"A Field Guide to Murder" by by Michelle L. Cullen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building will find plenty to love in Michelle L. Cullen’s engaging mystery, A Field Guide to Murder. The book follows 69-year-old Harry Lancaster and his caregiver, Emma, as they team up to solve a neighbor’s murder.

Harry, a globe-trotting anthropologist and recent widower, is bedridden after a bad fall that left him with a broken hip. His daughter and her family have moved to India, so she hires Emma — a nurse and millennial caregiver — to help him get back on his feet. Harry feels down, believing his glory days are behind him, and he still hasn’t recovered from the death of his wife, despite the well-meaning support of his quaint condominium community.

The plot thickens when one of his neighbors is found dead. Detective Nate Bradford, assigned to the case, rules it an accidental death, but Harry and Emma suspect foul play. As they begin their investigation, Emma also struggles with personal challenges, including a presumptuous fiancé and doubts about her future prospects. As their digging uncovers tidbits about their neighbors, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a murderer.

I enjoyed this debut novel very much. The main protagonists are likeable, and I loved the dynamic between Emma and Harry — their bond felt authentic. I appreciated the fatherly care Harry showed Emma and the way he encouraged her by subtly leaving books with inspiring titles on the table. Emma was caring, too, and I liked seeing her personal growth. At times, I wanted to shake them both for the unnecessary risks they took — I cared that much about them.

The characterization was excellent, bringing each person to life, even the minor ones. The pace was steady, and the writing smooth. The book explores themes of grief, friendship, learning to listen to your heart, doing what’s right for you (not what others think is right), and finding the courage to follow your own path despite external pressures.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely and give it full stars. I didn’t guess the perpetrator’s identity until the very end — the author truly managed to deceive me. The tone strikes a perfect balance between cozy and suspenseful, with touches of humor and heartwarming moments, set against the backdrop of a tight-knit condo community full of shadows. I loved this book and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with heart, humor, and a touch of cozy intrigue.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "A Field Guide to Murder" by by Michelle L. Cullen

"Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett

 

"Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett is a feel-good cozy fantasy revolving around a sentient hotel, an eclectic cast of magical creatures, and a sprinkle of magic. It’s a story about second chances, friendships, and finding a home in the most unexpected places.

Pax Nomen, an ex-soldier, is the manager of the Number Five Wayside Inn and World Travel Hub, the fifth and smallest of six world travel hubs that manage magical travel between worlds. When Number Five Wayside gets stranded on Earth, they need to “reboot” it to keep it going on its magical journey. The guests are non-human, so adding humans to the equation seems like the way to go. However, there’s an ongoing debate about whether to accept them as tenants or use them as a blood sacrifice.

Here enters Josie LaChusia, a single mother dealing with debt, parenting doubts, and nosy in-laws. When she sees an ad offering a flat at a low rate, it seems like it was sent from heaven. Pax needs a new guest to restart his hotel, and Josie needs a new place to restart her life — it seems like the perfect fit. Little did she know she’d be living alongside eccentric tenants, including faeries, gargoyles, a vampire, vegetarian zombies, a gnome with a bad attitude and plumbing problems, and other beings. The guests vow not to kill each other while inside the walls of the Wayside, but it seems trouble is just around the corner.

Shenanigans, romance, and humor make for an entertaining read. The eccentric characters were adorable — well, most of them were. Josie was too polite for her own good, had low self-esteem, and lacked a backbone. I liked the developments she went through, and the way she learned to answer back. Her taste in books may be questionable, but her instincts are good. She is a good mom despite fearing otherwise.

Pax is sweet and a gentleman, and I liked how the tough soldier was soft inside and respectful toward women. I also really appreciated that he told Josie she deserves a happy ending, as she didn’t believe she deserved one and had trust issues. I also liked that he read comic books and researched superheroes to better understand Amos, Josie’s four-year-old son.

The book explores themes of racism, friendship, found family, social commentary, stability and safety, trust, and the power of love. The slow-burn romance was sweet and touching. It was endearing to read how Pax was tongue-tied when talking to Josie. Building a snowman, having snowball fights, and planting a garden were cute moments. I also liked the way the hotel responded to the residents’ emotions.

