Independent publisher of award-winning books by Kelly Brakenhoff
Hello friends, I didn’t finish a single shiny new series book this month—probably because I’ve spent the first few months of the year juggling seven nonfiction titles, three ongoing mystery series, and surviving my IRL book club choosing Yellowface. So yeah, welcome to The Mixed Bag Edition, a look at what I’ve been reading so far in 2025. Want […]
If you’re a Gen Xer like me, imagine The Love Boat meets Murder, She Wrote and Top Chef. For Millennials: picture Doctor Odyssey meets Clue. Set sail with a cruise director who’s just trying to keep things afloat, both literally and figuratively. That’s the vibe of A Cruise for Sous, the second book in M.J. Mac’s Cozy Cocktail Cruise Mystery series.
These scones are the perfect example of making something cozy and delicious with what you’ve got on hand. Bananas, walnuts, sourdough discard, and a little whole wheat flour come together for scones that smell like cinnamon and feel like a warm hug—no food processor, no fancy pans, just pantry staples and some good old-fashioned stirring.
Big news from the Emerald Prairie Press HQ: Two Duke the Deaf Dog books have been named to the 2025 CBC Favorites Awards Lists! These awards are part of a national literacy program where kids, teachers, and librarians read newly published books and vote for the ones they love most. It’s an incredible honor to have these stories recognized by the very people who share books with young readers every day.
With Guinness in the cake, Jameson’s in the ganache, and Irish Creme in the frosting, this is a must try for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you want a moist, flavorful cake with a kick.
What do football, a polar vortex, and my kitchen have in common? Answer: They all inspired these potato-packed recipes!
Stephanie Plum is back, and despite living through 30 (Yes, 30!!) books’ worth of car explosions, perilous bounty hunts, and Lula’s daring fashion choices, she’s barely aged a day. Meanwhile, Janet Evanovich, her fearless creator, is now in her eighties. Which begs the question: Is the end in sight?
Saltcliff on the Sea sounds like the perfect getaway—quaint California seaside vibes, charming locals, and a cozy inn with Instagrammable sunsets. But murder has a way of ruining even the best vacations.
Every December, I sit down with a warm beverage and choose a word or phrase to guide me through the next year. It’s a little tradition that helps me focus on what matters most. It doesn’t mean everything magically goes as planned, but it helps me stay open to saying “yes” when the right moment comes along.
This updated version of the classic is a treat for kids and adults. It’s still perfect for little hands to help with the mixing and stuffing, but I’ve added a twist: salted caramel chips! Found them on the chocolate chip shelf at the store and couldn’t resist. Of course, you can use any combination of chips and jam that sound yummy—get creative!
