Hi, Cozy Readers! Hard to believe it’s already December, isn’t it? 2023 went by too fast (don’t they always?), but it’s been quite a year for me.

In January, my debut cozy mystery, Venus Rising, was published by The Wild Rose Press. In October, I signed the contract for the follow-up, Down to Earth. I also started this mailing list in February, and I’ve been thankful to have you all on this journey with me, whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just signed up!

I’m also grateful for the seemingly small things, too. After a long, scorching summer, we decided to plant roses this fall. The in-ground space we’d picked out wouldn’t work, so we planted them in containers. After traveling for Thanksgiving, we came back to beautiful blooms! Here’s one, a white rose with an old-fashioned, single flower shape.

What surprised you most this year? I’d love to hear your news about 2023!

Sending you cozy wishes,
Tammy D. Walker
https://www.tammydwalker.com

Here are more cozy mysteries and romances to discover:

“AN ELF-ING MESS: Cozy Holiday Short Story” by Donna B McNicol

What is a girl who hates Christmas doing driving to the most holiday-themed town in the state?

Snowflake Falls was located in the coldest, most northern part of the state. Even in the middle of summer, it was rarely warmer than 70 degrees. But when her elderly aunt calls asking for help to run her shop Jolly Goods, Autumn Winter knew she needed to go.

 

 

 

“Cold Cuts and Christmas Cocktails: A Rise and Shine Story” by G B Ralph

Christmas is here, and it’s time to meet the parents…

Will the welcome be as frosty as the weather, or will Gabriel’s new in-laws greet him with open arms? He’s barely had the chance to consider his odds as he’s too focused on braving his boyfriend’s driving.

Arthur’s behind the wheel, and he’s rather distracted. He can’t decide whether he’s more nervous about his boyfriend meeting his parents, or his parents meeting his boyfriend. With so much riding on this dinner, and so many ways it could end in disaster…

Will Arthur and Gabriel survive Christmas in suburbia?

This short story is the final instalment in the Rise and Shine series, set at Christmas after the events of Over and Out. Find out if the boys will have a wonderful evening surrounded by family, or a trying time behind enemy lines – it really could go either way.

 

Come for Coffee With Sally by Alexie Linn

Under the dingy, tattered overalls and threadbare red flannel shirt. Within the gray head that sports a wash-n-wear perky haircut. And inside the barn boots covering two pair of fluffy socks lives a little old lady who is a magnet of mysterious misadventures.

Her name is Sally Newton-Forester. She is better known as Sally the Loner.

These are her stories.

 

 

 

Snow on the Range
by Sofia Aves

Every Christmas, Red Hart Ranch opens their doors, and Montana provides the perfect backdrop for good company and better food. But this year, the table won’t be as full.

Eve Beaumont is a twin heir to Red Hart Ranch. She loves the land, loves the people, and will do anything for them. Christmas sees most of the ranch hands return to their own homes to celebrate. Only a few long term cowboys remain with the family.

When Eve and her brother Trav go into town to collect supplies, they each bring home a drifter for Christmas. Rhys Archer and Simon Haldon are as different as two cowpokes can be. One rough edged who can work the land and animals with a firm hand; the other a smooth talker with a devilish charm. Eve finds both men attractive against her better judgement, but when tragedy hits the ranch, romance is the last thing on her mind.

Vandalisms happen around the ranch, and Eve isn’t sure who she can trust. She knows neither man is who he pretends to be — but when no one listens to her, she has to prove her suspicions on her own.