I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters. Their wonder at Earth’s customs and attempts to understand them were entertaining. While I appreciated that the plot was set in our reality, I didn’t like the negative wink toward a certain political figure, which showed bias and kind of threw me out of the cozy atmosphere. I also found the pace a bit slow at times, and the open ending left me wanting more closure. These issues kept me from giving it five stars.

That said, I did enjoy the tale. What’s not to like?? It’s a whimsical, heartwarming story full of charm, humor, and a touch of wonder — and I recommend it to fans of cozy fantasy, magic, mischief, and feel-good tales.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett

"Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone is a dark academia YA thriller full of corruption, murder, and intrigue. It follows Eva, a mixed-race Black British girl applying to Oxford, who suddenly gets caught up in a deadly mystery when her best friend is found dead during interview week. I love dark academia and mysteries, so this combination grabbed me right away.

Eva and her best friend George, both state school students, are trying to get into Oxford and are invited for interview week. They decide to put their romance on hold until their places are secured. When they arrive, the controversial statue of Sir H. C. Glanville, who made his fortune through enslavement, stares at them. Because of his donations, the university hesitates to take it down — hypocrisy if I ever saw one.

There are ten candidates but only five spots, and the competition is fierce. “Slay or get slayed” is the ruling slogan. Among the applicants are another mixed-race Black woman, a couple of students from another school, and a group of five misogynistic and racist candidates called the “Reapers,” named after their ultra-exclusive school, Reapington.
 
The plot thickens when George is found dead just a day after they arrive. The detective on the case isn’t very competent, and Eva quickly becomes the main suspect. Being falsely accused — and as the daughter of a well-known police inspector — she decides to investigate the murder herself, both for George’s sake and her own. Posts on OxSlay, a gossipy social media forum just for enrolled Oxford students, add to the mayhem. Thus begins an intense tale of secret societies, hidden truths, and the ruthless side of academia.

Long-buried secrets and uncomfortable truths unravel in the most thrilling way. The book explores themes of racism, rape, entitlement, social hierarchy, an access scheme that falls short of its goals, and classism. The sharp social commentary is right on target. I loved Eva’s clear voice — her directness, her fearlessness in speaking her mind or taking action, and her determination to seek justice at any personal cost. She was too impulsive at times, and some of her actions required a suspension of disbelief, but I rooted for her all the way.

What I really enjoyed was how the author mixed sharp social commentary with a gripping mystery. While the social commentary occasionally overshadowed the mystery, it added depth to the story. Oxford felt real and atmospheric, and the tension kept building with every chapter. Who knew the academic world could be that cutthroat??

Overall, Oxford Blood is thrilling, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, with just the right amount of twists and a solid cast of supporting characters — some more developed than others. I loved the vibes and the hint of romance, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy dark academia YA thrillers with sharp edges and high stakes.

 * Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone

"How to Survive a Fairy Bargain" by Laura J. May

 


















"How to Survive a Fairy Bargain" by Laura J. May is the second book in the Fairies and Familiars series, and just as good. I loved the first book, so I couldn’t wait to dive back into the world of fairies, enchanted realms, and all things magical. The book picks up where its predecessor left off, throwing us straight into the action. In the first book, Theo learned how to summon a fairy. Here, she learns how to survive a bargain with one.

Almost a year has passed since Theo fulfilled her deal with Cecily. Now Cecily’s familiar, she faces new challenges—and a fair share of boredom. Her days are filled with parties, playing her instrument, and adjusting to life in the land of fairies. She misses Kasra, Cecily’s former familiar who is now human and living in the mortal world, and occasionally spies on him in her hedgehog form.

She is as prickly and sharp-tongued as ever, but her harsh edges have softened a bit. She even has Fae friends now—her bandmates. The plot thickens when Theo uncovers her true heritage and, at the same time, realizes a murderer is hell-bent on killing her. Between assassination attempts and a fairy determined to put her into a thousand years of slumber, her plate is full. She must expose the murderer before her time runs out.

Fae bargains, fairy rings, and a goblin named Alby make this a delightful read. Alby is a fantastic addition to the gang—he provides wonderful comic relief, and his devotion is heartwarming. The book is humorous, enjoyable, and whimsical, just like the first one. The story moves at a fast pace—sometimes at the expense of character development. There are also a couple of plot holes—Kasra being one—but they didn't diminish my enjoyment.

The ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of closure. Though this is the second book of the duology, it leaves the door open for another installment. The story is well written in third-person POV, although I sometimes found myself frustrated with Arlys. He is one-dimensional and irritating, especially in his stubbornness to put Theo to sleep. Still, the dialogues between him and Theo are witty and entertaining.

A strong female lead, romance, and interesting plot twists—what more could you ask from a novel? I loved the loyalty of Theo’s friends to her, and admired Theo for returning that loyalty twelvefold and for being willing to risk herself for them. Speaking of wit, I especially enjoyed the wordplay: “a scowl that could launch a thousand complaints”—a clever twist on “the face that launched a thousand ships.”

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, plot holes aside. If you liked the first book, you’ll enjoy this one as well—they have the same charm and vibe. It also works as a standalone, though I recommend starting with book one to appreciate the nuances and better understand where the characters came from. I’d recommend this to fans of fairy-tale retellings, adventure, and anyone who loves a bit of magic in their stories. After reading, you may think twice before striking a bargain with a fairy... If you can even find one.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "How to Survive a Fairy Bargain" by Laura J. May

"For Want Of A Dragon" by Wendy Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Want of a Dragon: Pride and Prejudice meets The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books! Add dragons and a talking caracal, and you’ve got me hooked. Wendy Dayby’s For Want of a Dragon is a sweet, cozy fantasy retelling of Pride and Prejudice, following a dragon groomer who dreams of flying with dragons

Told in first-person POV and present tense, the book follows twenty-six-year-old Livvy Stoud, a human dragon groomer in the mountain village of Eshan, a community of mixed races—mortals, Fae, gnomes, and other magical creatures. Her childhood dream was to ride dragons, but only Fae are allowed to bond with them. A ward placed on its borders keeps the magic manageable for its human denizens. Livvy lives in a cozy cottage with a talking pet caracal named Mr. Bennet—how cool is that?—and her best friend is Marinn, who is a half-Fae, half-human.

Livvy’s luck takes a turn for the better when her village hosts the annual dragon jousting tournament. She agrees to groom the dragons despite her dislike of the contest and its professional riders, as she needs the fees to pay for her ailing father’s treatment. Along the way, she meets several riders, including the amiable Thaddeus Cedar and his aloof friend Asher. Livvy’s prejudices toward the riders clash with the pride of the Fae, creating several entertaining moments, with a dash of romance.

The atmosphere is charming, with small-village life, quirky Merchants’ Guild meetings, the excitement of the Drakonas Tournament, and even the playful use of 'berries' as a curse word. I especially loved Mr. Bennet, who brought so much humor and personality to the story. I just wish there were more scenes with him

The plot closely mirrors the original tale, with just a few twists. The premise is original—I loved the idea of a dragon groomer and a talking caracal. I also enjoyed the friendship between Livvy and Marinn, and the way they supported and cared for each other. There is some slow-burn romance, which I loved, but there were too few interactions between the love interests, making their romance develop too quickly. Some quotes and scenes, such as the letter written by Asher and Livvy's meeting with his aunt, followed the original too closely at times, making them predictable.

The writing was a bit simple and didn’t flow always smoothly, perhaps due to the present-tense narration. The pacing felt uneven at times, and some sections were repetitive. World-building wasn't developed enough—why can only Fae bond with dragons?—and the Fae lore wasn’t particularly original. There were also a few plot inconsistencies, such as Asher’s father being mentioned as deceased in one instance and alive in another. On the positive side, I loved the concept of the book, and the different characteristics of the dragons and their variety.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Fine-tuning the writing and plot would make it stronger. I loved the ending, though an epilogue would have been appreciated. Still, the story is sweet and enjoyable, so I rate it 3.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to 4. If you’re looking for a sweet, feel-good read with dragons, cozy village charm, and a touch of slow-burn romance, For Want of a Dragon will fit the bill.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "For Want Of A Dragon" by Wendy Day

 

"The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole is an exciting locked-room thriller at sea—two of my favorite tropes—following a group of friends haunted by their past. Told in first-person POV from Palmer’s perspective, the story quickly turns dark: a storm, deaths, and a long-buried secret transform what begins as a luxurious cruise for four friends into a deadly ordeal.

Five friends went on a rafting trip twenty years ago during their senior year. Only four returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found, which impacted all their lives. In the present day, Palmer—struggling with a broken marriage and the only one with kids—joins her best friend Beth, a newly appointed university president, and home renovator Emma on a voyage. They are invited by former friend, mega-influencer Gigi, to an all-expenses-paid trip along the Pacific Coast in remembrance of Courtney.

The plot thickens when a storm hits, the captain goes missing, and a mysterious note accuses them of murdering Courtney. As events unfold, it becomes clear that Courtney wasn’t so pure of heart—she could be cruel at times. In fact, each of the gang has a secret and a reason to want her dead. Then someone disappears, and it’s only the beginning. What was supposed to be a relaxing cruise turns into a fight for their lives. Palmer must navigate a rocky sea of secrets and lies if she wants to make it out alive.

The book was thoroughly absorbing and kept me hooked from start to finish. The trope is familiar, but the execution is compelling, and the writing is smooth and atmospheric. The pace starts off slow but quickly accelerates, maintaining suspense throughout. The transitions between timelines are seamless. None of the characters are very likeable—each behaved badly at some point—but I was still invested in their fate, at least in some of them.

The storytelling is intense: full of tension, unease, claustrophobia, and atmosphere. I could feel the rocking of the ship during the storm, the claustrophobic vibes, and the fear. The group dynamic was well drawn, with all the drama, fighting, and high emotions. I couldn't understand why the characters let Courtney step on them in their youth without breaking free, though.

It’s a book about image, influence, guilty secrets, infidelity, revenge, and lies. In the end, every lie comes to light, and no one can escape their past. One minor issue I noticed: Courtney’s diary mentions a traitor, but the identity is never revealed.

Overall, I enjoyed the story immensely. I didn’t guess who was behind all the incidents, which is a good thing. I rated the book 4.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to 5. It’s a light read, but sometimes that’s exactly what we need to breathe between heavier books. I recommend it to fans of atmospheric, suspenseful locked-room thrillers at sea, or anyone who enjoys a story where secrets from the past refuse to stay buried.
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole

 

"Snake-Eater" by T. Kingfisher

 

I’ve read several of T. Kingfisher’s books and am always enchanted by her storytelling, so I couldn’t wait to dive into her latest release. Snake-Eater is a stand-alone cozy-horror fantasy that leans more cozy than horror—and I loved every minute of it.

The story follows Selena, a 30-year-old socially awkward woman with anxiety and prepared scripts, who is trying to escape her past and rebuild her life. Fleeing a gaslighting partner, she travels to the remote desert town of Quartz, hoping to reunite with her estranged Aunt Amelia. Instead, she discovers that her aunt passed away a year earlier. With no money, no prospects, and only her dog Copper for company, she feels lost.

To her surprise, the inhabitants of Quartz Creek are very welcoming and offer her a place to stay at her aunt’s house. She reluctantly accepts, intending to stay only for a day or two, but gradually slips into a routine: tending her garden, rescuing scorpions, and enjoying both the desert and the warmth of the community. The plot thickens as she finds herself haunted by disturbing apparitions, uncanny visitations, and one very angry roadrunner. The mix of folklore, ancient desert gods, rogue spirits, eccentric townsfolk, and a lingering sense of menace all play their part in this unforgettable read.

I enjoyed the book immensely. I loved the atmosphere, the folklore, the small-community feel, and the overall vibe. The character interactions were delightful—the quirks of Grandma Billy, the kindness of Father Aguirre, and the quiet support of Jenny, who somehow manages to be mayor, postmistress, fire marshal, and chief of police all in one.

The novel explores themes of gaslighting, found family, acceptance, self-worth, the risks of unconditional love, personal growth, and the search for belonging. Home is where your heart is takes on special meaning here. The writing is smooth and easy to read, making it effortless to lose yourself in the story. The pacing is slow, but never dull; not once did I find myself bored.

There is no romance in the story, but friendship plays a strong role. I loved the dynamics between the characters, the humor, and the bond between Selena and her dog. The yellow god-dog was another favorite of mine. I also loved the twist involving the convergent-evolution pig, the significance of names, and the way one small act of kindness paid off later in the plot.

I especially appreciated the reimagining of roadrunners. Usually, I picture them as the Disney version, but these birds are real—and not all of them benevolent. Even the villain of the piece, the Snake-Eater, isn’t entirely evil; he’s lonely and doesn’t understand human concepts. Well, he is a bird… Just don’t accept rattlesnakes from his kind, and you’ll be fine...

All in all, I found Snake-Eater to be a rich and immersive read—quirky, atmospheric, unsettling, and heartwarming at the same time. I highly recommend it to fans of T. Kingfisher and anyone who enjoys found family, cozy fantasy, and light horror. After reading it, you’ll never look at roadrunners—or rattlesnakes—the same way again...

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "Snake-Eater" by T. Kingfisher

"Ember Eternal" by Chloe Neill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I read a lot of romantasy, and Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill might just be one of the best. I couldn’t stop reading and fell in love with the protagonists from the very first page. A thief, a prince, and a bodyguard meet in the market—sounds like the start of a joke, right?? But it’s anything but. This is a beautifully crafted story, full of magic, humor, and adventure.

Fox is a 20-year-old thief with morals. Like Robin Hood, she only steals from those who can afford it. She can see ghosts and tries to stay under the radar, as being unnoticed helps her stay alive. She lives in the stronghold of Westergate in Carethia (the country is divided into four sections), and she and her best friend Wren are indentured servants to an unscrupulous wealthy woman who forces them to do odd jobs—even steal—to pay off their debts.

An assassination attempt in the market on the newly arriving prince forces her hand and violates her rule to stay under the radar. She is thrust into a world of palace intrigue, magic, and romance. Together with her friends Wren and Luna—a spirit guardian—and allies Nik and Galen, they have to prevent assassination attempts and betrayal and stop the evildoer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

I enjoyed this book very much. It’s a highly entertaining fantasy filled with rich world-building, vivid and original characters, and a unique magical setting. The history of the world is fascinating: there are three realms—Terra, the world of mortals; Aetheric, the world of spirits/anima; and Oblivion, the place of final death. And there are Gods. With themes of loss, loyalty, friendship, hope, trust, love, found family, bravery, and following one's beliefs, the author has scripted a tale that I loved to read.

I loved the courage, determination, and morals of Fox, the way she cared for others and wanted to improve their lot. She is caught between her dreams of freedom and love and has to make the right choice for herself. I adored the loyalty of Wren and Galen, the prince's values and his willingness to improve the lives of his people and be a better ruler than his predecessors or his father, the relationships and interactions of the characters, the writing, and the twists. In fact, I loved everything about this book!

There are a few F words. As the story is set in a sort of Middle Ages–style world, the curses felt a bit out of place. Also, the identity of the prince was kept secret at the beginning, but in a couple of places he was called "the prince" instead of his assumed name, even though his identity hadn’t yet been revealed. But those are just small wrinkles that can easily be ironed out.

While the romance takes a backseat to the plot, the charm and wit of this story make every moment a delight. Oh, and there are a couple of steamy scenes. This is the first book in what promises to be a very exciting series. The author tied up most loose ends but left a few threads to continue in the next book. I can't wait to read it! Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, magic, slow-burn romance, scruples, and thieves with honor—and a heart of gold.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Ember Eternal" by Chloe Neill

"The Haunting of Emily Grace" by Elena Taylor

 

The Haunting of Emily Grace by Elena Taylor is a suspense novel with shades of Rebecca and underlying themes of grief, isolation, and psychological dread. Written in first-person POV, it follows a grieving woman with a water phobia who takes a job on an isolated island and must come to terms with ghosts both past and present. That said, it isn’t a traditional ghost story—the heroine is haunted more by her own past and present than by spirits.

Emily Grace is a carpenter (a refreshing choice of profession) hired to finish work on a mansion called the End of the World—a fitting name—on the secluded island of Monk’s Rock, surrounded by a harsh, unforgiving sea. The home was commissioned by millionaire Cameron and designed by his wife, Katrina, who vanished in a sailing accident and is presumed dead.

Locals whisper that the house is cursed, but Emily isn’t deterred—the job is her lifeline. She befriends the clairvoyant Juniper and Adrian, the ferry’s first mate, yet unsettling events soon follow: wet footprints outside her door, vague noises, ghostly whispers through the forest, and a specter in the window. The arrival of Chloe, Cameron’s estranged daughter, and a series of accidents and stormy nights deepen the tension. Unsure whom to trust, Emily is determined to uncover the truth, even at great risk.

Atmospheric and haunting, the book was intriguing to read from start to finish. The writing is evocative, bringing the cold, eerie setting vividly to life. It moves slowly, but I found it enjoyable—the isolated island was the perfect stage for the story’s suspenseful vibes. There’s a slow-burn romance, but it takes a definite backseat to the plot. Readers who prefer fast-paced thrillers may need patience, but those who enjoy immersive, slow-building suspense will appreciate it.

I admired Emily’s resilience as she worked through grief and fear of the sea, and I appreciated the message that we don’t simply overcome loss—we learn to live with it. Chloe, on the other hand, was irritating, though her presence kept the intrigue. I especially enjoyed the uncertainty around which character could be trusted, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.

The remote setting, gothic atmosphere, and the mystery of the missing woman all gave me strong Rebecca vibes—a book that has long been a favorite of mine. While the conclusion tied up the loose ends, it felt a little rushed, with the final chapter leaning more on telling than showing. Still, I enjoyed the book, slow parts and all, and would recommend it to fans of atmospheric suspense. Just go in with an open mind and don’t expect a ghost story per se.

 * Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more details about the book: "The Haunting of Emily Grace" by Elena Taylor

"Books & Bewitchment" by Isla Jewell

 

Enchanting, cozy, and full of magic—Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell is a captivating first book in the Arcadia Falls series. This cozy witchy romcom follows a young woman’s life-changing journey—one of unfailing hope and friendship—where magic rules and ghosts abide.

Rhea Wolfe’s life is nothing to write home about. She lives in a small Alabama city, has a dead-end job, two dependent and demanding younger sisters, an ex who won’t stop proposing, and his brother, a cop who gives her tickets just because he can. Oh, and she has a pet parrot who loves musicals.

Her life takes a turn when her estranged grandmother dies, leaving her everything. After being fired, she uproots her life and moves to Arcadia Falls—the town her mother made her swear never to set foot in. There, she discovers a charming town, rundown properties, ghosts, witches, and her own magic.

With the help of handsome handyman Hunter Blakely—the grandson of her grandmother’s sworn enemy in witchcraft—she works to turn a shabby small-town video store into the bookshop of her dreams, while uncovering why some residents hated her grandmother so passionately.

I was captivated by the book and enjoyed it immensely. This was the most pleasurable read I’ve had in ages—brilliant characters, magical world-building, and loads of magic. Eccentric townsfolk, self-discovery, found family, slow-burn romance, and a parrot all contributed to a feel-good delight. And don’t forget the ghosts, poltergeists, and wild turkeys (straight out of a Hitchcock movie) thrown into the bargain.

The banter between the characters was a joy, as were humor, the bookish references, and the cozy small-town setting where everyone knows everyone and often helps each other out. Rhea’s sisters were a bit annoying; as the eldest, Rhea was the smart, dependable one who always handled the difficult tasks no one else wanted to do. It sometimes felt like her sisters leaned on her too much. They didn’t stand out much in the story, but perhaps we’ll get their arcs in future books.

There is a slow-burn romance, but it’s more of a subplot. The real focus is on Rhea’s growth, with themes of friendship, family, love, second chances, betrayal, and forgiveness woven throughout. Rhea’s bookshop is one I’d be thrilled to visit for sure.

I was enchanted by the connection between books and magic, Maggie’s sharp comments that provided comic relief, Doris the cockatoo sidekick, and the quirky residents. All in all, an enchanting fantasy I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. Fans of feel-good, light, cozy fantasy will surely enjoy the book.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Books & Bewitchment" by Isla Jewell