Why Charlotte MacLeod’s Rest You Merry Is the Cozy Christmas Mystery I Re-Read Every December.

 

There are a handful of books that, for me, officially kick off the Christmas season. Mistletoe, carols, and twinkly lights are lovely, but nothing says “it’s December” quite like curling up with Charlotte MacLeod’s Rest You Merry—the hilarious, clever, and surprisingly heartwarming first book in her beloved Professor Peter Shandy series, that ultimately ran ten novels. It started as a short story, but was so popular that MacLeod was encouraged to turn it into a novel, wherein the short story became the opening chapter.

 Picture this: Balaclava Agricultural College in rural Massachusetts is in full holiday frenzy. Every December the campus transforms into the “Balaclava Grand Illumination,” a garish, money-spinning tourist spectacle that would make Clark Griswold blush. Peter Shandy — propagator of the world's most renowned rutabaga — a mild-mannered, tenured horticulture professor who just wants a quiet Christmas with a glass of good sherry and zero blinking reindeer, finally snaps. In a glorious act of passive-aggressive rebellion, he hires a decorating company to smother his historic faculty house in the tackiest, most over-the-top light display imaginable… then promptly boards a cruise ship to escape the fallout.

Fate, of course, has other plans. The ship breaks down, Shandy returns early, and he walks into his living room to find the college’s nosiest librarian dead beneath his mechanized Santa display—apparently killed while trying to sabotage his decorations. The police call it a tragic accident. Peter Shandy, being a detail-obsessed academic with a Poirot-level intolerance for loose ends, smells murder. And that, dear reader, is how a grumpy agronomy professor becomes one of the most endearing amateur sleuths in cozy history.

What makes Rest You Merry so irresistible, even 45 years later, is how perfectly it captures the classic cozy formula while feeling completely fresh. The small New England college town functions exactly like a traditional English village: everyone knows everyone, grudges go back decades, and secrets hide behind every poinsettia. MacLeod populates this world with larger-than-life characters—the fearsome President’s wife, the ancient endowment-obsessed benefactress, the perpetually starving graduate students—who deliver some of the wittiest, snappiest dialogue I’ve ever read in a mystery. Seriously, the banter is champagne-bubble sharp.

 Shandy himself is a delight: prim, precise, secretly sentimental, and armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of turnips and ornamental grasses that somehow proves essential to solving crime. By the end of the book he’s acquired a leading lady (the marvelous Helen Marsh) who becomes his perfect foil in the nine sequels. Yes, I’ve read them all—multiple times—and yes, I’m a die-hard Anglophile cozy reader who rarely strays from British settings. The fact that a Massachusetts farming college stole my heart says everything.

If you love classic Golden Age vibes (think Agatha Christie with better one-liners and a New England winter backdrop), this is your book. It’s funny without ever being cute, clever without being smug, and genuinely Christmassy without drowning in sentiment. The audiobook, narrated by wonderful John McLain, is an absolute treat—perfect for wrapping presents or baking cookies.

So light the fire, pour the eggnog, and let Peter Shandy remind you that even the grumpiest heart can be won over by murder, mistletoe, and a truly outrageous lawn display.

Rating: 5 twinkling reindeer out of 5

 You can (and you MUST!) get a copy here.

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Christmas EveTablescape

 

Kicking off my holiday season with a cozy December 7th luncheon for friends felt like pure magic! I went all-in on classic red and green, but wrapped it in the warm, storytelling glow of Charles Dickens.

 

Center stage sits the wooden goose my dad carved back in the 80s when country geese were everywhere—I still adore him. 

 

He’s proudly flanked by candle-holding Ebenezer Scrooge on one side and Bob Cratchit carrying Tiny Tim on the other. 

 

Across from the goose, tall frosted glass trees I snatched up at Michael’s last year catch every bit of light. 

I started with my trusty holiday tablecloth, then added a simple Pottery Barn runner for quiet texture. Because more is more at Christmas, each place got a woven placemat from local shop, Three French Hens, topped with leafy green placemats from World Market for that lush, wintry feel. 

The plate stack is pure joy: sparkling red jeweled chargers, black-and-white plaid dinner plates from Pier 1, and bold red salad plates from 222 Fifth that cheerfully announce “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” 

 

My beloved KEAWELL “Versailles” flatware made another appearance—those delicate scrolls look born for candlelight. 

 

Drinks are served in frosted red Scandi-patterned water glasses (finally out of the cupboard after years!) and merry Waechtersbach Christmas Tree cups and saucers (yes, the matching teapot is waiting in the hutch). 

A 1988 Fitz and Floyd water pitcher from their “A Dickens Christmas” collection—passed down from my mom—pours the water with perfect nostalgia. Mikasa crystal snowflake votives sprinkle extra twinkle everywhere.

