Snowstorms, Shenanigans, and Strong Coffee

If you’ve ever wondered what a “normal” day looks like in New Hope, Connecticut… well, so have I. If you find one, please notify the authorities.

Most mornings start at Petite Four Paws Cafe, where I try to convince my aging espresso machine to behave while Scallywag—the neighborhood’s most chaotic parrot—tests how many questionable phrases he can cram into a single morning. (Mrs. Bailey insists he’s a sweetheart. The jury’s still out on that!)

With the annual church bazaar approaching, my café has officially transformed into a mid-winter prep zone. There’s flour in places flour should never be, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be brushing glitter out of my hair until spring. Between baking ginger snaps, assembling cocoa kits for the Library’s sledding party, and prepping dog treats for Major’s fan club (yes, he has one), the chaos level hovers somewhere between “manageable” and “send help.”

Major—Chase’s sheepdog and part-time shadow—has appointed himself bazaar security chief. His duties include checking every crate of baked goods, herding me when I lose track of time, and casting suspicious glances at Scallywag. Those two are always up to something. To be completely honest, Major’s the most reliable man in my life right now. No offense to the others.

Between bazaar prep, café hours, and keeping an eye on the latest snowstorm forecast (New England weather loves drama), I’m also helping Oliver prep for the grand opening of his new restaurant. Baking is my love language, and stress-baking is Oliver’s, so naturally, we’re a match made in carbs. If nerves could be folded into dough, his croissants would be a bestseller.

And then there’s Gary, who swings by the café twice a day under the guise of “checking in,” which is code for grabbing a cookie and attempting to charm me. It would work better if Chase didn’t always manage to walk in at that exact moment. The eyebrow raises alone could qualify as small-town theater.

By the time I lock the café at night, I’m usually covered in flour, moderately caffeinated, and wondering how many bazaar volunteers I can win over with free muffins. But even with the looming storm, the pets underfoot, the romantic complications, and the hometown hustle… there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

New Hope is messy, warm, unpredictable, and full of heart. And honestly? I think that’s half the magic.

If you’re craving a slice of small-town charm—with a side of mischief and a sprinkle of snow—come to New Hope. We’ll save you a seat at the café.

FROST BITTEN
Series Name: A Juli Butler Mystery, Book 4
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: January 2026
Format: Digital, Print
Purchase Link

Small town. Big secrets. Deadly cold.

It’s bake sale season in New Hope, and Juli Butler’s got her hands full whipping up cookies for the church fundraiser. But when a fire at Oliver’s new restaurant reveals a frozen corpse, her plans—and her peace of mind—go up in smoke.

The victim? A man with ties to Juli’s late father and questions no one wants answered.

Before Juli can piece together the truth, tragedy strikes closer to home. Just as things begin to thaw between her and Sheriff Chase Hargrave, an “accident” leaves Chase fighting for his life. Suddenly, Juli is juggling small-town gossip, a murder investigation, and the chilling realization that someone will kill to keep the past buried.

As a snowstorm bears down on New Hope, Juli must uncover the truth about her father—and expose a killer who’s been hiding in plain sight—before the town’s secrets are frozen forever.

Meet the author
Barbara Witek is the author of the beloved Juli Butler Cozy Mystery Series, where small-town charm collides with laugh-out-loud shenanigans, heartfelt friendships, and the occasional dead body. Her stories blend warmth, wit, and a touch of mischief, inviting readers into the quirky world of New Hope, Connecticut—complete with gossip, festivals, and a sheepdog who teams up with a precocious parrot to assist the human sleuths. When she’s not plotting fictional crimes, Barbara can be found with a latte in hand, running a 5K she swore she wasn’t trained for, or crafting the perfect cocktail for happy hour. She lives for cozy mornings, character chaos, and the perfect murder… on the page, of course.