"Such Familiar Magic" by Natasha Ngan

 

"Such Familiar Magic" by Natasha Ngan is a sweet, cozy fantasy following the self-discovery journey of a British-Chinese young witch. It is just the kind of book I love, and I quickly got immersed in its whimsical atmosphere and story.

Laila Chu comes from one of three magical British-Chinese families in the seaside town of Silverwood Cove, each family with their own kind of magic. Her parents immigrated from Malaysia to the UK for a better future. Laila toggles between her work in London and her familial magic duties at home on the weekends, leaving no space for personal relationships and friendship.

When her parents leave for a trip to Malaysia, Laila has to go home for that period to take care of the ancient potion that gives them their power, the family spirits, and their pet turtle. When she accidentally ruins the potion, she has to reconstruct it from scratch. Unfortunately, the only person who can help her is her childhood nemesis, Anthony Lim. The clock is ticking, and she has to gather the ingredients before it is too late. But, hey, no pressure, right??

I enjoyed the book immensely. I loved the family dynamics, the slow-burn romance, and the Chinese mythology. I also enjoyed the little winks to other stories and characters, such as Mulan and Wednesday. The hero compared the heroine to Mulan, and one of the teenage side characters, with her love of the macabre, was a fun wink to Wednesday. I loved the banter between Laila and Anthony and between her and her ancestor spirits. The latter were my favorite side characters. In fact, I loved the whole cast!

Laila is flawed, but that is what makes her human. I appreciated her journey, the way she came to terms with herself and her inheritance and found her place in the community. She compartmentalized herself and almost broke herself in doing so, suffering from panic attacks and burnout. But she grows along the way. Anthony was sweet, strong but vulnerable, kind and soft, and I identified with his loss. I also liked Laila's approach to life and the way she balanced work and life. Laila's mom irritated me at first. She was the stereotypical Asian mother and too strict with her only daughter, but as I got to know her, I understood her more.

The book explores themes of identity, culture, grief, family, community, burnout, and love. I loved the glimpse into the immigrant community, and the message about home, a place where you will always be welcomed no matter what. It also touched on Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), and had LGBTQ+ representation. There were a couple of sex scenes, so consider yourself warned if that bothers you.

Overall, I loved the book and highly recommend it. I liked the connection between memories and ingredients, the magic, and the writing. The pace was slow at times, but there wasn't a dull moment. In fact, it enabled us to get to know the characters and the culture. I recommend the book to fans of feel-good novels that leave you all warm inside, with great characters you can deeply connect with and care about, and magic.

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

* For more details about the book: "Such Familiar Magic" by Natasha Ngan

"Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore" by Emily Krempholtz

 

Cozy fantasy is my niche, and this book ticked all my boxes. "Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore" by Emily Krempholtz is a charming cozy fantasy following a bard and a bandit. I loved the first book in the series, "Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore," and was thrilled to get my hands on the sequel. The book is set in the same world as the first one, but with different players. While the first book focused on Violet and Nathaniel, this one centers around Prudence, Nathaniel's twin sister, and her love interest, Callum, and is told in alternating third-person POVs of the two. Luckily, Bartleby, our favorite murderous sentient pothos, is still in the game.

At 32, Pru decides it's time to leave Dragon's Rest and find her place in the world, hopefully as a renowned bard. Her dream is to play at the royal wedding and become famous. Unbeknownst to her, Bartleby, an ex-villain cursed into a houseplant, has his own reason for joining her: he hopes to find someone who can break his curse. He hides in one of the horses' saddlebags, and Pru lets him accompany her. Her journey gets off to a rocky start when she has to escape a pub after an incident involving a prized goat, with the help of Callum, a charmingly roguish bandit.

Pru encounters Callum again when she comes across him and his partner, Vale, in the middle of a roadside robbery. When she tries to intervene, the ensuing chaos results in her violin being broken. With no way to continue her journey as a bard, she joins the two bandits until they can find a way to replace it. When Callum and Vale reunite with the rest of their group, Pru finds herself swept up in their planned royal heist in the mystical Lune Vault at the palace, no less.

