Hi friend!
If you missed our January unboxing live, don’t worry—I’ve got all the details right here for you. This month’s theme was Mystery in the Making, and we kicked off 2026 with cozy vibes, clever mysteries, and a few delicious surprises that brought a little extra joy to your winter days.

Whether you’re already a subscriber or just popping in to see what ReaderCrate is all about, I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s dive into the crate!

This Month’s Featured Read

Our featured book this month was Bundle of Trouble by Diana Orgain—a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery perfect for starting the year off right.

This was no ordinary copy! We created a ReaderCrate exclusive hardcover edition with sprayed edges and a custom dust jacket. Every copy was personally signed by Diana, making it a beautiful addition to your shelf.

Bonus treat: Diana also included a pouch of her signature Vanilla Fields green tea—a delicious loose-leaf blend that pairs perfectly with your favorite reading chair.

And because we love surprises… every box came with a QR code to download Diana’s bonus eBook Murder as Sticky as Jam—a delightful cozy mystery you won’t want to miss!

Bonus Books for Multi-Book Subscribers

ReaderCrate offers one, two, and three-book options each month. Here’s what else went out:

• Gluten-Free Murder by P.D. Workman – A foodie mystery full of flavor and fun. (We’ve got an exclusive author interview up on our Book Club page!)
• Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin – Cozy Louisiana charm meets crime-solving! And yes, we even included a bag of Zapp’s Potato Chips, one of Jann’s personal favorites.

Kitchen-Inspired Goodies

The Mystery in the Making theme inspired a few cozy kitchen extras, too:

• Fudgy Vegan & Gluten-Free Brownie Mix – Rich, chocolatey, and allergy-friendly. (Subscribers: if you’ve baked yours, let me know how they turned out!)
• Striped Cotton Apron – Because we’re a club, and matching aprons while baking brownies felt right.
• Mint Pakka Wooden Spoon – A beautifully crafted, high-heat-safe spoon I first spotted at one of my favorite local kitchen stores. I had to include it for you.

Bonus Content from Author Ellen Byron

We also included a little something extra from author Ellen Byron! While we couldn’t feature her book this month, she sent along:

• A cozy recipe card collection
• A mystery-themed reading list
• A custom bookmark
• Plus, you can catch our full interview with her on the ReaderCrate Book Club page—where we talk Hollywood, TV writing, and all things cozy mystery.

Fun fact: Ellen wrote for The West Wing and Fairly Odd Parents! Total throwback for me and my kids.

Mark Your Calendar – ReaderCrate Book Club!

We’re hosting our first-ever book club on
January 29 at 7PM CST
Right here on the ReaderCrate Facebook page!

We’ll be chatting about Bundle of Trouble with author Diana Orgain herself. Whether you’re a subscriber or not, you’re invited—grab your tea, cozy up, and come say hi.

Coming Next: February’s Theme!

February’s ReaderCrate theme is…
Sweet Clues & Cheesy Alibis

I can’t tell you what’s inside yet—it’s a surprise! But I can tell you this: it’s warm, cozy, and full of heart. Think comfort, a little sass, and a whole lot of charm. This one’s going to be a favorite, I can already tell.

Boxes are limited and will sell out, so if you’re not a subscriber yet, this is your sign.
Click here to subscribe to ReaderCrate now

Who’s ReaderCrate For?

If you love books, cozy vibes, and trying new little hobbies (even if you’re not great at them!), ReaderCrate is for you. This is a place for readers who enjoy art fairs, bookstores, crafting, baking—and of course, escaping into clever, heartwarming mysteries.

Cozy mysteries are our thing because they’re light, smart, a little funny, and always full of friendship and charm. They’re short enough to finish in a weekend but satisfying enough to keep you coming back for more.

Thanks so much for being part of this community. Whether you’re subscribed to the box or just joining us for Book Club, I’m so grateful to share this reading life with you. I’ll be back soon with more February clues… but until then, happy reading!

