MAY 01-2026 - Feature | Ashley Hollow

Ashley Hollow

ASHLEY HOLLOW

Fern Valley Cozy Mystery Series

Happy May Day! 🌸🌼

I don't know about you, but May 1st has always felt like such a festive and happy day to me! There is just something about it that feels full of promise and possibility. Maybe it is all that gorgeous spring energy in the air!

May Day has actually been celebrated in one form or another for thousands of years — isn't that amazing? Way back in ancient times the Celtic people celebrated a festival called Beltane on this very day, welcoming the return of the sun's warmth and the abundance of the growing season. It was a time of great joy and community, with bonfires lighting up the night and feasting and celebration all around!

The ancient Romans had their own beautiful May Day tradition as well — they celebrated the lovely Floralia, a festival in honor of Flora, their goddess of flowers. How perfectly fitting for this glorious blooming season!

Fast forward through the centuries and May Day became famous for another beloved tradition — the Maypole! Communities would gather around a tall decorated pole, weaving colorful ribbons in and out as they danced around it in celebration of spring. It is one of those images that just makes you smile, isn't it? 🎀

And then there is the absolutely charming tradition of the May basket — a small basket filled with flowers and sweet treats left secretly on a friend or neighbor's doorstep as a springtime surprise. Oh, how I love that tradition!

Today May Day is also recognized internationally as Workers Day in many countries — a day to honor and celebrate hardworking people everywhere. And on that note — I am so grateful for each and every one of YOU for being such wonderful and loyal readers! You are such a blessing to me!

Now then — are you ready for some wonderful book recommendations? Because do I have a treat for you today! 📚🌷

Love,
Ashley Hollow

Today's FREE Feature:
A MURDER MOST MULCHY

A body in the dahlias, a southern belle with dirt on her hands, and a handsome sheriff who’s more thorns than roses.

Ruby Hartwell knows her way around blooms and backyards, not bodies. But when she stumbles, literally, into a murder scene, her freedom is soon on the line.

Elliot Thatcher, town grump and recent antagonist of Ruby’s, is dead. Now she’s a suspect, and Ruby must find the real killer before she ends up behind bars.

Armed with nothing but stubborn grit, her quirky pals, and a mutt named Moxie, Ruby gets tangled up in a mess of trouble. Everyone has secrets in this small town, and someone is hiding the truth.

Could it be the victim’s estranged ex-wife, Clara, who resented his manipulation and cheating? Then again, there’s Harold Jenkins, resident conspiracy theorist and part-time beekeeper, who had his own personal beef with Elliot. Or perhaps suspicion should fall on Honeybell Crowder, Pinewood’s own local celebrant, whose land disputes with the victim are well known.

With time slipping away, Ruby must uncover the truth and clear her name before the real killer strikes again.

Download your FREE copy!