Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday - Cozy Reads and Why They are Cozy

It's Tuesday, so I am once again linking with That Artsy Reader Girl who hosts Top Ten Tuesday. You can click on the link to her blog post to view her list and to view links to the lists composed by other bloggers participating in this blog hop. Different bloggers often put their own unique spin on the suggested topics.

Today's theme is all about cozy reads and I am so here for this party!!

Before I present my list, I want to tell you that I'm considering expanding the theme of my blog so that it includes all kinds of cozy books and movies, not just mysteries. Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to read many blogs and as a result, I've become very interested in other genres, such as magical realism and romcoms. All of these can be cozy to me and I want to read, watch, and write more  about these other genres next year. I think cozy mysteries will always be my first love because I love a good puzzle, but I want to include others as well.

So, without further ado, here is my list of cozies in no specific order (except that the first five are cozy mysteries and the second five are simply cozy reads). I've also explained why they feel cozy to me. Although I've only posted one book from each series, the cozy factor applies to all books in the series that I've read so far.

Up to No Gouda (Grilled Cheese Mystery 1), by Linda Reilly
Grilled cheese is cozy, comfort food for me any time of the year.

A Sprinkling of Murder (Fairy Garden Mystery 1), by Daryl Wood Gerber
Fairies and an adorable cat make for a light and refreshing cozy read.

In the Company of Witches (Evenfall Witches B&B Mystery 1), by Auralee Wallace
Specifically, the scenes inside the B&B feel cozy to me, especially when we factor in drinking honeybush. The way our main protagonist feels so deeply also emits cozy vibes.

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme (Domestic Diva Mystery 1), by Krista Davis
When it involves feasting with friends and family on my favorite holiday, the cozy factor is through the roof.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen Mystery 1), by Joanne Fluke
Hannah frequently has guests over on the spur of the moment and she bakes up a storm for them. They meet to discuss the crimes, while also bonding with each other.

Dearest Josephine, by Caroline George
This is a YA romance novel written in large part through letters. The main characters are from two completely different time periods (1820 and 2020) and their worlds collide in the most eloquent way. Romance, a bit of magic, and letter-writing (the old-fashioned way) all spell cozy to me.

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
It doesn't get much cozier than this classic. Specifically, the scenes that take place in the family's home feel cozy to me. (As a side note, today is Louisa May Alcott's birthday. She was born on November 29, 1832.)

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
Romance, home life, and sisterly bonding in the Regency Era time period all feel cozy to me in this classic.

The Dogs of Christmas, by W. Bruce Cameron
This could easily be a Hallmark movie. It has that kind of romcom vibe. Plus cute dogs.

The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks
This is a lovely romance novel that is just pure coziness.

I am really looking forward to reading everyone else's list for this week's topic. If you're not participating in the blog hop, feel free to post your cozy book suggestions in the comments. All of your suggestions are welcome, but I'm specifically looking for cozy magical realism books for next year. You can see what I already have planned by clicking here. I've updated last week's 2023 Future Reading Log.

17 comments:

  1. Up to No Gouda has me smiling so hard! And wanting cheese.

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    1. Deanna, it is a cute title, isn't it? I definitely had a few grilled cheese sandwiches while reading it. It's a great series. Up To No Gouda is excellent, but the second on, No Parm No Foul, is even better! :-)

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  2. I knew this one would be totally up your alley and I look forward to you expanding to other cozy themed stories. My sister absolutely LOVED that dog one - she drools over any cute dog story! And these titles......make me smile, like Up To No Gouda! Ha! Thanks for stopping by.
    Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys

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    1. Cozy mystery titles are always fun! :D I'm more of a cat person than a dog person, but it was a fun and cute read. :-)

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  3. You have some great reads on here! I especially love LITTLE WOMEN and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Magical realism isn't my favorite, so I don't know what to suggest there...

    Happy TTT!

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    1. No worries, Susan. I found more than I'll ever have time to read. Lol. Happy TTT to you as well! :-)

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  4. I love when other blogs make us stretch beyond our comfort zone, don't you?! I love this blogging community and my TBR is constantly growing! I really enjoyed Little Women but have had a hard time with the Jane Austen's I have read...maybe they will grow on my. Have a great week!

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    1. Yes, exactly, Cindy! It's a little overwhelming to know there are so many books I want to read, but I'd rather that than have no idea what I want to read. The only Jane Austen book I've read so far is Pride and Prejudice. It really helped me to watch the movie first. :-)

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  5. Ooh I love that second cover. Something about fairy gardens. :) I always love those Fluke covers as well. that one might be my favorite because chocolate chips. :)

    I should probably give Pride and Prejudice a try one of these days. It DOES sound cozy...

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    1. Greg, the cover is the reason why I chose to read that fairy garden mystery. :) Turns out the inside of the book is great, too! The first time I watched Pride and Prejudice I remember thinking, "Bring me a blanket and brew me a cup of tea, please." Lol. The book is even better and just as cozy. :-)

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    2. I do love the film adaptations!!!

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  6. All of these sound so good. I have a few of them on my TBR. I have to get back to reading them.

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    1. Yvonne, there are so many to choose from it's easy to get sidetracked! :-)

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  7. I had Up to No Gouda on my list too. P&P and Little Women also sound good.

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  8. Awesome list! I have several of these on my TBR list. :)

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