By Jay Grummel
The weather outside is frightful, but some of us do not have fires to feel delightful. So instead, I bring you four books of comfort this season. Each of these are cozy reads, along with a few that are theme around the holidays or season.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This fantasy takes place in a back alley in Tokyo where a small cafe operates. However, this cafe offers its customers so much more than just a cup of coffee. They also offer them a chance to go back in time. In this novel we meet four visitors, each with a different reason to go back in time. One wants to confront the man who left them, another wants to receive a letter from their husband, the third wants to see their sister one last time, and the last wants to meet the daughter they never knew. However, when journeying to the past there will always be risk. They must stay in the cafe and they must return before the coffee gets cold.
This is a beautiful story about second chances. Letting us see who people would want to meet one last time. If you need a simple cozy story for this season, here you will find it.
Sorcery of Thorns – Margaret Rogerson
In this Young Adult Fantasy, all sorcerers are deemed evil. Elisabeth being raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries knows this, but as also grown up around tools of sorcery. With magical grimoires whispering on the shelves as she walks by. Her dreams of becoming a warden, in charge of protecting the kingdom from their power are ruined when she’s charged with a crime of sabotage. Someone released the library’s most dangerous grimoire, but she is the only suspect. With no one else to ask for help, she consults her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Elisabeth finds herself entangled in conspiracy and questioning the world around her.
For all the fantasy readers, here’s a cozy read for you. Something that is easy to get through, but doesn’t leave you bored, but instead wanting more. Perfect as a fireplace story.
No Exit – Taylor Adams
Darby Thorne gets caught in a blizzard in Colorado, on her way to Utah to see her dying mother. Forced to wait out the storm at a rest stop. Trying to find a signal Darby goes out into the storm, but is horrified to discover a little girl locked in an animal crate in the van parked next to her. With no cell phone reception, telephone or a away out Darby is faced with a dangerous situation. One of the fellow travelers is a kidnapper, the question is, which one? In this snowy thriller Darby must find a way to save the girl along with a way out.
A perfect book for those who like thrills all year long, with a seasonal twist.
A Cross-Country Christmas – Courtney Walsh
In this Romantic Comedy Lauren Richmond is not a fan of Christmas. However, since her brother and his wife are expecting a baby this December, it’s time for her to spend the holidays with her family. Her brother out of the kindest of his heart arranges a ride for her with his best friend, Will. Normally this would be fine, except Lauren’s had a crush on Will Sinclair for over ten years. Now due to her fear of flying, she’s stuck in a car with him. The road trip is California to Illinois, quite literally hours to spend with each other, flirting and arguing. The real question is, does history always repeat itself?
A perfect read for those wanting to experience a little love this season. Or for those who love holiday specials of TV shows.
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