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Tales from the Tavern #2.5
Solstice, Spice and Everything Nice
The longest night brings the warmest hearts—and one missing ostrich.
In the cozy village of Wayside, winter has arrived with a dusting of powdered-sugar snow and the promise of the Winter Solstice Festival. Lira can already smell the cinnamon and cardamom wafting from her kitchen as she prepares spiced shortbread and other treats to celebrate the return of the light. But when a fussy ostrich goes missing during the celebration, the village rallies to bring him home.
Between search parties and baking, hot chai and heartfelt conversations by the fire, Lira is reminded that Wayside isn't just a village—it's a family. From the tireless halfling baker to the protective orc who holds her hand through winter mornings, everyone here has found a place to belong. And on the longest night of the year, that belonging shines brighter than any solstice bonfire.
Perfect for readers who love their fantasy filled with shortbread, sweetness, and the kind of friendships that feel like coming home, this cozy tale will wrap around you like a favorite woolen cardigan. Pour yourself something sweet and hot, settle in by the fire, and let the magic of a snowy winter village remind you what truly matters.
This holiday novella is book 3 in the Tales from the Tavern cozy fantasy series and is best read as part of the series. It includes a recipe in the back of the book!
In the cozy village of Wayside, winter has arrived with a dusting of powdered-sugar snow and the promise of the Winter Solstice Festival. Lira can already smell the cinnamon and cardamom wafting from her kitchen as she prepares spiced shortbread and other treats to celebrate the return of the light. But when a fussy ostrich goes missing during the celebration, the village rallies to bring him home.
Between search parties and baking, hot chai and heartfelt conversations by the fire, Lira is reminded that Wayside isn't just a village—it's a family. From the tireless halfling baker to the protective orc who holds her hand through winter mornings, everyone here has found a place to belong. And on the longest night of the year, that belonging shines brighter than any solstice bonfire.
Perfect for readers who love their fantasy filled with shortbread, sweetness, and the kind of friendships that feel like coming home, this cozy tale will wrap around you like a favorite woolen cardigan. Pour yourself something sweet and hot, settle in by the fire, and let the magic of a snowy winter village remind you what truly matters.
This holiday novella is book 3 in the Tales from the Tavern cozy fantasy series and is best read as part of the series. It includes a recipe in the back of the book!
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 14, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy!
It was so fun to return to the Tusk and Tail Tavern, even for a quick solstice adventure. With entertaining moments and hints at what’s coming next for our group of characters, it was such a joy to read curled up with a mug of chai. I love the family that has formed in these books, and I’ll keep coming back again and again to spend cozy nights with them.
It was so fun to return to the Tusk and Tail Tavern, even for a quick solstice adventure. With entertaining moments and hints at what’s coming next for our group of characters, it was such a joy to read curled up with a mug of chai. I love the family that has formed in these books, and I’ll keep coming back again and again to spend cozy nights with them.
December 16, 2025
can someone explain the recipe at the back of the book? What is the point of yeast being added to the list of shortbread ingredients?
December 19, 2025
4.5 Stars
Cosy and heartwarmingly entertaining! T.L. Stone’s winter themed companion novella was the perfect way kick off my seasonal reading.
The prose is bursting with festive cheer and community spirit, and the hijinks we encounter (involving a certain lavender battle ostrich) was wonderfully entertaining.
But what I loved most was getting to see Lira, Sass and Korl again, and the slight teasing of future events (especially involving Vaskel’s possible romantic prospects) that has me super excited for the next instalment (which I need ASAP!)
Overall, an enjoyable and really quick read (about 50-ish pages) that can easily be finished in a single sitting. Perfect for anyone looking for a cosy, feel good novella to brighten up a cold winter’s evening.
Also thanks to the author for the gifted e-arc.
Cosy and heartwarmingly entertaining! T.L. Stone’s winter themed companion novella was the perfect way kick off my seasonal reading.