Alyssa
Founder, ReaderCrate

The post January ReaderCrate Unboxing: Mystery in the Making appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

Hi friends,

We’re right in the middle of the merriest mystery celebration of the season — and I hope you’ll join us!

Every day through December 12th, I’m going live on the ReaderCrate Facebook page at 4PM CST for our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

It’s been such a joy to connect with you all — chatting about favorite books, cozy traditions, Christmas treats, and more. Each day we draw TWO winners (and yes, there’s a grand prize on the final day!). Whether you’re a longtime cozy mystery fan or just found us, this is your chance to join the fun, meet new readers, and maybe win something sweet.

No need to be on camera — just come say hi and enjoy a little community and coziness with us.

And Speaking of Cozy… Let’s Talk About the January ReaderCrate!

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect post-holiday escape — the January ReaderCrate is exactly what you need. This month’s theme is:

Mystery in the Making

It’s a cozy celebration of slowing down after the hustle, curling up with a good book, and treating yourself to something that feels just-for-you.

Inside you’ll find:

• Signed cozy mysteries to spark your sleuthing spirit
• A sprinkle of baking-inspired goodies (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds)
• Exclusive bookish swag curated for comfort and joy
• A special hardcover edition with sprayed edges (a rare treasure in the cozy world!)
• And a surprise gift tucked inside from one of our bestselling featured authors

It’s a box full of charm, comfort, and bookish delight — the kind of thing you’ll want to light a candle and savor.

But… the January Crate is only available until December 12th, and quantities are limited.

Click here to grab yours before they’re gone »

Let’s Stay Cozy Together

Whether you’re joining us live each day or just peeking in between the hustle, I’m so grateful to have you here. This community is what makes ReaderCrate so special — and I can’t wait to send some of that joy straight to your doorstep.

See you at 4PM CST for the next giveaway!
And maybe… for a January crate too.

Warm wishes & happy reading,
Lyssa

The post 🎄 Cozy Giveaways + A January Crate You Won’t Want to Miss appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

I’ve had a white Christmas tree for as long as I can remember — ever since my girls were little. Back then, I decided it was time to switch from a real tree (and all the pine-needle chaos that comes with it) to something easier. I took my daughter Maria shopping and told her she could choose any “fake” tree she wanted.

And of course… she pointed straight at the white one.

I remember thinking, Really? The white tree?
But we brought it home, decorated it with colorful lights, and something unexpected happened.

It was magical.

Every year, when the lights were finally on, we’d lie on our backs under the branches and look up through the glowing colors. It felt like we had stepped inside our own private snow globe — just the three of us, the tree, and the wonder of the season.

Now the girls are grown, with families and traditions of their own. And every year when I pull out that white tree, I feel a little tug of melancholy — the sweet kind that comes with remembering moments that made you who you are.

Tonight, like always, I turned on the lights and sat with the tree before adding any decorations. I love it best that first night — quiet, simple, soft.

This time, Isa joined me.
She has a way of sensing what I need, curling up right beside me as if to say, I’m here. I’ve got you. Dogs have a magic all their own.

Next week my granddaughters and grandson will be here, and the house will explode into joyful chaos — toys everywhere, little feet running, voices overlapping, holiday energy buzzing through every room.

But tonight, it’s just me and Isa.
My husband is in the other room enjoying his beloved B-movies, and the two of us are here, sitting in the glow of a white tree that holds decades of memories.

And in this gentle, quiet moment, I’m reminded:

Life is beautiful — in the noise, in the quiet, and in every shimmering memory in between.

The post A White Tree, a Quiet Night, and the Beauty in Between appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

One lucky reader will win a Cozy Crime Crate by ReaderCrate — a monthly subscription box designed especially for fans of small-town sleuths, clever clues, and heartwarming whodunits.