 

And the sweetest touch? A jar of Coop’s salted caramel sauce waits at every place setting as a remembrance of the day. Trust me, I’ve taste-tested caramel across three states; nothing comes close.

Here’s to tiny lunches, family treasures, and tables that feel like a hug. Happy holidays, friends—the season has officially begun!    

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his post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday 

Product of the Week: Zubebe Christmas Coffee Mugs (Set of 12)

As we turn the page to December, nothing sets the tone for the season quite like a warm drink in a festive mug. This week, I’m delighted to feature a charming find that blends practicality, holiday cheer, and farmhouse style: the Zubebe Christmas Coffee Mugs Set of 12.

 This delightful set includes 12 ceramic mugs, each in a different Christmas design, and 12 buffalo plaid ribbons for an extra touch of rustic charm. The mugs feature joyful seasonal messages such as “Let It Snow,” “Warm & Cozy,” “Oh Holy Night,” and “Warm Winter Wishes.” With classic holiday colors—red, green, white, and black—they fit beautifully into farmhouse décor, tiered trays, coffee bars, and cozy kitchen nooks. What I especially love is that each mug comes individually boxed, making them perfect for gifting or for using as stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or party favors. Crafted from quality ceramic with smooth surfaces and crisp, clean printing, these 12-ounce mugs are both durable and delightful. They’re also wonderfully versatile—ideal for hot cocoa, coffee, milk, cider, or whatever warms your winter evenings. If you’re looking to enhance your holiday gatherings or find thoughtful gifts that are both beautiful and functional, this set is a festive winner.

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Snowy Day Sherried Tomato Soup

 

When I woke up to four inches of snow this morning that could only mean one thing… soup! I lit a fire, fired up the espresso machine for a triple shot, and then got straight to work sautéing chopped onions.

 This Sherried Tomato Soup is everything you want on a winter’s day—full of rich flavor, a gentle spicy kick from the Bloody Mary mix, and endlessly versatile. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy lunch, or offer it as an elegant starter for dinner with company.

 Customize it any way you like. I love little bits of onion, so I leave them as they are. If you prefer a smoother texture, grab an immersion blender. If chunky tomatoes are more your style, simply substitute the crushed tomatoes with petite diced.

 It’s warm, comforting, and wonderfully adaptable—perfect for snowy days and chilly nights.

Snowy Day Sherried Tomato Soup

6 T. butter
1 medium Melissa’s yellow onion, diced
1 (42-ounce) bottle Bloody Mary mix
 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes (or substitute with petite diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture)
1 T. chicken soup base
2 T. granulated sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 c. dry sherry
1 c. heavy cream
½ t. dried basil
½ t. dried parsley (or 1½ t. each of fresh basil and parsley)

Melt the butter in a medium stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the Bloody Mary mix, crushed tomatoes, chicken soup base, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the dry sherry. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Add the basil and parsley, adjusting seasoning to taste. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency. Serve hot.

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The Ultimate Grab-and-Go Deli Sandwich: Salami, Ham & Chive-Onion Cream Cheese on Rye

 

Let me tell you about the sandwich that has officially ended my “what’s for lunch?” panic attacks.

This thing is stupid-good. Tangy whole-grain mustard, silky chive-and-onion cream cheese, paper-thin salami and ham, and a fistful of peppery spring mix, all pressed between two slices of hearty rye. The best part? You can make it the night before, wrap it tightly, and it actually tastes BETTER the next day as the flavors marry in the fridge.

I threw one together yesterday morning, stashed it in waxed paper like a 1950s lunch-pail pro, and by noon today it was pure magic. The rye softens just enough, the cream cheese gets even creamier, and the mustard gives everything that perfect little kick. Zero soggy bread, zero sadness.

This is officially my new work-from-home lunch, road-trip hero, picnic MVP, and “I don’t feel like cooking” dinner. One sandwich, infinite situations.Salami & Ham Cream Cheese Deli Sandwich

Makes 1 legendary sandwich

 2 slices hearty rye bread (deli-style or seeded if you can get it)

1 t. Maille Old Style whole-grain mustard (or any grainy mustard you love)

1–2 T. chive & onion cream cheese (regular or light both work)

3 paper-thin slices good-quality salami (Genoa or hard salami)

3 paper-thin slices smoked ham (Black Forest is perfect)

Small handful spring mix or arugula

Spread the mustard evenly on one slice of rye.

 Layer the salami, then ham, then spring mix on top of the mustard.

 Spread the chive & onion cream cheese generously on the second slice.

 Close the sandwich, press gently so everything behaves.

