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Holiday Cheese and Capers: A Cozy Fantasy Holiday Adventure with Found Family, Magic, Romance & Charcuterie
✨
The Love Boat
meets
The Grinch
... with Charcuterie ✨
Minerva and Zephyr thought a holiday cheese cruise would be a relaxing way to celebrate their first Yule as newlyweds. But when their passion for perfect pairings collides with their love of meddling, they discover they're naturals at matchmaking, too.
The Celestine Queen is carrying more than passengers seeking the perfect Parmesan on its magical tour through Europe's most enchanting fromageries. It's carrying secrets. Who is the mysterious "Culture Vulture" sabotaging treasured Yule traditions? And why?
Former agents Bayard and Exandra have spent ninety years perfecting the art of hiding their feelings for each other. She blames herself for the accident that ended his work in the field. He's convinced a bold, strong, giantess could never love a broken, bookish man. They're both wrong, but too stubborn to admit it.
But actions speak louder than curds.
As Yule approaches and secrets multiply faster than Penicillium roqueforti, catching the Culture Vulture will require help from one determined mouse shifter, her wizard husband, a lovesick intern, an ambitious blogger, a host of eccentric cheesemakers, and Fred—the empathetic duck familiar who really gets it.
Sometimes the best way to catch a saboteur is to brie one yourself.
A delicious tale of late-blooming love, letting go of guilt, and discovering that the best things in life, like the finest cheeses, are always worth the wait.
Features cheese heists, escape rooms, goat yoga gone wrong, grumpy dwarves, and holiday book exchanges.
An homage to fromage and second chances.
Minerva and Zephyr thought a holiday cheese cruise would be a relaxing way to celebrate their first Yule as newlyweds. But when their passion for perfect pairings collides with their love of meddling, they discover they're naturals at matchmaking, too.
The Celestine Queen is carrying more than passengers seeking the perfect Parmesan on its magical tour through Europe's most enchanting fromageries. It's carrying secrets. Who is the mysterious "Culture Vulture" sabotaging treasured Yule traditions? And why?
Former agents Bayard and Exandra have spent ninety years perfecting the art of hiding their feelings for each other. She blames herself for the accident that ended his work in the field. He's convinced a bold, strong, giantess could never love a broken, bookish man. They're both wrong, but too stubborn to admit it.
But actions speak louder than curds.
As Yule approaches and secrets multiply faster than Penicillium roqueforti, catching the Culture Vulture will require help from one determined mouse shifter, her wizard husband, a lovesick intern, an ambitious blogger, a host of eccentric cheesemakers, and Fred—the empathetic duck familiar who really gets it.
Sometimes the best way to catch a saboteur is to brie one yourself.
A delicious tale of late-blooming love, letting go of guilt, and discovering that the best things in life, like the finest cheeses, are always worth the wait.
Features cheese heists, escape rooms, goat yoga gone wrong, grumpy dwarves, and holiday book exchanges.
An homage to fromage and second chances.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
54 people are currently reading
1841 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Blume
18 books136 followersCiara is an award-winning author, designer, and certified naturalist who creates uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical fiction.
Living on the picturesque California coast, she draws inspiration from nature and her wild imagination.
A mother of four with a taste for travel and adventure, she is also a devoted (if overly ambitious) crafter.
When not immersed in writing, she enjoys trading adorable pet photos - especially when procrastinating on a deadline.
For more information and news about Ciara’s upcoming releases, visit her website at www.ciarablume.com or follow @ciarablumeauthor on instagram, tiktok and facebook.
Living on the picturesque California coast, she draws inspiration from nature and her wild imagination.
A mother of four with a taste for travel and adventure, she is also a devoted (if overly ambitious) crafter.
When not immersed in writing, she enjoys trading adorable pet photos - especially when procrastinating on a deadline.
For more information and news about Ciara’s upcoming releases, visit her website at www.ciarablume.com or follow @ciarablumeauthor on instagram, tiktok and facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 19, 2025
I don’t even like cheese, but if I were a cheese lover, this book would’ve been an absolute dream come true. The way Ciara Blume writes about different cheeses—and the magical techniques that make them so special—was unexpectedly fascinating and genuinely fun to read.
Beyond the cheese magic, the story is packed with charm. The different love stories woven throughout the book are sweet, heartfelt, and varied enough to keep things interesting. There are also plenty of funny moments that had me laughing out loud.
But my absolute favorite part? Fred, the duck. As Bayard Fontaine’s familiar, he steals the show every time he’s on the page, adding so much personality and humor to the story.