Each crate is a curated reading escape filled with delightful surprises, including:

Cozy Mystery Books
Immerse yourself in charming small towns and puzzling crimes featuring amateur sleuths from talented indie authors you’ll soon adore.

Tasty Treats
Because every good mystery deserves a snack! Enjoy a delicious edible goodie made for curling up with your latest read.

A Cozy Item
This giveaway box includes a soothing bath bomb — ideal for unwinding with your new favorite mystery. Past boxes have featured fuzzy socks, scented candles, and more comforting finds.

A Beautiful Bookmark
Never lose your place with a whimsical or elegant bookmark that makes every page feel special.

Something Puzzling
Stretch your sleuthing skills with a puzzle book to enjoy between chapters.

Every Cozy Crime Crate is a reading adventure in a box — and one lucky winner will get to experience it for free!

Enter here now for your chance to win the ultimate cozy reader’s treat!

The post 🕵️‍♀️ Win a Cozy Crime Crate! appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

I’m so excited to share the news — Part Three in the Silver Mist Cove Series is here!

The Faerie’s Vow
This is Sage’s story — a journey of magic rediscovered, love tested, and secrets that could change everything.

Sage has spent years rejecting her magic, trying to live a quiet life in Silver Mist Cove. But when a powerful disturbance threatens the balance between realms, she’s pulled back into the world she left behind. Standing by her side is Aidan — a mysterious fae with a vow of his own, one that could either save them or tear them apart.

In The Faerie’s Vow, you’ll find:
Heart-pounding magic and high-stakes mystery
A slow-burn romance with undeniable chemistry
The enchanting coastal charm of Silver Mist Cove
Twists that will leave you guessing until the final page

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or just discovering the magic, The Faerie’s Vow is a must-read.

Start reading now: The Faerie’s Vow

The post The Faerie’s Vow is Here! appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

We were all laughing and taking turns checking our numbers… until it was my turn. Mine was incredibly high. I laughed it off at the time (we were having such a fun, silly moment), but when I got home, I went to the doctor and found out my blood pressure really does need attention.

So, I’ve been making some changes—watching what I eat, trying to make healthier choices—but I still love a treat now and then.

That’s where these no-bake granola bars come in. I was trying to recreate something I adore from our golf club—except they won’t share the recipe, and they charge $8 per bar! Honestly? I think mine turned out even better.

They’re hearty, chewy, and packed with heart-healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Plus, they’re easy to make at home (and way less expensive!).

If you’re looking for a snack that’s delicious, filling, and good for your heart, these Hearty Granola Bars are just the thing. Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and naturally sweetened with honey, they’re a perfect grab-and-go bite for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love These Granola Bars

• Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Oats help lower LDL cholesterol, while nuts and seeds provide omega-3s and healthy fats.
• No Refined Sugar: Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your taste.
• Great Texture: A perfect balance of chewy and crunchy in every bite.

Ingredients

Makes 20 bars

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped
• ½ cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or a mix) I use sunflower
• ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• ½ cup natural nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
• ½ cup honey or pure maple syrup
• ½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries—unsweetened if possible) I used dried tart cherries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Toast the Base (optional, but recommended): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread oats, nuts, and seeds on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Prepare the Binder: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine nut butter and honey. Stir until smooth, then add vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Mix It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine toasted oats, nuts, seeds, coconut, and dried fruit. Pour the warm binder over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Press Firmly: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture in firmly using a spatula or your hands. I found my hands over a piece of parchment works the best.
5. Chill and Cut: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Lift out by the parchment and cut into 20 bars.
6. Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Bar – 1 of 20)

• Calories: ~193
• Protein: ~5.2 g
• Carbs: ~20 g
• Fat: ~11.5 g
• Fiber: ~2.9 g

3 Flavor Variations

1⃣ Berry-Coconut Boost

• Replace dried fruit with dried blueberries or cranberries.
• Add 2 extra tablespoons of shredded coconut.
• Optional: sprinkle hemp seeds on top before chilling.