I enjoyed the book very much. The writing was good and immersive. I loved the Robin Hood–esque vibes, the world-building, and the magic involved, including the ability to break curses, illusions that can change appearances, and other magical elements. I also loved the smart wordplay in the chapter headings, such as "Between a Rook and a Bard Place" and "Heist Heist Baby," to name a couple.
  
The characterization is excellent, making each person come to life for me. I love Pru and relate to her need to prove her worth. She was always told she was too much and to dim her light, and I like that she overcame that. Callum is another great character, who has more layers than are apparent at first, hidden under his need to make others happy, sometimes at the expense of his own happiness. I appreciated his concern for the poor and his love for his found family. I thought they didn't give him all the credit he deserves, especially his childhood friend, Vale. Pru is the only one who sees through his mask and tries to peel back all his layers to reach the real him. I loved their banter and interactions. They are attracted to each other but deny their feelings for various reasons, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop into a slow-burn romance.

The book explores themes of forbidden love, found family, imposter syndrome, and the power of believing in oneself. I loved the growth of the characters and their camaraderie. The found-family dynamic was another highlight for me. Among the side characters who make up this motley crew, I especially liked Laina, one of the triplet sisters; Butcher, the baker; Jeph, the dog; and Lady, a winged horse who can communicate through her feelings and memories. I wish there were more scenes with her.

Vale wasn't one of my favorite characters because of the callous way he treated Callum, his patronizing behavior, and condescension. He treated Callum as a child, thinking he knew best what was good for him and making decisions for him. I loved when Callum finally stood up to him, something he had avoided doing so as not to make waves.

Bartleby was the real star of the show. He literally stole the show. He loves knives and stole some at every turn. Well, he was an ex-villain after all. I loved how protective he was of Pru. His caring was shown through acts of kindness, such as carving a flute for her. He found a way to communicate without words, with his leaves, and the author showed it perfectly. I hope the next book, if there is one, will be about him. I would love to know his story. He deserves a story of his own! 

I definitely recommend the book. The pacing dragged a bit in the middle, but I was happy to spend more time with the cast. It is just as good as the first one and can be read on its own, but I recommend reading the first one beforehand to get to know the backstory and appreciate all the little nuances. I loved the book and give it full stars. Fans of cozy fantasy with quirky characters,  sparkling banter, and plenty of adventures will enjoy this one. I know I did! 

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

* For more info about the book:  "Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore" by Emily Krempholtz
 

"Wizards, Heists and Other Ways to Steal a Spellbook" by Meg Pennerson

 

















Katherine Hornsboggle and Imogene Dodge Chrysler are back! Wizards, Heists and Other Ways to Steal a Spellbook by Meg Pennerson is the second installment in the delightful Hornsboggle & Dodge series, where heists, interdimensional cats, and adventure await. I loved the first book and was happy to get back into the charming world of Hornsboggle & Dodge. 

After their last thrilling adventure, Imogene is eager for another heist. When a client hires them to steal the magical Book of Appellations, a book rumored to have the power to determine destiny, she convinces Katherine to take the case. Alas, others are after the book as well. Armed with enchanted knitting needles, a magical map, their wits, and of course their cats, the two set off on yet another exciting heist.

When a gang of deadly criminals realizes they have the book, a pursuit begins. With the criminals after them, Katherine, Imogene, their client, and a new addition to the crew - a ranger named Thorn and his cat - plunge into the Forbidden Woods to seek the help of the old wizard who lives there. What follows is a great adventure full of quirky characters, chaos, and whimsical charm.

This second installment is just as good as the first one, if not even better. It has everything I loved about the first book while also expanding the world and cast. It has the same whimsical vibes, endearing characters, and humor. I loved the interactions between the cats and the bond between the two women. Katherine and Imogene’s dynamic is one of my favorite parts of the series: their banter, the way they complement each other, and their lifelong loyalty make their friendship feel genuine. Their long history shows in small moments, and the cats add plenty of humor and chaos to the story. I also loved the way Mr. Scruffles, the interdimensional cat, tried to educate the client by bringing him dead mice.

