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📚 Turning pages, chasing stories. Every book is a new adventure! 📚✨📚
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🍂 Hello Autumn 2026! 🍁

🍂🍁🍂 Wishing you an autumn filled with wonder and gratitude, as vibrant leaves blanket the earth and the crisp air invites reflection and renewal. May this season inspire warmth, connection, and appreciation for nature's ever-changing beauty. 🍁🍂🍁

A few of my favorite quotes for the season:

🍂 "Autumn has arrived. I hear it in the whispering of leaves." —Anujj Elviis

🍂 "I can smell Autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin and crisp sunburnt leaves." —Ann Drake

🍂 "What a beautiful gift the trees give, offering their leaves to the earth with a promise of beauty,
nourishment, and renewal." —Laura Jaworski 

🍂 "When Autumn sets the woods aglow, she paints with sunlight from her soul. The sun and forest share a relationship born of natural trust. Imagine your heart as the sun, and the trees as those lives we can touch with our warmth and kindness. When we give freely, we receive life's treasure—golden Love." —Angie Weiland-Crosby

Photos:
Top Row (Left to Right):
Autumn red leaf with cut heart in a hand by Tache on Adobe Stock.
Cozy autumn scene by Mst.Antor Moni Akter on Adobe Stock.
Colorful pumpkins and gourds at an autumn market by Mandu77 on Adobe Stock.
Middle Row:
Hello Autumn by Anna on Adobe Stock.
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Wet roads reflect the yellow mood of the autumn season by Patricia Thomas on Adobe Stock.
Fire pit lounge with throw blankets, spiked cider, s'mores kits by Desiree on Cheertivity.
The Knox Covered Bridge at Valley Forge National Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in Autumn by HRTNT Media on Adobe Stock. by @enthusiastic.reader
5
7 days ago
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🎉 Celebrate #HistoricalMysteryDay2026! An annual celebration on September 29 of novels featuring captivating novels that weave mystery into history. 🎉

#HistoricalMysteryDay:
USA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett launched Historical Mystery Day—held every September 29—to shine a light on the genre and honor Elizabeth Peters, whose birthday falls on this date. Peters played a pivotal role in popularizing historical mysteries, especially through her iconic Amelia Peabody series featuring a daring Victorian sleuth in Egypt.
https://www.sararosett.com/historical-mystery-day/

📚 The day encourages the community to discover, discuss, and share their favorite historical mysteries, celebrating both the joy of reading and the richness of the genre.

📚 Looking for new historical mysteries? I recommend subscribing to the newsletters of authors Sara Rosett and Verity Bright. Both authors generally send out their newsletters on Tuesdays. In Sara Rosett's newsletter, you can find a selection titled "New Books in Historical Mystery." Verity Bright, is the author of the fabulous 1920s Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. Verity Bright's newsletter has the subject line "Three for Tuesday," offering three recommendations each week. 

📚 Whether you're a longtime fan of historical mysteries or simply curious, here's a special offer to discover your next great read!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/hmdfreebooks/rs6ws6fyvv
📌 Book Reviews for books downloaded from this link are appreciated by authors but not required.
📌 Please note: I receive no compensation, sponsorship, or remuneration from this website or any of its advertisers for sharing this resource.

📚 You are also welcome to source historical mysteries from my posts. Check out my Story for my "Currently Reading" Historical Mystery, "Safe in Death" by S.K. Rizzolo.

Original photo by Exopixel on Dreamstime, edited using Pixlr to add the date, words "Historical" and "Day," and the Historical Mystery Day Reader seal created by Sara Rosett. by @enthusiastic.reader
2
a day ago
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"Autumn at the Cat Café" by Kathleen Fuller.
My Review-
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Octavia (Via) Bernice Dalton never expected to find herself back in her hometown of Pecan Corner, Ohio, but life's unexpected turns have given her the opportunity to open Pawsitive Vibes, her dream cat café. With her beloved Sir Meow by her side, Via has created a warm, inviting space in one half of a charming old building—her cat café is right next door to Second Chapter Books, each with its own entrance, and she dreams of someday calling the bookshop her own. When a mysterious stranger arrives with a key to the bookshop, Via's world is upended—and the heartwarming, autumn adventure begins. 