2⃣ Chocolate-Almond Crunch

• Replace half the nuts with slivered almonds.
• Add 2 tablespoons cacao nibs or 70% dark chocolate chips.
• Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before chilling.

3⃣ Tropical Nut Energy

• Replace dried fruit with chopped dried pineapple or mango (unsweetened).
• Use macadamia nuts for part of the nut mix.
• Add 1 tablespoon lime zest for a refreshing twist.

The post Hearty Granola Bars appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

There are a lot of cheesy potato casseroles out there—but I have to say, this one is the best. (Yes, I’m bragging a little. But just wait until you try it!)

This dish has earned legendary status in our family. My daughters and sons-in-law request it for every holiday, every gathering—and, believe it or not, even during our 95-degree 4th of July picnic last week. That’s how good it is.

Hot, melty, and irresistibly cheesy, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be easier to make. I’ve had a lot of versions of this over the years, but this one is the keeper.

A few quick tips from my kitchen to yours:

• If you only have cream of mushroom soup on hand, that works just fine! Just add a little chicken bouillon to the mix to keep the flavor balanced.
• Before opening your bag of frozen shredded potatoes, give it a good whack on the corner of your counter to break up the clumps—it makes mixing so much easier.
• And if you accidentally toss all 4 cups of cheese into the bowl (guilty!), don’t stress. Just grab an extra cup and sprinkle it over the top at the end. Been there, done that… more than once!
• And in case you’re dealing with summer heat and a no-oven-in-July kind of husband (like I am), these bake up beautifully on the grill! We turned on the burners on the far sides, left the middle ones off for indirect heat, and the bottom didn’t burn at all. It worked like a charm.
• Onion Tears: Isn’t the stinging in your eyes the worst when you’re chopping onions? Here’s a trick that works for me: light a candle and place it close to your cutting board before you start chopping. I’m not sure why it works, but I think the flame burns off some of the irritating gasses. Give it a try!

Enjoy!
– Lyssa

Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Casserole

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes total
Serves: 5–6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs frozen hash brown potatoes (we prefer shredded, but diced works too!)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided (or 5 cups if you’re prone to cheese enthusiasm)
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom + 1 tsp chicken bouillon)
• 2 cups sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped (I usually go with sweet Vidalia)
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (see my homemade version below)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Before opening the bag, give the frozen shredded potatoes a firm tap on the counter to break up the clumps.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, soup (and bouillon if using cream of mushroom), sour cream, melted butter, chopped onion, and seasoned salt. (If you accidentally add all 4 cups of cheese here—don’t worry! Just grab another cup to top it later.)
4. Spread the mixture evenly into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top (or an extra cup if needed), and return to the oven.
7. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden, bubbly, and irresistible.
8. Let cool slightly before serving… if you can wait that long!

Homemade Seasoned Salt

This simple blend is great on everything from potatoes to grilled veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salt
• ¼ cup black pepper
• ¼ cup garlic powder
• ¼ cup onion powder (optional, but delicious)

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Pro tip: Feel free to tweak the ratios to your taste. I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for extra kick!

The post My Famous Cheesy Potatoes (A Family Favorite!) appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

I didn’t have quite enough peaches to feed my big crew, so I improvised with a couple of green apples—and let me tell you, it worked beautifully. The apples added a perfect tart balance to the juicy sweetness of the peaches. Add a buttery cinnamon oat topping (and a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent), and it was gone before I even had seconds.

It’s the kind of dessert that wouldn’t be out of place in one of my Lake Minnetonka Cozy Mysteries—a little nostalgic, a little comforting, and maybe just tempting enough to get someone talking…

Scroll down for the recipe and give it a try. It might just become a new summer favorite in your house too!

