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Keeping track of the books you read and the authors you enjoy can get harder as your reading list grows.

With new releases, multiple platforms, and busy schedules, it is easy to forget which stories stood out and which authors you meant to follow.

1. Use a reading log app or spreadsheet to list finished books, dates read, and brief notes about what you liked.

2. Create a dedicated notes folder on your phone or e-reader for favorite authors, including their social media handles and Amazon author pages.

3. Follow authors directly on Amazon so new releases automatically appear in your recommendations.

4. Use Goodreads or a similar platform to track books, read and mark authors you want to follow.

5. Keep a simple journal where you write down standout books and authors at the end of each month.

6. Organize your social media follows by creating a private list just for authors you enjoy reading.

7. Set a quarterly reminder to review your reading list and update which authors you want to continue following.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading in 2026!!!
~Sharon

How to keep track of the books you're reading in 2026. Sharon Michaels Author blog post
Sharon Michaels Amazon Author Page
Amazon U.S. Link: https://www.amazon.com/author/sharonmichaels
Amazon Universal Link: https://author.to/AmazonSharonMichaels

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her books are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright © 2026 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

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Happy New Year 2026, Cozy Mystery Lovers!

As we welcome another year filled with fresh possibilities and cozy adventures, I want to raise a virtual glass to each of you!

Here’s to a year packed with intrigue, laughter, and, of course, plenty of warm cups of tea (or coffee) enjoyed while curling up with a good book.

I’m currently adding the final touches to my next book, Chilling Whispers, releasing on January 22, 2026!

I can hardly wait for you to dive into this small town, paranormal, cozy mystery. Chilling Whispers is filled with twists and turns, quirky characters, and, naturally, a four-legged furry amateur sleuth.

As we step into 2026, let’s make a pact to embrace the little joys in our life; whether it’s discovering a new twist in a story or sharing book recommendations with friends.

I encourage you to find those moments that make your heart smile, because life is too short not to enjoy the cozy moments.

Thank you for your continued support and for being such a wonderful community of readers. Your enthusiasm and love for cozy mysteries inspires me every day!

I’m excited to share Chilling Whispers with you soon, and I hope it brings as much joy to you as it has to me in creating it.

Here’s to a new year filled with great reads, laughter, and a sprinkle of mystery!

Happy New Year, and happy reading!
~Sharon
Amazon Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her books are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright ©2026 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

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On a snowy December morning in Jingle Bell Junction, preparations for the annual Winter Wonderland Festival were underway, filling the town with twinkling lights and the scent of gingerbread. Clara, the owner of Clara’s Confections, was busy organizing her famous gingerbread house contest when she learned that Mayor Sandy Klaus had mysteriously disappeared. The mayor’s last known location was Clara’s bakery, where she had been tasting holiday cookies and hinting at an exciting announcement about the festival.

As Clara enlisted the help of her neighbors to search for the missing mayor, she discovered a series of mysterious notes hidden in an old recipe book in her bakery. The notes contained clues related to the festival’s history and suggested they might point to the mayor’s location. With the festival nearing, Clara faced a cozy mystery that could determine the holiday spirit of Jingle Bell Junction.

The more Clara read, the more her puzzled expression deepened. The notes hinted at a festive village in a very cold area, and to her astonishment, they contained references to Sandy’s true lineage. Sandy Klaus, she learned, was actually a relative of Santa Claus himself! Each year, without fail, she would return to the North Pole to assist Santa and Mrs. Claus with any last-minute items they needed for their worldwide toy deliveries.

Clara’s heart raced as she pieced together the clues, disbelief washing over her. This meant that Santa was real!
Could it be possible?

As she hurried outside to share her findings with her neighbors, Clara felt a sudden twinkle in the air and the unmistakable sound of sleigh bells ringing.

Before she knew it, a warm glow enveloped her, and standing before her was the jolly figure of Santa Claus himself, complete with his red suit and glowing eyes filled with kindness. “Ah, Clara,” he said with a hearty laugh, “I see you’ve uncovered our little secret. Sandy is indeed helping us prepare for this magical season.”

As the everyone looked on in awe, Clara couldn’t believe her eyes. Santa extended his hand to her, a twinkle in his eye. “Would you like to join us on our special night to deliver toys and spread joy? I could use a little help, and you’ll find it quite enchanting.”

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and cozy holiday season filled with joy and wonderful reads. Enjoy the festivities and happy sleuthing!

~Sharon
Fun Christmas Short Story from Author Sharon Michaels

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her cozy mystery reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright © 2025 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

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Interview with Comet the retired police hound who stares in the Christmas cozy mystery the Fight Before Christmas.
Welcome back to my blog, where today I have the pleasure of interviewing a true local legend, Comet the retired police hound. He’s traded in his badge for a cozy life at the Sugar and Spice Bake Shop, where he spends his days alongside his human, Holly Winters, and her not-so-amateur sleuthing cat, Nutmeg. Join me as we dive into Comet’s world of retirement adventures and holiday mysteries in Willow Grove.

Q: Comet, what’s it like to be retired from police work?

A: It’s like switching from a high-energy sprint to a leisurely stroll. It’s still fulfilling, just with fewer collar jangles. I traded in the pressure of chasing bad guys for the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats. Holly keeps the environment lively, which is great for a retired hound like me. Always something to sniff out around here.

Q: Now, I’ve heard you co-sleuth with Nutmeg the cat. What’s that dynamic like?

A: Let’s just say it’s a classic case of canine versus feline. Nutmeg is sharp as a cat’s whisker, always plotting her next move and keeping things interesting. I like to think of myself as the muscle while she handles the more cerebral side of investigations. We balance each other out pretty well. Plus, there’s a certain charm in watching her try to supervise me while I chase a rogue crumb that fell from the counter.

Q: How does the festive spirit of Christmas influence your sleuthing?

A: The holiday season brings an extra layer of excitement. The town is a buzz with holiday cheer, but that also means there’s merry mischief afoot. My nose is always on alert for suspicious scents under the guise of gingerbread. There’s something about the Christmas spirit that encourages unusual behavior. Each year, it’s our job to sift through the sugar-coated chaos. One year, someone even tried to pass off stale cookies like they were fresh baked. The nerve.

Q: What are some of your favorite moments with Holly and Nutmeg during the holidays?

A: Oh, there are too many to count. I particularly enjoy the chaotic baking sessions. Holly tries to create holiday treats that would make Santa’s elves proud, but with Nutmeg lurking about, you can bet some flour will end up on the floor. Watching them bicker and collaborate makes my tail wag. There’s nothing like a little holiday kitchen comedy. Not to mention the aftermath: a pile of delicious treats for all the good boys and girls.

Q: Lastly, any holiday advice for fellow sleuths and pet owners out there?

A: Pay attention to the small details, whether it’s in a mystery or when planning your holiday cookie exchange. And always keep a treat in your pocket for your furry partner. It works wonders in encouraging them to help out. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy the simple moments among the chaos. After all, it’s not just about solving the mystery; it’s about sharing the journey with those who matter most.

As we wrap up our chat with Comet, it’s clear that life in Willow Grove is anything but dull. With the sweet allure of the Sugar and Spice Bake Shop and the whimsical partnership of a retired police hound, a clever cat, and their intrepid owner, the holidays promise both mystery and merriment in equal measure. Now, if only I could convince Comet to share a cookie recipe or two.

Until next time, happy reading!
Christmas Cozy Mystery The Fight Before Christmas from Author Sharon Michaels on Amazon - Meet Comet

Pick up your Kindle-Kindle Unlimited-Audio
AND Special Limited Edition Paperback of The Fight Before Christmas,
The Fight Before Christmas a holiday cozy mystery from Author Sharon Michaels on Amazon

Amazon bestselling author Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.

Her cozy mystery reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction/

Copyright © 2025 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

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My newest Christmas cozy mystery – The Fight Before Christmas – is ready for your weekend reading. If you enjoy fun Christmas cozy mysteries with pets solving crime, then The Fight Before Christmas is the holiday short read for you.


Small Town: In the snow-covered town of Willow Grove, where the air is filled with holiday cheer and the sweet scents of cinnamon and freshly baked gingerbread, chaos lurks beneath the festive surface.

Amateur Sleuth: Holly Winters, owner of the Sugar and Spice Bake Shop, finds herself drawn into the role of amateur sleuth as strange incidents disrupt the town’s holiday celebrations.

Furry Sidekicks: With her retired police dog Comet and witty cat Nutmeg by her side, Holly combines her baking skills and keen intuition to dig deeper into the seasonal shenanigans and unravel the clues.

Holiday Intrigue: As Holly uncovers local rivalries, she races against time to restore peace and the true spirit of Christmas before it’s lost forever.

If you’re ready for a heartwarming holiday adventure filled with mystery, the aroma of freshly baked treats, and smart furry detectives, then grab your copy of The Fight Before Christmas today and let the festive sleuthing begin.

An old-fashioned holiday fruit cake recipe is included.

You can grab your Kindle – Kindle Unlimited – Audio copies of
The Fight Before Christmas here:The Fight Before Christmas a holiday cozy mystery from Author Sharon Michaels on Amazon

Sharon Michaels loves writing cozy mysteries filled with mature characters, smart animals, and plenty of twists and turns.
Her short reads are sweet, clean, and fun.

You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction

Copyright ©2025 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved

 

Protected by Copyscape

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