Welcome to Book Beat!
Book Beat aims to highlight other books that we may hear about through friends, social media, or other sources. We could see a gorgeous ad! Or find a new-to-us author on a list of underrated romances! Think of Book Beat as Teen Beat or Tiger Beat, but for books. And no staples to open to get the fold-out poster.
-
Ayesha Dean & the Istanbul Intrigue
Author: Melati Lum
Released: December 30, 2020 by Melby Rose Publishing
Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery/Thriller
Series: Ayesha Dean #1Ayesha Dean wants to be a detective when she grows up. But that’s still a long while away. So, a trip to Istanbul with her best friends should have meant visits to ancient ruins, exploring magnificent mosques and palaces, and eating the best doner kebab in town. But when Ayesha discovers a mysterious note hinting at a treasure, their relaxing holiday gets a whole lot more dangerous. An ancient artefact of untold value has been lost for years, but Ayesha isn’t the only one searching for it. Someone else wants it at all costs and will take down anyone who gets in their way. Can Ayesha crack the code before it’s too late?
Source: Popped up on my Twitter feed!
This is a middle grade series and looks like a lot of fun for fans of Nancy Drew.
Add to Goodreads To-Read List →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks! -
Fall Into You
Author: Georgina Kiersten
Released: November 5, 2021 by The Magnificent Engine
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA, RomanceIt’s Autumn. Is there a better time to fall in love?
Imari Haines has had it with the gossip. The whole town is acting like she’s their very own Runaway Bride. A plus-size, black version of Julia Roberts that left a perfectly nice boy at the altar.
Her family is no exception. Her mother won’t stop making passive-aggressive comments.
Exhausted by this charged atmosphere, a boss that doesn’t appreciate her, and the never-ending town rumors, Imari makes a bold decision. Come autumn, she moves to Appeley (a small town in Hill Country) and never looks back.
In Appeley, for the first time ever, Imari feels welcome, happy, and unapologetically herself. She tries new things, makes brand-new friends and, while attending the fall apple festival, she accidentally bumps into a very familiar face…
Cassidy Martinez was her childhood best friend and partner in crime. Now, she has grown into a stunning, confident woman, and Imari can’t help noticing.
Should she take a risk?
Can the two of them pick up where they left off, or is being friends not going to be enough this time around?
An F/F Black BBW Sapphic Romance featuring plus-size main characters, a small town, autumn themes, butches and studs, motorcycle rides, coffeeshops, childhood friends-to-lovers romance, and tons of found family feels.
Source: Recommended titles on Amazon
I love cozy, autumn reads at any time of year. This looks to be a low angst, friends to lovers, small town romance.
Add to Goodreads To-Read List →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks! -
Not So Neighbourly
Author: Moira Scott
Released: January 6, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceBeth hates her neighbour Sam. He’s loud, obnoxiously happy, and is always dancing around with his rescue animals. She’s been a widow for years now, but when a relentless client who can’t take no for an answer won’t leave her alone, Beth decides she needs someone to fake date. Why not Sam? What could possibly go wrong?
Sam likes Beth. She’s prickly, funny, and always puts him in his place. When she comes to him asking to fake date, he jumps at the chance. Retirement is boring, and any chance to get closer to Beth is a bonus in his eyes.
Will opposites attract? Or is this fake dating scheme destined to go down in a ball of flames?
Source: Another Twitter feed find!
Given the recent discussion about older characters in romance, both main characters are in their 50s.
Add to Goodreads To-Read List →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks! -
The Witch-Crafting Handbook
Author: Helena Garcia
Released: September 16, 2021 by Quadrille
Genre: Crafting, NonfictionOver 70 projects for stylish witches to make at home.
Wicked Baker, Helena Garcia, is back with a new book to help you witch-craft your way to a more magical life, with creative projects for you and your home.
Inspired by ancient folklore and all things mystical, Helena offers remedies for your apothecary using foraged ingredients and age-old formulae; fashion accessories for your witch’s wardrobe; enchanting homewares and decorations; devilishly delicious recipes both sweet and savoury; and tipsy tonics.
With Helena’s creepy ideas, you’ll learn how to make playful projects like an evil eye choker, peppermint foot spray, a Christmas spider wreath, and piranha fish pie, among many others. All you need are simple materials and ingredients, a little imagination, and a sprinkling of sorcery.
Source: Sarah!
Sarah posted about this one after seeing the announcement on Instagram. Helena was a contest on series 10 of The Great British Bake Off.
Add to Goodreads To-Read List →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks!
On Twitter, Skyla Dawn Cameron (who writes my favorite treasure hunter books, the Livi Talbot series) recommended Keri Arthur’s upcoming (February 22) Crown of Shadows for fans of treasure hunter books. “Pixies! Elves! Sexiness! Relics! All in a UF setting!”
All of these look so charming!
Not So Neighbourly is in KU and it’s filled to the brim with some of my favorite tropes! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
He’s retired? They’re in their 50s? A delicious fantasy! (Not So Neighbourly)