Overall, Holiday Cheese and Capers is a cozy, whimsical, holiday treat. If you’re looking for something warm, romantic, and delightfully magical, this one is easy to recommend—cheese-lover or not!
Beyond the cheese magic, the story is packed with charm. The different love stories woven throughout the book are sweet, heartfelt, and varied enough to keep things interesting. There are also plenty of funny moments that had me laughing out loud.
But my absolute favorite part? Fred, the duck. As Bayard Fontaine’s familiar, he steals the show every time he’s on the page, adding so much personality and humor to the story.
Overall, Holiday Cheese and Capers is a cozy, whimsical, holiday treat. If you’re looking for something warm, romantic, and delightfully magical, this one is easy to recommend—cheese-lover or not!
December 2, 2025
A delightful shipboard cruise and romp through Europe’s cheese centers. Fun, informative, and full of characters who are relatable and likable. I first met Minerva and Zephyr inside the Mudpuddle Bookshop and Café in the author’s The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic (2024) and was excited to learn more of their backstory in this work.
The story includes new relationships forged, old relationships revisited, and a sweet story that is none the less satisfying for our anticipation of its ending. Ciara Blume has given us a holiday tale that warms the heart and is perfect for the season!
Recommended!
The story includes new relationships forged, old relationships revisited, and a sweet story that is none the less satisfying for our anticipation of its ending. Ciara Blume has given us a holiday tale that warms the heart and is perfect for the season!
Recommended!
December 24, 2025
This book is a hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly charming holiday read. Minerva and Zephyr’s magical cheese cruise is full of romance, chaos, and quirky adventures—from cheese heists to goat yoga gone wrong.
The slow-burn romance between Bayard and Exandra is sweet and satisfying, and the supporting cast—including Fred the duck—is unforgettable. The plot is fast-paced, funny, and full of surprises, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
A cozy, whimsical story about second chances, love, and the joy of the little things—perfect for holiday reading.
November 9, 2025
This was such a light, fun read! Full of absolutely delightful and cheesy puns (like.. for real.. there's a lot of cheese). I don't think I've ever read a book set on a cruise before, but this one absolutely did not disappoint! If you're looking for a fun holiday read that doesn't take itself too seriously, this book is perfect for that!
November 12, 2025
A delightful companion to the Natural Magic series. I always find stories where the main characters have missed out on years together to be bittersweet, but in this one Zephyr and Minerva are certainly living it up and making sure everyone else is too! What a fun premise- a cheese cruise! It made me hungry and now I need to go to the store.
November 19, 2025
🧀 A cute and cheesy holiday spin off from the Mudpuddle series
🧀 This cozy fantasy romance was full of witches, meddling pensioners, love denied, and new blooming romances.
🧀 The Fromagerie tours as a cheese lover were interesting and informative.
🧀 I craved crackers and cheese throughout the whole story 🤣
🧀 This cozy fantasy romance was full of witches, meddling pensioners, love denied, and new blooming romances.
🧀 The Fromagerie tours as a cheese lover were interesting and informative.
🧀 I craved crackers and cheese throughout the whole story 🤣
November 15, 2025
Holiday Cheese and Capers is a fun, "cheesy" holiday read. Solve the mystery of the Culture Vulture and find love in the process! Ciara Blume writes with wit and has great characters. I loved this holiday romance!
November 18, 2025
Nice cheesy cozy Christmas (YULE) tale to get you in the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, greatly increased my cheese consumption during reading. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Loved the characters, novel idea, and I'd like to see more themed mystery cruises from Ciara in the future (fingers crossed!)
Loved the characters, novel idea, and I'd like to see more themed mystery cruises from Ciara in the future (fingers crossed!)
December 21, 2025
Cute and Fun
This is a fun and interesting read. Witches and wizards on a fun trip to cheese makers in Europe. And a bit of intrigue, some love happenings. The book is cute and well worth the read.
This is a fun and interesting read. Witches and wizards on a fun trip to cheese makers in Europe. And a bit of intrigue, some love happenings. The book is cute and well worth the read.
December 11, 2025
Magical
I am craving cheese after reading this book. It has a fun storyline, A bit of magic and lots of love. And Fred the duck.
I am craving cheese after reading this book. It has a fun storyline, A bit of magic and lots of love. And Fred the duck.
December 16, 2025
A cute, feel-good Christmas story focusing on old and new characters in this series.
December 21, 2025
Totally delightful holiday adventure featuring Minerva and Zephyr alongside friends. It was a great way to continue the Muddlepuddle characters after the series ended with The Magpie Oracle.
January 2, 2026
Cute and cozy, perfect for the holidays!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews