It's been snowing on and off for several days, and I estimate we got about 14 inches. Which has been perfect because I've been working hard to finish up final revisions on the The Raven Lady by tomorrow. Though I did get in some walking as well—this is a photo from our neighborhood. 

I think I mentioned last month that work on the cover is underway as well! Once that's complete, the publisher will get working on advance copies. And in case you missed it last month, you and only you can read the first chapter of the book on my website now.

Are you making any changes this year? I don't really go in for resolutions, but I do try to reset my intentions each January. This year, for me, will be a year of books—I intend to spend more time both reading and writing, and less time worrying about things I can't control. With that in mind, I'll get into a little recommended reading in a bit, but first I want to let you know about two BookSweeps giveaway opportunities that The Absinthe Earl is part of right now. It's a perfect opportunity to stock up on books for the new year. 

Sherry Thomas

A Conspiracy in Belgravia

Now for my cozy reading recommendation for January! I ADORE ADORE ADORE Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series, and I finally got the time to read book two, A Conspiracy in Belgravia, over the holidays. In Conspiracy, we have a new and very complex mystery, an unexpected marriage proposal, and downright shocking developments in the Lord Ingram slow-burn, forbidden-lovers situation. It takes a very special book for me to make the time to read the whole series—there are just so many authors I still haven't read!—but this series is total catnip for me. 

In next month's Valentine's Day issue, I have a treat for you guys. I'll be reviewing a steampunk romance by USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Jeannie Lin, and she's going to be my guest author too. Don't miss it! 

Getting Cozy

Enchanted Living Magazine

I think I mentioned last issue that I have recently subscribed to Enchanted Living magazine, which used to be Faerie Magazine—I did some advertising with them when The Absinthe Earl was released. Their winter 2020 issue's theme is hygge—which you know, if you've been reading my newsletter for long, is all about creating cozy spaces. Their magazines include lots of fun, magical, often witchy articles, but whatever—what you've really got here is page after page of beautiful photography. When I leaf through it, I can feel my stress level dropping and my sense of adventure and wonder rising. 

Hygge is a Danish word and concept, and recently on Twitter I learned of another word with cozy associations that may be my word of the year. So I'll leave you with the word and some excellent advice for the new year from author Felicia Denise...