Top Ten Tuesday: Cozy Reads

TOP TEN TUESDAY

HOSTED BY THAT ARTSY READER GIRL

It's time for another Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week's topic is "Cozy Reads." I don't find myself reading lots of cozy books unless they are mysteries and some of these might seem a little severe to some to qualify but I guess cozy is dependent sometimes upon the reader's taste. I like to get lost in series books with ongoing storylines and feel I'm getting to know the characters well. Hopefully some of these are cozy reads you'll want to try.

1. Christmas Mysteries Series by Anne Perry

These books are great to read any time of year, not just at Christmas. You get a good mystery with engaging characters set in a charming location. It is not unusual for her to include some history along with it so you come away feeling a little more educated. Perry is always superb with authentic dialogue and atmosphere too. She ends every book with a feeling of resolution and a celebration of Christmas Day. I've read all but 3 of the 17 volumes and love them all. 

2. Eleanor Swift Mysteries Series by Verity Bright

This is a wonderful series that is light hearted and easy to read with characters that have an ongoing storyline from book to book. There is a fun mystery to solve set in a quaint English village and a butler similar to Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey. The heroine of every book is Eleanor Swift, a sharp, witty heiress who tries to make everyone around her feel special. I've read the first 3 and am excited to read Book 4 over Christmas break. 

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Who doesn't love this book? Okay, maybe my husband but he doesn't count! The witty conversations, charming atmosphere and love story of Elizabeth and her Mr. Darcy always make for a cozy read. I've only read it once but want to do a re-read someday. It had to kind of grow on me because at first it felt a bit boring. Once I was hooked though it became one of my favorite cozy stories. 

4. Tales From the Highlands Series by Martha Keyes

I've read the first in this series and it was very unique. Set in Scotland in the 1700's right after the Jacobite rebellion these are simple to read yet have a bit of an Outlander vibe to them. Very clean and wholesome but with adult storylines these make a good bridge for a teen girl not yet ready for full adult literature. I don't find many books set during this time period that aren't bodice rippers and Keyes does a superb job with descriptions of the setting, clans, and castle life without resorting to constant romantic interludes. I'm looking forward to Book 2. 

5. Jubilee Trail by Gwen Bristow

I just love Bristow books and really need to do a re-read of this one. It is the story of character Garnet Cameron's journey from New York to California during the 1840's Gold Rush and American West settlement period. Although marketed as books for teens I think any adult will love the history and setting of them. I learned a lot about this time period and the romance and danger with a happy ending give it a cozy vibe. There are trials and tribulations along the way to be sure but you come away feeling satisfied and content.

6.Murder She Baked Mysteries by Joanne Fluke

I've read the first 3 in this series and once you've read one you kind of get the idea but somehow I keep coming back for another when I'm in the mood for a cozy story and baked goods! Hannah Swensen and her bakery are the epitome of a cozy read and combined with her penchant for finding dead bodies, juggling romance between the town dentist and the town police detective, and fabulous recipes at the end of chapters you can't go wrong if you just want to chill with a story and glass of wine. You'll want to keep the recipes and try them out too.

7. Miss Marple Series by Agatha Christie

I've surprisingly only read one Miss Marple book, A Caribbean Mystery but found it to be the perfect cozy read. She is a sharp lady who is underestimated by those around her sometimes and I enjoyed her character much more than the arrogant Poirot. The setting of the Caribbean made it extra cozy for sure but I suspect her other books feel the same way. 

8. Savannah by Eugenia Price

I've yet to finish this book but started it years ago as a teen. The setting of Savannah along with the story of orphan Mark, his mentor's wife Eliza, and beautiful Caroline Cameron is one to get lost in. Price is great at creating the feel of 1800's Savannah, Georgia and giving some history along the way. It is book one of a series so there is an ongoing storyline to look forward to and I think qualifies as a cozy way to spend your time.

9. Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson

This is the first novel in the series and takes place in early turn-of-the-century Manhattan. It is similar to Anne Perry mysteries and if you are into the storyline of midwives and childbirth you will be sure to love it. Sarah Brandt delivers babies and tries to help the forgotten of the city who need her help. They might not sound cozy but I think they are the perfect read for a rainy day mystery.

10. An Untamed Land by Lauraine Snelling

I was excited to find this series because it centers around my husband's native North Dakota. It is the story of a family who leaves Norway to find a home in New York City, only to find themselves journeying on to the town of Grand Forks. Lots of history and atmosphere is to be found here and is a great cozy read about the prairie life and all the sacrifice that went with it.