in time for the holidays. Since I’m not feeling too bad yet, I thought I’d get this newsletter out a day early in case I’m worse tomorrow. Otherwise, I’ll be spending the weekend curled up with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book while I try to rest and recover before Christmas.
The holidays are such a magical time of year, and even though I’m not feeling my best, I’m leaning into that magic to keep my spirits up. If you’re still in the holiday mood or need to get into it, don’t forget about my festive cozies, Holly Jolly Homicide and Claus for Concern. They’re packed with just the right amount of small-town charm, quirky characters, and holiday cheer (plus a little murder, of course). They’re in Kindle Unlimited if you have it.
As you might know, I write paranormal cozy mysteries because I love stories where magic is part of everyday life. And when I’m not writing, I love reading magical cozy mystery books, magical romcoms, and magical realism—the kinds of stories that blend the extraordinary with the ordinary.
I thought I’d share what I’ll be reading this weekend, since I thought many of you might love magical stories outside of cozies too. I’m diving into The Orchard of Forgotten Dreams by Isla Rose Bennett. It’s a novella full of heartfelt magic and second chances, and I’m hoping it’ll be the perfect escape while I rest.
Here’s the blurb:
In the heart of the small town of Orchard Grove stands a mysterious apple orchard, a place where time feels fluid and the past lingers like the sweet scent of ripe fruit. For generations, the orchard has been a quiet witness to the hopes, memories, and forgotten dreams of those who visit its ancient trees.
Elise, a devoted mother and bookshop owner, has spent years surrounded by other people’s stories while setting aside her own. Drawn to the orchard during a season of restless change, she begins to rediscover a part of herself she thought she had lost forever.
Jon, a widower returning to his hometown, finds unexpected solace in the orchard’s stillness. Grappling with grief and the uncertainty of starting over, he feels the trees holding answers to questions he’s been too afraid to face.
As their paths cross beneath the orchard’s canopy, Elise and Jon form a tentative connection rooted in understanding and hope. Together, they begin to navigate the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the possibilities of the future.Poignant and uplifting, The Orchard of Forgotten Dreams is a heartwarming novella of second chances, the endurance of memory, and the quiet magic of human connection.
It’s just $0.99 right now, or it’s in KU, so if you’re in the mood for something magical and heartfelt, I’d love for you to join me in reading it! We can let each other know what we think!
If you end up loving it, Isla also has a newsletter where she shares more about her stories. You can sign up here: www.islarosebennett.com.
Let me know what you’re reading this weekend—or hit reply and share your favorite magical or holiday reads! I’ll catch up with your recommendations once I’m feeling better.
Wishing you health, warmth, and a little magic this weekend,
Paula