Summer Reading, Freebies & Cozy Fun

Summer is just around the corner, which means longer days, slower evenings, kids getting out of school, and—hopefully—a little more time to curl up with a good book.

Whether you’re headed to the beach, relaxing on the porch with iced tea, or sneaking in a few quiet pages before bedtime, I’ve gathered some fun reading recommendations, bargains, and freebies to help fill your beach bag.

I’m so glad you’re here, and I hope this newsletter brings a little cozy escape to your day!

For a VERY limited time, A CRIME OF FASHION, book 2 in my Wedding Bell Mysteries cozy mystery series, is on sale for just $0.99. Please pick it up soon, before it goes back to full price.

Here’s a little bit about the book:

When a murder mystery-themed fashion show is struck by a real murder, there are enough suspects to line the runway

Bridal boutique owner and cozy mystery writer Maddie Bell and her daughter, Jenna, are hard at work planning Hemlock, North Carolina’s, annual 4th of July charity fashion show. When the show’s hometown star, bestselling mystery author Kellen Corsi, turns up dead, the mother-daughter pair find themselves playing detective...again.

Kellen’s death, which has been staged to mimic a murder from the book that launched her career, leaves the whole town reeling. The violence feels shockingly personal—Kellen was a founding member of the local writing group, Hemlock Homicide Heroines, before success swept her away to the big city.

Soon, it becomes clear not everyone was thrilled with Kellen’s success. As suspects multiply faster than designer knockoffs, Maddie and Jenna are determined to figure out who was resentful enough to kill over it.

Get your copy of A CRIME OF FASHION - HERE!

If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries, you’ll love Murder Under A Bitter Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery by Abigail Keam.

“The mystery is full of suspense, twists and turns and keeps you guessing, whilst following the bread crumbs through the story!” ~ SJ Adventures Book Reviews

Mona Moon adores Kentucky Derby week, enjoying all the festivities. She is hosting a ladies’ tea and a Derby breakfast herself. The celebration at Moon Manor will include her former professor and mentor, Dr. Beryl Farris. Mona is delighted to have an old friend visit, but is concerned when Dr. Farris confesses that someone has been threatening her. Worried, Mona assigns Pinkertons to protect the professor.

The night before the Kentucky Derby race, Mona is preparing to attend Ed Bradley’s famous Derby Ball. The entire Mooncrest Farm is aflutter with excitement and gaiety for the upcoming event. Celebrities, politicians, and prominent citizens will be enjoying shrimp grits, burgoo, cornbread, country ham, and mint juleps while dishing the latest gossip at this yearly event. Mona’s anticipation is dashed when she discovers Dr. Farris is missing! And Mona fears the worst!

You can pick up Murder Under A Bitter Moon: A 1930s Mona Moon Mystery - HERE.

I’m deep into writing the next Sugar Hollow mystery, and let’s just say… the ladies of the Sugar Hollow Amateur Sleuth Society are about to find themselves tangled in their most dangerous case yet.

When a famous author returns to Sugar Hollow hoping to repair old friendships and reinvent herself, the visit ends in tragedy—and suddenly everyone in town seems to have something to hide.

There are secrets.

There are lies.

There may even be a murder board involved.

And of course, Hadley Bradford can’t resist trying to untangle the truth.

I can’t wait to share more with you soon. Book 2 is planned for release this summer!

In the meantime, have you had a chance to pick up DEAD TO ME, Book 1 in the Sugar Hollow Amateur Sleuth Society cozy mystery series?

If you love:

✨ small-town secrets

✨ found family

✨ amateur sleuths

✨ forensic twists

✨ Southern charm with a cozy edge

…then Sugar Hollow is waiting for you.

Welcome to Sugar Hollow… where the tea is sweet, the gossip is scalding, and murder is always on the menu.

Pick up your copy of DEAD TO ME here.

A LITTLE GIFT FOR YOU ❤️📚

How about a free book?

This year, I’ve teamed up with 12 amazing cozy mystery authors to bring you something special: 12 free books—one each month throughout 2026.

That’s right! Every month, you’ll receive a link to download a free read from one of my talented author friends.

I hope you enjoy this month’s pick: Quiet Please! Ghosts at Work! from Maggie March.

When librarian Anna McGuffin discovers that her library’s two resident ghosts—a fussy librarian and a singing janitor—are victims of a decades-old tragedy involving a missing love letter and murder, she decides her last day on the job is the perfect time to play supernatural matchmaker. But as she works to unite the spirits, she uncovers dark secrets that someone would still kill to keep quiet, even from beyond the grave.

Get your FREE copy of Quiet Please! Ghosts at Work! by Maggie March HERE.

That’s all for now, my friend. I’ll be back soon with more fun and book news!

xo,

Nancy💕