May Reads: A Delightful Journey Through Gardens, Kitchens & Quiet Intrigue

This month’s reading lineup was such a joy. From fragrant orchards and sleepy vineyards to seaside cottages and charming little bookshops, I felt like I traveled all over without ever leaving my favorite chair.

I leaned into stories that bring places to life—books that mix food, gardening, community, and just a touch of mystery or magic. Slower-paced, heartwarming reads full of seasonal vibes, small-town connections, and yes, a little romance and intrigue to keep things interesting.

Some of these were advance copies (a big thank you to the lovely publishers!), while others were longtime TBR picks I finally got around to—or new-to-me authors I discovered thanks to those ARCs. Together, they made for a cozy, feel-good collection that left me craving cider, cake... and maybe a spontaneous getaway.

Books I read:

The Tuscan Sisters’ Secret (ARC)
Sun, secrets, and sisterhood—this one swept me away to the hills of Tuscany. There are olive groves, long-lost truths, and that warm, summery vibe you crave in a getaway read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Fans of Italian escapes and family drama with heart.

The Secret of the Orange Blossom Cake (ARC)
Just reading this made my kitchen feel like it smelled like oranges. It’s a sweet, emotional story about love, loss, and starting over—uplifting in all the right ways.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: When you want something comforting and full of feels (with food!).

Restoration Garden (ARC)
A slow, soothing story about healing and hope, set in a garden that feels almost like a character itself. Perfect for a quiet weekend read that leaves you feeling better than when you started.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Nature lovers and anyone craving a gentle, soul-soothing story.

The Sandy Page Bookshop (ARC)
A warm, whimsical read set in a small-town bookshop where lives are changed by stories. Full of heart and literary magic—basically a hug in book form.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Bookworms who love books about books and charming small towns.

Wine Whispers (Purchase)
I wanted to love this vineyard-set drama, but it didn’t quite hit the mark. Lots of juicy potential, but the story felt a little rushed and uneven.

⭐️⭐️ Best for: Readers who enjoy wine country settings and don’t mind a few plot holes.

The Simplicity of Cider (Purchase)
A slow-burn romance full of apple orchards, cozy vibes, and second chances. It’s got that crisp, autumn feel and a soft story that just works.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Summer into Fall mood readers and fans of sweet, small-town love stories.

The Stationmaster’s Cottage (ARC)
Past and present collide in this seaside mystery with romance and old family secrets. It’s got just the right amount of drama and a lovely setting to get lost in.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Readers who love dual timelines, beach towns, and a good secret.

The Body in the Vineyard (ARC)
A cozy mystery in a vineyard? Yes please. Light, fun, and filled with small-town charm and quirky characters. Not too heavy—just a perfect escape.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Mystery fans who like their murders with a glass of red and no gore.

Recipe for a Charmed Life (Purchase)
This one had me smiling the whole way through—food, magic, and just enough romance to keep it sweet. Like watching a feel-good movie with extra sparkle.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Anyone who loves a bit of magic, food, and happy endings.

Sweet Expectations (ARC)
Set in a charming bakery, this is a cozy romance that’s light, easy, and full of sugary goodness. It has some emotional predictable moments, but in the best way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Curling up with something cute, cozy, and full of pastries.

Game of Scones (Free Kindle Book)
It’s as punny and playful as it sounds—think small-town charm, quirky characters, and lots of baking fun. Lighthearted and breezy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best for: Fans of cozy mysteries with a foodie twist and a big dose of humor.

Each of these books left a little something behind—joy, inspiration, a bit of wanderlust, maybe even a craving for cake or cider. What really stood out, though, was how beautifully they captured a sense of place. When a story makes you smell the bread baking or feel the garden soil between your fingers, you know it’s something special.

Have you read any of these? Or do you have a favorite cozy read with a garden, bakery, or a bit of magic tucked inside? I’d love to know what you’ve been reading—and where your bookish travels have taken you lately!

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