Jackie Layton's Blog, page 3

White Pelicans

In January, a local weatherman mentioned white pelicans had arrived in our area. Today, we just experienced the joy of spotting two white pelicans at our beach. People stopped and watched, and it was fun! In the winter white pelicans visit Florida, but they can also be found in southern California and along the Gulf… Continue reading White Pelicans

Axe Me No Questions

I’m excited to share a little about Axe Me No Questions by Paula Charles. I asked Paula to tell us a little about her latest book. (Release date 1/28/25–preorder available now.) Axe Me No Questions is the second book in the Hometown Hardware Mystery series. Dawna Carpenter was originally based on my grandmother who owned… Continue reading Axe Me No Questions

Axe Me No Questions

Dawna’s back with friends and family in Axe Me No Questions. It’s a delightful follow-up to Hammers and Homicides in A Hometown Hardware Mystery series. I was able to read and ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of Axe Me No Questions, and I was riveted. I love the characters, the small-town vibe, and trying to solve… Continue reading Axe Me No Questions

Bookish Goals

I was recently asked about my bookish goals in 2025. I have two books releasing in 2025. Bleeding Heart Librarian is the third book in A Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery Series, and it’s scheduled to come out at the end of April. At the end of August, Killer Secrets will release, and it’s the… Continue reading Bookish Goals

Courage

Last week I shared that I wanted to focus on being courageous this year. Merriam Webster defines courage as, “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Are you facing challenges today? I hope you find courage as you face them today and always.

Happy New Year

Whether you say Bonne Année, Feliz Año Nuevo, Frohes neues Jahr, Gelukkig nieuwjaar or happy new year, I hop 2025 is a fabulous year for you! Lots of people make resolutions at the beginning of the year, how about you? Do you make resolutions? Do you focus on health goals? What about work goals? I… Continue reading Happy New Year

Christmas Is Right Around The Corner

The next few days are no doubt crazy busy for many of us. I hope you’re able to take time and find joy during Christmas. Have a Merry and cozy Christmas. I’ll see you back here in 2025.

Christmas Flowers

When you think of Christmas flowers, what comes to mind? Or course, poinsettias are popular. If you’re thinking romance, mistletoe probably comes to mind. My husband proposed to me before Christmas, and he hid the ring in the tree. So, I’m all in favor for romance at Christmas time. But, this post is about Christmas… Continue reading Christmas Flowers

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so appreciative of you and the time you spend with me. I hope you have a wonderful holiday, good food, and fun with family and friends. I also hope you can find time to read a good book this weekend. I’ve been busy the past few months, and I’ve got a… Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving

Why Read Cozy Mysteries?

I recently talked to a group and not everyone was familiar with cozy mysteries. I explained some of the fun aspects of cozies. Small communities make good settings for cozy mysteries. They can be real or fictional. I created Heyward Beach for A Low Country Dog Walker series, Lutz, Texas for a Texas Flower Farmer… Continue reading Why Read Cozy Mysteries?