One of the quiet joys of a new reading year is the freedom to begin again — new stories, new voices, and authors I’ve somehow missed until now. For January, I wanted to start my Author Spotlight series with two writers who come highly recommended and feel well-suited to the way I read: one rooted in contemporary romance, the other in thoughtful mystery.

I haven’t read either of these authors yet, which makes this month’s spotlight a little different. This isn’t a look back at favorites or a deep dive into completed series. Instead, it’s an intentional pause — a moment to notice two authors I’m genuinely looking forward to reading and to share a few of the books that will likely be my starting points.

Elsie Silver

Contemporary Romance

Website | Amazon | Goodreads

Elsie Silver is a name I’ve seen again and again in romance circles, particularly among readers who love small-town settings, emotionally grounded relationships, and stories that feel immersive without being overly dramatic. Her work is often described as cozy yet compelling — the kind of romance that’s easy to sink into and hard to rush through.

What draws me to her books is the balance she seems to strike between warmth and tension. Her stories are character-driven, rooted in place, and written with an understanding that romance can be both comforting and quietly transformative.

Books I’m planning to start with:

• Flawless — Often mentioned as an accessible entry point, this book appears to set the tone for her Chestnut Springs series, blending romance with a strong sense of community.
• Heartless — Another frequently recommended title, praised for its emotional depth and memorable characters.

I’m looking forward to discovering whether her stories live up to the reputation they’ve built — and whether they’ll become comfort reads I return to over time.

Louise Penny

Mystery

Website | Amazon | Goodreads

On the mystery side, Louise Penny is a name that carries quiet authority. Known for her long-running series set in the village of Three Pines, her books are often described as thoughtful, atmospheric, and deeply human. These aren’t mysteries driven solely by plot twists; they’re stories that unfold slowly, with as much attention given to people and place as to the crime itself.

That approach is exactly what draws me in. I tend to prefer mysteries that leave room for reflection — stories that linger after the final page rather than racing to a conclusion.

Books I’m planning to start with:

• Still Life — The first book in the Inspector Gamache series and a natural starting point. It introduces the village of Three Pines and the tone Penny is known for.
• A Fatal Grace — Often recommended once readers are settled into the world, this book continues to build on the characters and setting introduced in the first.

I have a feeling these will be the kind of mysteries best read slowly, ideally with a cup of something warm and no rush to reach the end.

Looking Ahead

This month’s spotlight is less about finished opinions and more about anticipation. Both of these authors feel like promising companions for the year ahead — writers whose books I can imagine weaving naturally into my reading life, whether for comfort, curiosity, or quiet escape.

As I begin reading their work, the books I finish will find their place on my Reading Tracker, marked as reviewed, reread, or simply enjoyed for fun. For now, I’m content knowing that January has already given me something valuable: the excitement of discovery.

Here’s to starting the year with new stories waiting to be opened.

To celebrate this month’s Author Spotlight, I’m hosting a small giveaway for readers. One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card to put toward their next read.

Use the entry form below to enter. The giveaway is open through January 31, 2026 at 11:00 PM EST and is open Worldwide.

This giveaway is hosted by Storied Conversation and is not sponsored or administered by Amazon.