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!