The prose is bursting with festive cheer and community spirit, and the hijinks we encounter (involving a certain lavender battle ostrich) was wonderfully entertaining.
But what I loved most was getting to see Lira, Sass and Korl again, and the slight teasing of future events (especially involving Vaskel’s possible romantic prospects) that has me super excited for the next instalment (which I need ASAP!)
Overall, an enjoyable and really quick read (about 50-ish pages) that can easily be finished in a single sitting. Perfect for anyone looking for a cosy, feel good novella to brighten up a cold winter’s evening.
Also thanks to the author for the gifted e-arc.
December 31, 2025
⭐️ 4.25/5. This holiday novella in the Tales from the Tavern cozy fantasy series falls in between books 2 & 3 and offered all the heartfelt and fireside feels I wanted this week. The village is preparing for their Winter Solstice Festival when suddenly Glen the lavender battle ostrich goes missing and the whole town has to pull together to search.
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy series to read in the new year, you have to give this one a try. And don’t wait, because book 3 comes out on 2/6!
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy series to read in the new year, you have to give this one a try. And don’t wait, because book 3 comes out on 2/6!
January 23, 2026
Sweet Solstice celebration
Wayside is busy getting ready for the Solstice Market Fair. Of course it is the first one Lira is there for since her Gran had past and she is a bit sad but also excited. Then there is a disappearance that has everyone searching and Lira fells better because all of her friends step up to help with the search.
Wayside is busy getting ready for the Solstice Market Fair. Of course it is the first one Lira is there for since her Gran had past and she is a bit sad but also excited. Then there is a disappearance that has everyone searching and Lira fells better because all of her friends step up to help with the search.
January 28, 2026
A Magical Tale of a Lavender Ostrich that goes missing.
A fun, filled solstice where Glen the Ostrich goes on his own journey, after drinking too much apple brandy, the cosy adventures never vanish as during the Solstice the Battle Ostrich escapes his harness and goes on a wild journey to Elmshire, the home of the gnomes.
A fun-filled 5-star novella
A fun, filled solstice where Glen the Ostrich goes on his own journey, after drinking too much apple brandy, the cosy adventures never vanish as during the Solstice the Battle Ostrich escapes his harness and goes on a wild journey to Elmshire, the home of the gnomes.
A fun-filled 5-star novella
February 7, 2026
This was a sweet little Holiday Novella following the characters of the two pervious books which are interconnected standalones.
You can read this without reading them, but I would say it will be easier to follow who the characters are if you read the first too.
Its a sweet cosy little story following the mystery of the lost Emu. Low stakes.
You can read this without reading them, but I would say it will be easier to follow who the characters are if you read the first too.
Its a sweet cosy little story following the mystery of the lost Emu. Low stakes.
February 23, 2026
Pushed myself to finish it
Okay, so this book was *lame*. I read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them, but this one lacks any real excitement or surprises or twists. I kept waiting for something to happen, but there was no drama or conflict. What was considered an adventure during their solstice wasn’t even interesting. Just lame. I was relieved when it was over.
Okay, so this book was *lame*. I read the first two books in the series and enjoyed them, but this one lacks any real excitement or surprises or twists. I kept waiting for something to happen, but there was no drama or conflict. What was considered an adventure during their solstice wasn’t even interesting. Just lame. I was relieved when it was over.
December 17, 2025
3.75, No other word for it, a cute little fantasy. Just enough to tide us over until book three. The definitions of " hopepunk" is apparently an ostrich. A lavender ostrich.
And new side characters as well as a great depiction of the Solstice celebration!
And new side characters as well as a great depiction of the Solstice celebration!
January 28, 2026
A fun adventure for Glen the Battle Ostrich, and missing apple brandy, and a journey to Elmshire in a snow storm, and the muscles are in a Waggon and going slow.
Don’t miss this fun adventure for Glen the Lavender Ostrich.
Don’t miss this fun adventure for Glen the Lavender Ostrich.
February 5, 2026
Cute little short story! Very lighthearted.