 Optional pro move: lightly butter the outside of the bread and give it 60–90 seconds in a hot skillet for a panini-ish crust.

 Wrap tightly in deli paper or plastic wrap. Eat immediately, or refrigerate up to 24 hours — it only gets better.

 When ready to serve, cut in half and watch the layers reveal themselves like a delicious geology lesson (and as a former geology major, I should know).

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A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolly

 

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a super cozy take on the classic Christmas vibe, putting Catherine Dickens, Charles Dickens’ wife, front and center instead of old Scrooge. It’s 1851, and Catherine’s feeling wiped out from juggling eight kids (with another on the way), throwing epic holiday parties, and keeping up with her husband’s over-the-top Christmas obsession. A magical sprig of holly sends her on a trip down memory lane, helping her rediscover why she used to love the season. It’s got that warm, Dickensian Christmas glow, but feels fresh with its focus on Catherine’s personal journey.

 The writing pulls you right into Victorian London, think twinkling lights, bustling markets, and all the holiday feels. Catherine’s memory-hopping adventures are vivid and heartfelt, making you root for her to find her spark again. That said, the story drags a bit in spots, and I wished it dug deeper into why Catherine’s so down instead of leaning on the whole “count your blessings” angle. A little more focus on her struggles and a stronger wrap-up would’ve made her journey hit even harder.

Still, this book’s a total holiday gem. It’s warm, touching, and perfect for curling up with on a winter night. It skips the ghosts of A Christmas Carol but keeps the heart, showing how small moments of love and connection can bring back the magic. If you’re picking one Christmas read this season, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens is a solid bet for something sweet and meaningful without being too heavy. 

 You can order a copy here.

 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Persimmon Applesauce Spice Muffins: Autumn’s Best-Kept Secret (Only Here for October, November & December!)

 

There are many reasons that I like fall, one of which is that it is persimmon season. I’m talking about Melissa’s gorgeous, speckled, cinnamon-kissed Cinnamon Persimmons that taste like autumn baked a pie and forgot to tell anyone. They are sweet, fragrant, and, cruelly, only available October through December. Blink and they’re gone until next year. 

So when my box arrived, I did what any sane person would do: I turned them into the most tender, fragrant, nutty, spice-flecked muffins imaginable. These Persimmon Applesauce Spice Muffins are moist beyond belief (thank you, applesauce + persimmon pulp tag team), warmly spiced, and crowned with a crunchy, sparkly topping that makes every bite feel like a spicy hug. 

They’re also secretly nutritious, bursting with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, so you can feel quite virtuous if you want to enjoy two for breakfast and trust me, you will! Or serve them beside soup or a salad at dinner. You can sneak one at midnight, I’ll never tell. They are welcome anywhere, anytime, by anyone with taste buds.  What a lovely addition they would make at a holiday brunch.

Persimmon Applesauce Spice Muffins

(Makes 12 standard or 10 jumbo muffins)

For the muffins

1½ c. flour

1½ t. baking powder

½ t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

½ t. allspice

¼ t. freshly grated nutmeg

¼ t. salt

2 extra-large eggs

1 c. packed dark brown sugar

½ c. + 3 T. butter, melted

½ c. unsweetened applesauce

½ c. persimmon pulp (from 2 ripe Melissa’s Cinnamon Persimmons — see note)

¾ c. coarsely chopped pecans

For the sparkle topping

2 T. sugar

¼ t. cinnamon

¼ t. allspice

¼ t. freshly grated nutmeg

To make persimmon pulp: Cut persimmons in half, scoop out the flesh (discard any seeds/skin), and blend until creamy. It will look like sunset in a jar.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease your muffin tin generously (or use tulip liners for that bakery look).

 Whisk together all dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

 In a large bowl, whisk eggs and brown sugar until thick and creamy, then stream in the melted butter. Stir in applesauce and that glorious persimmon pulp.

 Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just barely combined — lumps are fine, overmixing is not. Fold in pecans.

Using an ice-cream scoop, fill muffin cups two-thirds full (or three-quarters if you’re making jumbos like I did).

Mix the topping ingredients and sprinkle generously over each muffin. 

Bake 20 minutes for standard size, 25 minutes for jumbo, or until puffed, golden, and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

 Cool in the pan 5 minutes, then loosen with a knife and transfer to a rack. Try to wait until they’re merely warm before devouring.

These muffins keep beautifully for 3 days at room temperature (as if they’ll last that long) or freeze for up to 2 months. They toast up like a dream.

 If you can get your hands on Cinnamon Persimmons this season, promise me you’ll make these. Your kitchen will smell like pure magic, and everyone who tastes them will think you’re a baking genius.

Happy (very short) persimmon season. Let’s make every bite count. 

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