Perfect Peach & Apple Crisp
Father’s Day Edition

This warm, buttery crisp combines juicy peaches and tart green apples with a cinnamon oat streusel and crunchy pecans. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for maximum cozy points.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 8–12

Ingredients

Filling:

• 5 cups sliced peaches (fresh—peeled or unpeeled)
• 2 green apples, thinly sliced
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• Optional: 1 cup chopped or halved pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix the filling ingredients. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or two forks until crumbly. Stir in oats and pecans.
4. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
6. Let cool slightly before serving warm (with ice cream, if you know what’s good).

Notes

• You can prep the topping up to two days in advance and store in the fridge.
• Baked crisp freezes beautifully—just thaw overnight and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
• Fresh peaches are best, but frozen (thawed and blotted dry) will work. Canned peaches tend to be too soft.

Looking for a little mystery with your dessert?
Secrets Buried, the first book in my Lake Minnetonka Cozy Mysteries series, is inspired by the towns around this very lake. You can grab it free right here:
Secrets Buried

Happy reading—and happy baking!
Lyssa

The post A Peach & Apple Crisp Worth Committing a Crime For 🔍 appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

A sweet-tart, jewel-toned jam that’s perfect for spreading, gifting, or savoring by the spoonful.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Makes: ~6½ pints

Ingredients:

• 10 cups chopped rhubarb
• 6¼ cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
• 5¼ cups sugar (can reduce slightly if preferred)
• ½ cup lemon juice
• Zest of 2 lemons

Instructions:

1. Prep the Fruit Mixture

The night before (or at least 30 minutes before cooking), combine rhubarb, berries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a large pot. Stir well and let it macerate to draw out the juices.

2. Sterilize Your Jars

Sterilize your jars and lids. Place a small plate in the freezer for testing the jam’s doneness later.

3. Cook the Jam

Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the fruit mixture to a hard boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 15–25 minutes, or until the mixture reaches its setting point. Watch for the foam to subside and the bubbles to get large—like “fish eyeballs.”

4. Test for Doneness

Take your cold plate from the freezer. Drop a teaspoon of jam onto it and return it to the freezer for 2–3 minutes. Push it with your finger—if it wrinkles, it’s done! If not, boil for 5 more minutes and repeat the test.

Tip: Stir more frequently as it thickens to avoid scorching.

5. Jar and Process

Ladle the hot jam into hot sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe the rims clean, and secure the lids finger-tight.

6. Water Bath Canning

Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed).

7. Cool and Store

Carefully remove jars and place on a towel-lined counter. Listen for the satisfying “pop” as they seal. Let cool undisturbed. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. If any don’t seal, refrigerate and enjoy right away!

Perfect on toast, scones, or stirred into yogurt. Just sweet

The post Very Berry Rhubarb Jam Recipe appeared first on Lyssa Lund.

My youngest daughter is getting married this week, and the house is about to burst with joy, laughter, and more tulle than you can imagine. Two of four of our daughters, my son-in-law and my sweet granddaughters are traveling in from out of town, along with guests from across the country. Everything is ready—the plans are in place, the dress is steamed, and I’m taking deep breaths between bursts of happy tears.

The photo I’m sharing with you today is from my garden, where the bleeding hearts are in full bloom. They’ve always seemed like the most poetic little flowers to me—delicate, hopeful, and quietly beautiful. And this week, they feel like the perfect symbol: hearts opening wide, love blooming in every direction.

It’s a big moment for our family, and one I’ve looked forward to for a long time. My daughter is radiant, and I’m so excited for her next chapter. And, if I’m honest… I’m also wondering what I’ll do with myself once the wedding is over! After months of planning, it’s hard to imagine a quieter house again.

But that’s the magic of cozy mysteries, isn’t it? Whether it’s in a fictional village or a flower-filled yard, life is always full of little beginnings, tender endings, and just the right amount of mystery.

Thanks for letting me share a piece of my heart with you this week.

The post The Case Of The Missing Wedding Planner! (Me!) appeared first on Lyssa Lund.