Notes from Ellie · Issue No. 7 · September 1, 2026

Thank You for Twisting With Us

The book that started it all has found more readers than we ever dreamed. This month, we’re celebrating The Peanut Butter Twist, and saying thank you to every one of you who picked it up.

Hello, Dear Reader

When we released The Peanut Butter Twist back in February, we had no idea what to expect. It was our very first book together, the one where Tess opened her bookshop doors, Cocoa left a trail of pawprints to her door, and Maple Ridge came to life. We hoped a few readers would find it. We hoped they’d like it.

You did so much more than that.

By the numbers

• More than 800 reader ratings on Amazon. For a small group of writers and a brand-new series, that number still makes us a little teary.
• A top-20 spot in Amazon’s Cozy Bookstore & Library Mysteries. Seeing Tess and Cocoa on that list, right alongside books we’ve loved for years, has been surreal.
• 4.5 stars on average. Your kind words have carried us through more than one long writing day.

In your words

“This story drew me in from the first page through the last.” StevieB, Amazon review

“The plot was interesting with a number of twists that kept me engaged until the end.” Katie K., Amazon review

Why it means so much

Every rating and review is a reader who took a chance on a new series from a brand-new pen name. Each one helps another reader discover Maple Ridge, too. Reviews are one of the best ways to help authors you love, especially small, independent ones like us.

So if you’ve read The Peanut Butter Twist and haven’t left a rating yet, we’d be so grateful if you would. Even a single sentence makes a difference.

And if you haven’t met Tess and Cocoa yet, there’s never been a better time. Book 2, Paws and Prejudice, and Book 3, Murder at the Pumpkin Patch, are waiting for you when you’re done.

On our shelf this season

P.S. Echo’s second case, Old Tricks, New Trouble, is out now, and Maisie is back in A Stitch Too Far (Tangled Threads, Book 2) on September 8!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
With love,
Ellie (all of us)