Welcome back to the Hearth!
It is officially December, and I wanted to curate a list that covers every mood of the season. Whether you are looking for a deep, atmospheric mystery to curl up with, a hilarious escape from holiday stress, or a warm romance to get you in the spirit—I’ve got you covered.
Let's get into this week's eclectic mix.
This Week's Atmospheric Mystery
American Tiger by Adam Skolnick
Genre: Literary Mystery / Contemporary
Key Themes: Father-Daughter Bond, The Wild vs. The Tame, Believing the Unbelievable
Note: A #1 New Release!
Let's start with a stunning, atmospheric novel set in the seemingly placid suburbs of Los Angeles. Bell Tern is a nine-year-old misfit who sees a tiger licking its paws behind a Target. No one believes her—not even her game warden father. This isn't just a creature feature; it's a beautifully written story about a grieving child's "untamed imagination" and a fractured family struggling to heal. If you love stories that blur the line between the wild and the domestic with "vivid characters," this is a must-read.
This Week's Wild Card
Blood Brothers (Tales of the Hooviverse) by James Bitter
Genre: Speculative Action Thriller / Satire
Key Themes: Unlikely Duo, Redemption, absurd Humor
Note: If Terry Pratchett wrote an action movie... about llamas.
Need a break from serious reading? How about a squad of SAS assault llamas dropped into a jungle? Dom is a "deeply lost llama with a bloody past" seeking redemption, paired with his kind-hearted partner, Horse. This book is a fast-paced, darkly comedic satire about the ultimate misfits fighting for survival. It explores the choice between embracing your inner killer or saving the only friend you've ever had. With Book 2 just released, this is the perfect time to dive into this unique, action-packed series.
This Week's Cozy Holiday Romance
Christmas at the Havenwood Diner by Sophie Bueno
Genre: Holiday Romance / Small Town
Key Themes: Second Chances, Found Family, Hidden Identity
Note: Praised by Kirkus Reviews and The Prairies Book Review!
Finally, let’s settle in for a perfect seasonal read. Alex Sterling is a wealthy heir stripped of his fortune and name, sent to work undercover in a small-town diner to relearn what life is about. There, he meets Grace, a single mom rebuilding her life. This is a classic "hearth" story—two people who have lost their way finding a new sense of belonging and a "found family" over coffee and cinnamon rolls. Critically acclaimed for its "luminous detail" and "quiet magic," this is the book to read with a hot cocoa this weekend.
From wild tigers to warrior llamas and cozy diners, this week proves that the best stories (and the best families) come in all shapes and sizes.
A quick note: Next week will be our final issue of 2025, and I’m planning something special—a "Curator’s Choice" edition featuring my absolute favorite hidden gems from the past year. You won't want to miss it.
Happy reading, and I'll see you back at the Hearth next Friday!
All the best,
C.J.