Autumn at the Cat Café is a true 5-star treasure—a contemporary romance that sparkles with cozy charm and heart. The grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamic is irresistible, set against the purr-fect backdrop of a cat café and bookshop. It features delightfully named local spots, including my favorites—Dipstick Depot Gas & Garage and Needle Drop Vinyl record store. The author's vivid descriptions and witty banter pulled me straight into Pecan Corner—I felt like I was right there beside Via and Sir Meow, soaking up every delightful detail. The mysterious stranger is the definition of "tall, dark, and handsome," and their chemistry lights up every page. The romance is both sweet and swoon-worthy, and the supporting cast of family, friends, and, of course, cats make it impossible to put down.

Don't miss this enchanting story if you love sunshine-meets-grumpy romance, small-town coziness, city-versus-country contrasts, and an abundance of autumn vibes. This novel is the feel-good read of the season.

"Discussion Questions" are available at the end of the novel.

The "Acknowledgments" section shared that the inspiration for the novel was the idea from the author's daughter, Zoie Fuller's many visits to the Gibson Cat Café in Conway, Arkansas. by @enthusiastic.reader
8
4 days ago
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🎉 September 15, 2026 🎉
Happy Birthday Agatha Christie & Happy Cozy Mystery Day!

In preparation for this September occasion, I read...
"Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library" by Amanda Chapman.
Mrs. Christie, Book 1
My Review-
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tory Van Dyne is a book conservator at New York's Mystery Guild Library, located in Washington Square North, Greenwich Village. She doesn't have far to go—her home occupies the top 2 floors of the building, while her lab is tucked away in the basement. Nothing delights Tory more than ending her day with quiet reading in the Christie Room. Now, picture this: you complete your nightly library closing routine, slip into your favorite room, settle in with your current book—& suddenly, a British woman's voice comments on your choice. You turn, hesitant to believe your eyes, though you recognize her instantly from photos. But let's face facts—it's impossible it is she. Before you can process the encounter, the doorbell rings, &, as per your upbringing, it's only polite to answer, even though you weren't expecting guests.

Once the story's foundation was set, I found myself racing through the pages, thoroughly enjoying the atmospheric setting, vibrant personalities, & intricate mystery dynamics. What's especially clever & delightful are the gatherings—never quite formal meetings—where the participants, with charming dynamics, share their investigation's progress over cocktails & witty repartee.

At the novel's end, the "Author's Note" reveals the inspiration behind this delightful tale, highlighting the research that shaped the narrative & the thoughtful placement of epigraphs that open each chapter. The book is a wonderful tribute to Agatha Christie, & it feels especially fitting that the story begins in September.

I'm thrilled the marketing made it clear this is a series—while the investigation concludes in a satisfying, stand-alone way, it's impossible not to want to revisit this charming group of characters. My advice: read this book soon so you're ready for Book 2, "Mrs. Christie and the Mystery in the Mews," releasing December 8, 2026—or add both titles to your holiday wish list. by @enthusiastic.reader
10
15 days ago
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"A Murder at Midnight" by Ellie Alexander.
A Novel Detectives Mystery, Book 4
Release Date: October 13, 2026
My Review-
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Can you imagine a woman calling a bookstore and telling the person who answers the phone—not even in person—that the bookstore is haunted? Annie Murray has handled countless telephone inquiries in her years at the shop, but never from a television producer. After receiving the producer's introduction, Annie learns Nicole Straight of "Sleeping with the Spirits" wants to rent the property for the film crew for two nights and feature the bookshop in the season premiere.

