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Last week, I woke up with that buzzing feeling in my head.

You know the one, when you’re already running through everything before you’ve even had coffee.

Errands. Emails. Family to-dos. And yes… even the thought, “Did I put my book club pick in my bag?”

It all felt like it was competing for my attention at once.

That’s when I caught myself.
I wasn’t actually being productive — I was just carrying around an unorganized to-do list in my head. And it was weighing me down.

Here’s the truth: our brains weren’t made to hold it all. When we try, we end up stressed, scattered, and too tired to enjoy the cozy moments that matter most — like curling up with a good book.

The solution?
A daily planning ritual that lets your planner be your second brain. A place to capture it all, keep it organized, and protect your peace before the world starts demanding your time.

In my latest blog post, I’m sharing 5 Habits Every Well-Read & Cozy Mystery Lover Writes in Her Planner Each Morning — a simple five-minute ritual that helps you feel grounded, clear, and ready for the day (with space left over for your reading life).

Read the full post here

And if you’re ready to make this your own daily practice, I’ve created something just for you — the Reader Planner.

It’s designed with cozy mystery lovers in mind:
Space for your Reading Top 3
Pages for brain dumps and seasonal intentions
Room to track the books you’re savoring this fall (and beyond)

Because your days deserve clarity… and your books deserve a spot in your planner.

Grab your copy of the Reader Planner here

Here’s to clear minds, cozy days, and always having room for “just one more chapter.”

Last week I got the first round of edits done and back to the editor for Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshot. Every single time I go over the book, I am still in shock at the killer and ending…I’m just saying.

Also this week Eddy and I went on a double date with my sister and BIL. We love eating at this restaurant near my home and then we went to Mirror Pond to do the lantern release.

Y’all, it was so pretty. There is a lantern release in the upcoming Brewing Up Bones, but not as fancy as the one we did. Aren’t these photos gorgeous??

Cozy friends, this one is for you!

Release day for Haunts, Hikes & Havoc is just around the corner (Sept 17th! ), and I’ve been thinking about how much joy you bring into this cozy mystery journey. You’re the reason Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies keep sleuthing. Every page I write, every quirky clue I dream up—it’s because I want you to have those laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging, small-town moments that make reading a bright spot in your day.

This book isn’t just another release. It’s a thank-you gift wrapped in mystery and fall leaves . It’s meant to remind you how fun it is to escape, to sleuth, to belong in Normal, Kentucky right alongside us.

So when you grab your copy, know this: you’re not just supporting me—you’re fueling the whole cozy world we’ve built together. And goodness, it’s a world I’m so proud to share with you.

You can preorder today so you are ready to head right back to Normal. Click here.

EBOOKS & PRINT BOOKS ON SALE FOR .99 THIS WEEK

Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis

Cold Blooded Brew

A Charming Wish

Return To Sender

Here is the Cozy Town Sleuth Page line up

Sept 15-21 Schedule

Monday- Catherine Coles

Tuesday – Catherine Bruns

Wednesday – Cindy Stark

Thursday – Leslie Budewitz

Friday – Julie Mulhern

Saturday- Trixie Silvertale

We’d love for you to join us there and get ready for a fun holiday event with over 100 author giveaways.

Come see me! I’d love to hang out. Come to Kentucky!! Let’s hang out on September 3oth. I’ll be talkin’ all about the camper series and the fun development for television show for Hallmark!!

Calling all Cozy Mystery sleuths! Tonya Kappes Books will be here in White Pine, TN as the headliner of our Cozy Mystery Author Meetup! Join us on Oct. 18 at the White Pine Community Center from 12-4PM EST for signings, giveaways, Q&As, and more!

Let me know what y’all are doing this week??

xoxo

T

Your planner isn’t just a notebook — it’s your cozy escape hatch.
It’s where you create breathing room for your books, your people, and the little joys that keep life feeling warm and manageable.

Because here’s the truth: none of us were meant to hold it all in our heads. The grocery list, the PTA meeting, the endless emails, the next chapter in that book you can’t put down — it’s too much to juggle without a system. That’s why we plan. To carve out space for what actually matters, to keep the overwhelm at bay, and to protect time for the stories that light us up.

Each morning, before the day takes over, I sit down with my planner and set the tone. Just a few minutes, but it makes all the difference.

If you want your days to feel more grounded (and still leave room for curling up with a good book), here are five cozy habits to add to your morning planning ritual:

1. Your Reading Top 3
We all have to-dos, but what if your Daily Top 3 included things that also feed your soul? Instead of a long overwhelming list, choose three things you’ll be glad you did today.

Examples might be:

Read two chapters of your current cozy mystery before bed
Reserve the new release from your favorite author at the library
Bake a simple treat that pairs perfectly with your afternoon reading break
When you treat your bookish joy as a priority, not an afterthought, everything else feels lighter.

2. Anchor Points of the Day
Next, jot down your appointments, errands, or time-based commitments. These are the anchors that shape your day.

But here’s the cozy twist: once you see those anchors, you can spot the open spaces — the perfect pockets for slipping in a chapter on the porch, a walk with an audiobook, or a stop at the bookstore while you’re out running errands.

Fall is busy, but it’s also the season of little stolen moments. Planning helps you see them before they slip away.

3. A Seasonal Intention
Add a line for how you want to feel today, or what you want to savor. It doesn’t have to be lofty — it can be simple, seasonal, or tied to your reading life.

Examples:

“I’m savoring the slower pace of Sunday with a blanket and a book.”
“I’m choosing peace over perfection as the season picks up.”
“I’m letting myself enjoy cozy mysteries guilt-free.”
These little statements shift your focus from “just getting through the day” to “enjoying the life I’m creating.”

4. A Brain Dump for Mental Clarity
Before you dive into the day, take two minutes to jot down every stray thought: the lightbulb that needs changing, the text you owe your sister, the idea for a fall book club theme.

Then quickly sort them:

Do it today
Schedule it
Delegate it
Delete it
This way, your brain is free to actually be present when you sit down with your favorite mystery and a mug of tea.

5. One Thing You’re Letting Go
Here’s the secret to protecting your cozy: decide what you’re not carrying today.

Maybe it’s:

The pressure to keep the house Pinterest-perfect before company comes
The guilt of spending an hour reading instead of folding laundry
The voice that says rest isn’t productive
Write it down, release it, and give yourself permission to focus on what matters — family, peace, and yes, that next chapter.

✨ Your morning planning doesn’t have to be long or complicated. With just a few minutes and these five bookish habits, you can step into your day with more clarity, more calm, and more space for the cozy life you love.

Because the truth is — life will always be busy. But the stories we read, the little rituals we keep, and the intentional choices we make? That’s what turns ordinary days into something worth savoring.

So brew your coffee, grab your planner, and save yourself a page for books and joy.

You can grab a free reader planner here.

xoxo,
Tonya