The world-building is further developed here. We learn more about the magic, the differences between mags, sorcerers, wizards, and witches, and how magical items work. In addition to beloved returning characters, the author introduces new ones who are just as vivid and well characterized. The small romantic subplot involving two secondary characters added an extra touch of humor without taking over the story.

The book further explores themes of ageism, found family, finding purpose, fate versus free will, cooperation, environmental concerns, and the power of community. I especially liked its message that kindness begets kindness; we need more of that in the world. I also appreciated the reminder that some things are beyond our control, and that there is no shame in asking for help.

Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It was a little slow to start and had a few slower sections, but once the action begins, the pace picked up considerably. And yes, Imogene is still referred to by her family name, though it bothered me less this time around. Despite the moments of danger, this remains a light, whimsical read I loved sinking my teeth into. I’d recommend it to cozy fantasy fans and to readers looking for a feel-good fantasy adventure. Another book seems to be on the cards, and I can’t wait for it.

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

* For more info about the book: "Wizards, Heists and Other Ways to Steal a Spellbook" by Meg Pennerson

"The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance" by Chiara Bullen

 

"The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance" by Chiara Bullen is a feel-good cozy fantasy inspired by Scottish culture and folklore, following a scholar who takes on a quest to prove himself worthy to his peers. And my, what a journey it turns out to be!

Ainsworth Gladsly is an aspiring human scholar with druid-blood lineage who is sent to research the mysteries of Mount Vengeance for his thesis. He stays at the Misnich Inn at the foot of the mountain, run by its innkeeper, Honey, and her staff. He hopes to document the journeys of the adventurers who come to conquer the mountain, and the dragon said to inhabit it.

Alas, none of the adventurers complete their quest. There seems to be a curse on the mountain, and Ainsworth is determined to uncover its secrets while recovering from an abusive relationship. He gradually warms to the charm of the inn and even befriends some of the staff. However, his academic status is on the line unless he finishes his research. Easier said than done.

I enjoyed this sweet, cozy fantasy. After a slow start, both the story and Ainsworth grew on me. I liked Ainsworth’s character development, from entitled and arrogant to more likeable and gentle. Like Honey, I wanted to give him a good shake now and then, and I was glad he finally grew a backbone. I also appreciated that he comes to understand that fulfillment takes many forms, and that there is more to life than status, glory, or the approval of others. One doesn’t need to show off to prove one’s mettle.

I also loved the diverse cast. It made the inn feel lively and full of personality. From a dwarf and an elf to a tortoise-mhith woman, an orc, and a Wildeshifter, the variety made the cast and guests fun to follow. While we don’t get an in-depth view of every character, there’s enough personality to make this such a great cast. We also have LGBTQ+ main characters, which adds to the inclusivity of the story.

The story touches on themes of found family, friendship, love, self-worth, and homecoming, all wrapped in a warm ambience. Last but not least, there is a slow-burn romance, though the focus isn’t on the romance. There is a somewhat stereotypical view of scholars, painting most with the same brush, and I guessed some of the twists, but this didn’t hurt my overall enjoyment. The writing flows smoothly, making it easy to be drawn in. I could see myself visiting the inn and sharing an ale with its inhabitants.

This is a standalone, though another book set in the same world is expected next year, and I eagerly await it. I loved this book, small flaws and all, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy about healing, self-discovery, and character-driven stories. I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5. After all, sometimes a feel-good book is exactly what the doctor ordered.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance" by Chiara Bullen

"Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


"Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe is a charming cozy fantasy following a cursed princess who needs to find her heart's desire to break the curse. I adore cozy fantasy with fuzzy vibes, and this book was really everything I want from a cozy fantasy novel.

Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar doesn't like being a princess. Most girls dream of being princesses. Not she! As a second-born princess, the duties of the royal family — traveling around the kingdom, kissing babies, cutting ribbons — fall on her, and she is tired of it. During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, she enters the local bookstore and unwittingly is cursed to remain there until she unlocks her heart’s desire. But she wonders if it's really that bad. She will have freedom, plenty of books, more reading time, and time to figure out what she wants out of life while running the bookstore and learning to do basic magic. 

Her loyal secretary, Honeyrose, goes back to report to her parents and figure out a solution. Her peace and quiet are soon interrupted by a thieving barn pirate — Bash — cursed with a fear of water, a 15-year-old gothic dracone girl — Sasha — and a procession of princes her parents keep sending in hopes of breaking the curse. Add in Bluecaps (a helpful breed of will-o'-the-wisps who know where each book is located) and an illusioned cat, and the bookstore is anything but quiet. After all, what is a bookstore without a cat?? And I am a dog person, at that.

I loved the book immensely. The world-building may be thin — more info about the magic and the races wouldn't go amiss — but it was enough for me. I enjoyed the quirky characters, the banter between them, the slow-burn romance, the exploration of human nature, found family, family relationships, friendships, angst, freedom, and life choices.

Tanadelle/Tandy was too nice, too accommodating, and eager to please, and I am glad she developed a spine and learned to stand up for herself. I loved that she wasn't the typical damsel in distress needing others to save her. I like that she wasn't spoiled and, with the help of Sasha, turned the bookstore around. She was tied to the store, but was freer there than in her previous life. Honeyrose was also delightful, although she wasn't present in most of the tale.

Her mother really irritated me — the way she loaded all the royal duties on her daughter to the point of breaking, failing to see the effect it had on her. I loved the interactions between Tandy and the pirate. It was sweet that he left something in the store for every item he took. His kleptomaniac tendencies did lead him into trouble occasionally, though. I love that each visiting prince was different — but it was a bit odd that the one princess among them was also referred to as prince of the realm.

I found the ending was a bit abrupt. Not all loose ends were satisfactorily tied up — hopefully a sequel is planned which will tie up those ends. Also, a few practical details felt slightly underdeveloped — there was no bath in the living quarters, and the princess seemed to live solely on turnips. I couldn’t help wondering why she couldn’t at least send for food from the inn. I know, it’s nit-picking, but still...

That said, I absolutely recommend it and give it full stars. The pace is steady, and although the plot is relatively simple, it was well written and engaging. Fans of sweet cozy fantasy will fall in love with the characters and the setting. I know I did! I came for the curse, and stayed for the spell. 

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

* For more info about the book: "Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe

"The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne" by Summer N. England

 

"The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne" by Summer N. England is a charming and spicy sapphic cozy romantasy debut, following a grumpy garden witch and her sunshine bodyguard. The book enchanted me from the first word with its warm, fuzzy atmosphere, catching me hook, line, and sinker.

Clara Thorne lives happily in a cozy cottage in the town of Moss with Warty, her sidekick hedgehog, along with books, writing, and her garden. She has one friend, an orc named Rosie, and prefers to keep to herself. Believed to possess garden magic, she was appointed Town Gardener upon her arrival in Moss at the age of 13 and has lived there ever since. Fast-forward 15 years, and her life takes a turn when the Goddess Eldrene sends her on a seemingly hopeless quest—to travel to the cursed town of Dwindle, which is on the edge of withering, and grow them a garden in a month.

Clara believes the quest is doomed since her powers are weak and don’t exist outside of Moss—or so she thinks. The Goddess appoints her a bodyguard, a warrior named Hesper, who has a crow companion named Edge. The two hit a false note from the moment they meet. Clara dislikes Hesper at first sight, blaming her for all her woes and being openly hostile toward her, so their journey doesn’t start on the right foot. Hesper keeps insisting that Clara has magic, which only further irritates her. Add to that an ancient enemy on their trail, an eclectic cast of characters—nymphs, fae, water nymphs, dryads, dwarves—and magic, and you get one hell of an adventure.