These books make me feel like I am in middle earth post the destruction of the ring during Aragorn’s reign. The creatures have similar tropes. I say this as a compliment!
These books make me feel like I am in middle earth post the destruction of the ring during Aragorn’s reign. The creatures have similar tropes. I say this as a compliment!
February 24, 2026
"The Winter Solstice Festival hadn't gone exactly as planned, but it has been perfect in its own way."
Oh no! Glen the Battle Ostrich goes missing during the Winter Solstice Festival! But Lira and her team of merry misfits are on it!
Oh no! Glen the Battle Ostrich goes missing during the Winter Solstice Festival! But Lira and her team of merry misfits are on it!
December 12, 2025
I really wish "authors" would stop using AI for their books. It's more than tedious to read the same empty phrases over, and over, and over again.
December 14, 2025
This was a fun little cozy short story full of so much holiday cheer! Add in an intoxicated ostrich, and you have a truly unique story, haha This was a wonderful holiday read!
December 21, 2025
Quirky fun
I love these quirky cosy tales I always feel warm and fuzzy and also I have a big smile on my face a huge 5 stars
I love these quirky cosy tales I always feel warm and fuzzy and also I have a big smile on my face a huge 5 stars
December 31, 2025
This novella takes place after the first 2 books. And just like those it’s heartwarming,cozy, sweet and funny.
It’s a quick read and fun read. With a hilarious twist.
It’s a quick read and fun read. With a hilarious twist.
January 4, 2026
A short cozy read. Read this as a standalone and there was not much character development. It was a decent short story and the best part was Glen the lavender Ostrich.
January 20, 2026
Wonderful book
I love the characters and the warmth of the story. I can picture the story and people as I try to go to sleep.
I love the characters and the warmth of the story. I can picture the story and people as I try to go to sleep.
January 26, 2026
I just adore this series!!!
January 27, 2026
4.5 stars a sweet seasonal read. This novella is set in between the 2nd and 3rd novels in the series and would be a perfect holiday season read.
February 19, 2026
Just not my cup of tea partly because I didn’t realize it was a one off side story and partly because (spoiler alert) this story is mostly just about a drunk ostrich
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2026
Funny and super fast. Lovely refreshing book
April 1, 2026
4.5/5
January 14, 2026
First of all, a HUGE thank you to T. L. Stone for gifting me the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Solstice, Spice, and Everything Nice is a perfectly delicious bite-sized short story for readers looking for a cozy read fit for the holiday season.
This was a fun, quick, and hilarious read. I was so happy to be back in this world with all these lovable characters.
The story takes place after the events of the first two books of the Tales from the Tavern series and before the events of the third book (coming out early 2026)!
However, you don’t necessarily have to read the other books in order to read this one.
Stone's writing is whimsical and stylistic as ever, and I couldn't stop laughing at the thought of the crazy antics of a drunken ostrich.
5⭐️
This is great for readers who love...
🎲 D&D
🥐 Baking
🤏🏻Low Stakes
✨️ Cozy Fantasies
💕 Sweet Romance
Don't forget to check out Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes and Sorcery, Swords, & Scones ( books 1 & 2)!
Solstice, Spice, and Everything Nice is a perfectly delicious bite-sized short story for readers looking for a cozy read fit for the holiday season.
This was a fun, quick, and hilarious read. I was so happy to be back in this world with all these lovable characters.
The story takes place after the events of the first two books of the Tales from the Tavern series and before the events of the third book (coming out early 2026)!
However, you don’t necessarily have to read the other books in order to read this one.
Stone's writing is whimsical and stylistic as ever, and I couldn't stop laughing at the thought of the crazy antics of a drunken ostrich.
5⭐️
This is great for readers who love...
🎲 D&D
🥐 Baking
🤏🏻Low Stakes
✨️ Cozy Fantasies
💕 Sweet Romance
Don't forget to check out Tusks, Tails, & Teacakes and Sorcery, Swords, & Scones ( books 1 & 2)!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews