Cozy Books I Read in July
Featuring three cozy middle grade gems!
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Dear Cozy Reader,
It’s time for my monthly reading round-up—a peek at what I’ve been reading lately and an invitation for you to share the cozy reads you’ve been loving, too!
This July, I was deep in moving mode—decluttering, packing suitcases, and putting things into storage—as my husband and I moved to Portugal! As I write this, we’ve been here for three days. I’m loving it so far and breathing a huge sigh of relief after months and months of planning and packing.
✈️📖If you want to hear about my reading and adventures in Portugal, you can sign up for my new Substack, Reading in Portugal. The first post is coming next week✈️📖
As you can imagine, I haven’t had much time or attention for reading. But I did find myself drawn to middle-grade books, and I ended up finishing three cozy middle-grade novels that fit beautifully into the Sleuth Hero Alien trifecta: cozy mystery, cozy fantasy, and charming sci-fi.
Here’s what I read:
Sisterhood of Sleuths by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (Cozy Mystery)
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill (Cozy Fantasy)
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (Charming Sci-Fi)
Without further ado, here’s what I thought of each one. And of course, I’d love to hear what cozy books you read in July—tell me all about them in the comments!
Warmly,
Emma 🌿
Sisterhood of Sleuths by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Cozy Mystery
Maizy helps her mom at the thrift store they own. One day, a box of vintage Nancy Drew books is left at the door, and tucked inside is a photo of her grandmother with a friend from long ago. But when Maizy shows her grandmother the photo, she denies it’s her. What unfolds is a charming story about Nancy Drew, friendship, and uncovering the truth of the past.
What I loved:
Friendship: I really enjoyed the exploration of friendship in this book. Maizy is at that age when everything is changing, and her friendship with her best friend isn’t quite working anymore. Bertman handles it thoughtfully—and with humor.
The Ending: I won’t spoil it, but the ending landed beautifully and gave me all the feels.
Nancy Drew Nostalgia: I was a huge Nancy Drew fan as a kid, and I loved how Maizy read and talked about the books throughout.
What didn’t work for me:
Slow Pace: The middle dragged a bit, and I considered DNF’ing. But it was the perfect audiobook for packing, and I’m glad I stuck with it—because the ending was so rewarding.
What made it cozy:
Small-town friendships, no violence or dark content, and a hilarious scene involving a lobster costume. Cozy gold.
Verdict: A great choice if you want to dip your toes into middle-grade mysteries—or need a pick for the 2025 Cozy Reading Challenge.
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill
Cozy Fantasy / Graphic Novel
This beautifully illustrated middle-grade graphic novel follows Greta, a blacksmith’s apprentice, who discovers a tea dragon house and ends up learning the art of caring for these gentle, magical creatures. Found family, friendship, and soft, cozy scenes abound.
What I loved:
The Art: Softly drawn illustrations with warm tones and tea steam drifting through the panels—it’s visually stunning.
The Vibe: The entire book radiates warmth.
The Characters: Relationships are the heart of this book. I adored every single character. I’m already on the holds list for book 2!
What didn’t work for me:
Honestly, nothing. It was the perfect low-stress afternoon read. Some readers might say it’s too cozy—but for me, that’s the point.
What made it cozy:
Tea dragons. Yes, small, adorable dragons that grow tea leaves from their antlers. Need I say more?
Verdict: I highly recommend this one if you’re craving peak cozy vibes.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Charming Sci-Fi / Middle Grade Dystopian
This one takes a more serious turn in tone—but still fits as charming sci-fi. I was specifically hunting for a middle-grade sci-fi read and stumbled across this, only to realize it was a sensation when it came out in 2003. (I was 24 then and not reading middle grade!)
The story follows Lina and Doon, two young people living in Ember—a city powered by a failing generator, with a dark sky, no trees, and no idea what lies beyond its dark borders. When they discover a mysterious old document, they must decipher its meaning and find a way forward.
What I loved:
The Mystery: What is Ember? How did it come to be? What does the document reveal? The central mystery—both of the note and of the world—was compelling and kept me turning pages.
The Setting: The details of Ember are vivid. I could see it and feel it through Lina’s eyes.
What didn’t work for me:
Also the Setting: While the writing was strong, I didn’t love being in Ember. It made me long for sunlight, color, and beauty—which, of course, is the point, and it worked!
What made it cozy:
Most sci-fi doesn’t feel cozy—but this had a certain charm. Lina’s love for her city and the daily routines of her job created moments of warmth and connection. There’s no gore or violence, just the quiet urgency of discovery.
Verdict: A great intro to middle-grade sci-fi with mystery and depth. If you’re hesitant about the genre, this is a fantastic starting point.
📚 Currently Reading
Right now, I’m reading Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (Murderbot #3). These books always have a long hold list, but I don’t mind—I like the anticipation! I just downloaded it to my Kobo and I’m excited to dive back in.
Have you read any of these? What cozy books did you read in July?
Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading,
Emma 🌿
Hi there! I’m Emma Veritas, your cozy reading enthusiast. I delight in escaping to small towns filled with endearing characters—and a touch of mystery, dragons, or aliens! When I'm not sharing bookish musings here, you’ll find me crafting fictional tales in my notebooks, spending quality time with my adorable pet bunny, or savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
You might also enjoy my other newsletter, Mystics Reading Society, a welcoming space where books, personal growth, and magic intertwine, nurturing your soul one page at a time. Read the most recent post: Daily Devotional Reading