The book had everything I enjoy: a fantasy world with magic, talking animals, enemies to lovers, and a heroine forced out of her comfort zone and placed in situations that test her strength and heart. The whimsical names worked for me, Warty and Edge were delightful, and I enjoyed the friendship between Clara and Rosie, as well as the emotional dynamics between the characters. The novel thoughtfully explores themes of loss, found family, duty, hope, self-growth, believing in yourself, and the power of love.   

This is a highly entertaining cozy fantasy with rich world-building, vivid characters, and a captivating magical setting. The division between major and lesser magic was especially fun—kitchen magic, beauty magic, garden magic, heart magic—and paired nicely with the whimsy of the tale and the banter. I smiled every time Hesper called Clara “princess” and at their comebacks. The chapter-opening quotes were also a nice touch.

I did find Clara to be a bit of a brat. Since she’s almost 30 years old, it didn’t always fit, and she lived up to her name—thorny. She was often whiny and irrational, hating Hesper for no real reason, treating her badly, and refusing to accept certain truths. Because it felt so one-sided, the enemies-to-lovers arc came across as a bit too constructed for the sake of the trope. That said, I still liked her. Hesper, on the other hand, was a delight, and I would love to read more about her past. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book greatly and would happily read more stories set in this world. The writing was top-notch and kept me hooked all the way through. Fans of cozy fantasy, fleshed-out characters, and those who don’t mind spicy sapphic romance and a somewhat forced enemies-to-lovers arc will enjoy this book. I know I did! 

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

* For more info about the book: "The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne" by Summer N. England

 

"Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcett

 

"Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcett is a charming cozy fantasy packed with magic, mischief, a grouchy magician…and an awful lot of cats! This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and I loved it; I’ll definitely be seeking out her other works.

Agnes Aubert, a widow, type-A personality, and ailurophile, runs a cat rescue charity. She’s organized and has lists for everything. Her life’s mission is to save stray cats and find them good homes. When the store she rents is destroyed by a group of warring magicians, she’s forced to find another place to lease. Not an easy task, since most shop owners wouldn’t rent to a business housing cats. The only place willing to take her in is a mysterious shop on Rue des Hirondelles.

Agnes soon learns that her new landlord is using her charity as a front for an illegal magic shop—and he is none other than the world’s most infamous magician, Havelock Renard. A shock to her, as she despises magicians due to the havoc they bring. Havelock is the opposite of her: disorganized, cantankerous, and allergic to cats. Before she knows it, Agnes finds herself entangled in dangerous magical battles, magical intrigue, and even a slow-burn romance. 

I enjoyed the book immensely. I loved the banter and sarcasm between Agnes and Havelock, her relationship with her sister, and above all, her love for cats. The snappy dialogue between the protagonists was a lot of fun. The author blended the real world with the fantasy world beautifully. The characterization is excellent, making each person come to life.
 
The cats feel like extra characters, giving the story a cozy, down-home feel. I’m a dog person, but I fell in love with the cats. I loved their quirks and diverse personalities—especially Majesty and Banshee—and admired the enchanted glowing spiders and the magical oven. I wish I had an oven like that! 

The world-building is fantastic. The spells and explanations of the magical system merge seamlessly with the plot. The story moves at a steady, comforting pace that suits the cozy fantasy atmosphere perfectly.

The book explores themes of family bonds, sibling relationships, loyalty, friendship, and second chances. This book was truly everything I want from a cozy fantasy novel and more—it left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. The author weaves a tale of magic, intrigue, and fun that enchants and delights, hooking you from page one and leaving you wanting more.

The writing is captivating, and the plot is gripping. Brilliant characters, magical world-building, and plenty of adventure—what’s not to like? I loved this story from start to finish; the ending felt satisfying, heartwarming, and exactly what I wanted. Like a contented cat in a patch of sunlight, I turned the last page with a deep purr. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a feel-good story with a dash of danger.

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

* For more info about the book:  "Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcetthtt

"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

"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