No matter the season or occasion, whether it's a bookstore event or a new case for Annie and Fletcher—partners at the Secret Bookcase and the Novel Detectives Agency—the reader is immediately engaged. The author's lively, sensory-rich writing transports you straight into the heart of a charming California town, letting every scene unfold vividly in your imagination.

This installment shines especially bright because the secondary characters—bookstore staff, friends, and Redwood Grove locals—are as captivating as Annie, Fletcher, and Hal themselves. I especially enjoyed seeing Annie step back from her role as Event Coordinator to join the beloved autumn festival alongside longtime residents and visiting tourists.

This is the perfect autumn read—no costume necessary, just an eagerness to turn the page. You'll want to learn if the bookstore is truly haunted, and for fans following Annie and Liam's relationship, there's an extra delight in store.

Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

Photos:
Background image of the Hidden Library of St. Paul's Cathedral by Simone Morciano on Condé Nast Traveller.
The rectangular holographic frame vector image forms the book cover frame by Hanna Zasimova on Magnific.

#AMurderAtMidnight
#EllieAlexander
@ellie_alexander
@stormbooks_co
#cosycrime
#newrelease2026
#cozybookstagram by @enthusiastic.reader
9
18 days ago
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"Against the Dark Tide" by Dirk Meyer and Tobias M. Kremer.
My Review-
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Isobel Ashwicke was a sea captain's daughter, never intending to follow in her father's footsteps. Yet, fate rarely aligns with our plans. Lady Isobel Ashwicke Harris's journey is shaped by her longing for love and approval, ultimately discovering a love freely given—without reservation, rules, or expectation.

Over the course of her life, Isobel's heart is pierced again and again by words from men she respected and loved—some she should have let go the moment she heard them, but instead carried for years, allowing them to shape her sense of self. Other words, meant as life lessons, were offered out of care and experience, sometimes hoping to spare her pain, sometimes with the best of wishes to guide her steps forward with a different perspective. And then there were words of true love, freely given, yet always shadowed by her own doubts about her worthiness.

Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic era—a time of global tension—this is also a story of the sea itself: the weather, the ships, and the individuals who leave land behind for naval duty. They depart for uncertain lengths of time, facing challenges that define their work, their character, their sense of duty, and their very survival.

How does one begin to express an experience that feels worthy of more than five stars? I was completely immersed in a world previously unknown to me, carried along by writing that not only told a compelling story but also delivered unexpected life lessons. Sometimes these insights appeared in dialogue; other times, they emerged in the subtle portrayal of actions and reactions. I found myself pausing—not from a lack of interest, but to absorb the weight of these revelations. They lingered, as the authors' words brought fresh clarity and perspective, transforming familiar truths into something entirely new. I wondered whether my life would have unfolded differently if I had learned these lessons earlier. Perhaps not. Lessons often arrive at the moment we need them most, making their impact all the more profound. That, I believe, is the true magic of reading.

Please view 4 photos. by @enthusiastic.reader
23
21 days ago
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September 7, 2026
Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, perseverance, and spirit of those who make a difference every day. It's a time to honor the hands, minds, and hearts that keep our world moving forward—individuals who transform challenges into achievements with determination and resilience. Today, we celebrate all workers, in every role and at every level, whose efforts shape our communities and create a brighter future. Here's to you!

"Work is not man's punishment. It is his reward and his strength and his pleasure." — George Sand

#LaborDayUSA
#LaborDay2026
#GeorgeSand
#CelebrateWorkers
#AmericanWorkforce by @enthusiastic.reader
2
23 days ago
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🔎 September Scavenger Hunt 🔍

Happy New Month! 🤩

What? September already! 

🎶 Optional – Well, if, like me, you've loved the Bee Gees at some point or another, Barry Gibb turned 80 on September 1st, so feel free to use a Bee Gees song you love.

🔎9️⃣🔍 A book with 9, Nine, or Ninth in the title for the ninth month (or a nine-word title if stuck):

Number 9 in The Cat Who…Series
"The Cat Who Went Underground" by Lilian Jackson Braun.

🔎🎗️🔍 A book you bought from a charity shop and loved for International Day of Charity on the 5th.

In 2016, I won a Classroom Skype Interview with Penny Colman through an online auction fundraiser for the National Women's History Project. After learning where the college was located, she generously offered an in-person visit and later sent me a thank-you note and this insightful book. 

"Adventurous Women: Eight True Stories About Women Who Made a Difference" by Penny Colman.

🔎📖🔍 A book you plan on reading in September for National Read A Book Day on the 6th.

"A Dark September Night" by Patricia Smiley. 

🔎🕊️🔍 A book with a dove on the cover, peace in the title, or a white book for International Day of Peace on the 21st.

For International Day of Peace, I would recommend this book as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of war, compassion, kindness, and hope for peace can bring people together—even during the darkest of times.

"World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion" by Lisa L. Spahr and Austin S. Camacho.

🔎🍂🔍 A book with an Autumn theme for the first day of Autumn on the 23rd.

"Pumpkin Everything" by Beth Labonte.

🔎🫀🔍 A book with Heart, Heartbeat, or Life in the title for World Heart Day on the 29th.

"The Surgeon" by Leslie Wolfe.

🔎 Good Luck 🤞 and 🧐 Happy Scavenging! 🔍

Background of Olga Andriukova on Dreamstime.

We're so excited for you to join this fun challenge!

Tag @nothing.beats.a.good.book and me @enthusiastic.reader — we can't wait to see your fantastic picks! 📘📙📗📒📚

Background of Autumn Floral Pattern by Woodhouse 84 on Dreamstime.

#Sleuth
#Booklover
#ScavengerHunt
#BookScavengerHunt
#SeptemberScavengerHunt by @enthusiastic.reader
15
a month ago
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🎉 Wishes for Everyone Celebrating a Birthday in September ... 🎉🥳🎶🎈🎶🎂🍦🍫🍿🧁🍨🍬🎶🎁💐🎁📚🎁🎶🎈🎶

🎉 Happy Birthday! As September brings about change, may it also encourage you to turn a new page in life and explore all the possibilities that await you. 🎉

Photo created on ChatGPT.

#birthday
#September2026
#SeptemberBirthday
#bookstagrammer
#instagram by @enthusiastic.reader
0
a month ago
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"Postmarked December" by Jenny Hale.
Release Date: October 6, 2026
My Review-
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heather Hart and Marion Wilkins, colleagues and close friends at Ellis Elementary School, find themselves at home on December 17, the first day of Christmas break. Marion, who has supported Heather throughout the past year, checks in once again, knowing this will be Heather's first Christmas since losing her husband, Toby. To many, Toby was a Nashville songwriter and musician; to Heather, he was her forever love.
 
This beautifully written story offers more than a contemporary holiday romance. Christmas magic intertwines with grief and memories, and through the tears and love, a sense of wonder shines brightly. Heather receives envelopes with instructions that encourage her to leave the house and embark on new adventures. Each envelope seems to anticipate her thoughts and reactions, creating an air of mystery and hope.

The author's writing shines with magical scenes, meaningful conversations, and authentically drawn characters. The dialogue feels true, and the story ultimately lifts the spirits. The narrative weaves emotional depth and authentic moments, especially in depicting the first year after losing a loved one—the uncertainty of finding joy amid grief, and the questions that arise. The characters' struggles resonate, and their journey toward self-discovery is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Set during the Christmas holiday season, this novel highlights that, regardless of which holiday is celebrated—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa—the expectation of constant joy can be misleading. The story gently reminds readers of the importance of friends who support each other in meaningful ways, balancing the comfort of quiet companionship with encouragement to step outside for a change of scenery. During the holidays, offering support to someone in need can make an immeasurable difference, even if they never ask for it.

A "Book Club Reading Guide" and recipes for Toby's Sugar Cookies—As Sweet As Heather, Toby's Famous Marshmallow Fudge, and the Golden Elderflower Spritz are included at the end of the novel. by @enthusiastic.reader
24
a month ago
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"Ordinary Wife" by Gregg Olsen and Morgan Olsen.
Release Date: October 27, 2026
My Review-
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anna Elizabeth Trueblood, known to her family as Lyda, led a life that spanned Missouri, Idaho, Montana, California, Hawaii, Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. Wherever she went, she often adopted a new name, especially when seeking work or forging new relationships. Over the years, Lyda's surnames changed to Dooley, McHaffie, Lewis, Meyer, Southard, Whitlock, and Shaw. The sheer number of names hints at her remarkable ability to charm men, always staying one step ahead and orchestrating circumstances that would later inspire infamous press nicknames—Lady Bluebeard, Woman Bluebeard, 20th Century Borgia, The Black Widow, and Flypaper Lyda. In the end, her sister Blanche ensured her tombstone simply read Anna E. Shaw, with birth and death dates, marking the beginning and end of a truly chilling—and notorious—life.

This book is gripping, intriguing, and utterly suspenseful—qualities one might expect from a mystery or thriller. Yet, this is not fiction. It is the true account of Idaho's first female serial killer, a woman whose life is as shocking as any novel. How do you approach such a dark story and justify awarding it five stars? The answer lies in the authors' meticulous research and writing. They pull readers into Lyda's complex life, tracing her movements across the country, following law enforcement's pursuit of justice for her victims, and capturing the media frenzy that followed her. Even after the trial, Lyda's story refuses to end, leaving you captivated long after the verdict is read.

"Book Club Questions" are available at the end of the book.

Thank you Gregg Olsen, Morgan Olsen, Notorious Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

Photos:
Background of Stone Wall (Wall Mural) by Photowall, Stockholm, Sweden.
Anna Elizabeth Trueblood by Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise, Idaho.

#TheOrdinaryWife
#GreggOlsen
@greggolsen
@notorious_press
#biography
#newrelease2026
#readersofinstagram by @enthusiastic.reader
12
a month ago
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"The Sweet Life" by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
Cape Cod Creamery, Book 1
My Review-
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"She was a big believer in miracles. Big ones, small ones, everyday ones. You just had to keep your eyes on the lookout for them. Not miss them."

The story begins on February 6, but on the drive to see her mother, Dawn Dixon only knew that something had happened the night before that changed the future she thought was hers. Hers and Kevin's.

Seeing her daughter in Needham on a weekday when she should be at work in Boston was so unlike her daughter, that as soon as Dawn said they had something to talk about Marnie blurted out news of her own. Reacting to Marnie's news, Dawn extended an invitation to her mother, an invitation she had planned to extend to Brynn, her best friend. An invitation that would change the lives of mother and daughter beyond the week's vacation.

The chapter format is both fun and meaningful, featuring epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter—all delightfully related to a year-round favorite treat, especially enjoyed in the summer. The story's universal appeal transcends age, offering comfort whether hearts are celebrating or breaking, and therein lies its magic.

This beautifully written story follows wonderful characters as they navigate the unexpected moments of life—from celebrations and heartache to everything in between. It reminds us that while we can become so focused on the future, it is important to pause and be present. The most precious times in life are happening right now—not in the past or the future, but in this very moment.

The front matter offers a helpful "Cast of Characters" and a glossary related to the story's central craft. In the back, readers will find thought-provoking discussion questions, an insightful "Author's Note" exploring a key theme (with additional resources), and acknowledgments that illuminate the inspiration behind the novel's setting.

A special thank you to Sara Jane Jacobs for hosting the Summer Reads Giveaway in her newsletter, "The Rose Cottage Reader," which gave winners the opportunity to select their book of choice. by @enthusiastic.reader
8
a month ago
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