A Kingdom of Shadows (Lightseekers, #1): Review

August 24, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: A Kingdome of Shadows

Author: Emily Bain Murphy

Publisher: Waterbrook Children’s

Release Date: March 3, 2026

Pages: 320

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Synopsis:

A band of misfits seek to fight the darkness that’s slowly overcoming their kingdom—the start of a grand adventure series in the tradition of The Chroni

cles of Narnia and the Wingfeather Saga.

The shadows have been overtaking the light, ever since The Great Betrayal. Now, the sun shines increasingly dimmer, it takes more firewood to brighten a room, and the world is growing more desperate and dangerous by the day.

Twelve-year-old orphan Finn survives in this world by being a thief, along with his best friend Adrion and younger sister Lydia. When the three meet a mysterious stranger who claims to know of a lake of light, they set off on an adventure across the kingdom. They discover that Wildfel is a place of great danger and great beauty, where the mist can steal your most precious memories, starlight gathers in waterfalls, spiders spin shimmering webs of glass as deadly as they are dazzling. If they can find this mythical lake of light, it could change the course of their lives, and the kingdom itself.

There are also secrets hiding in the darkness that could change Finn’s very understanding of everything he knows to be true, even about himself—but only if he’s brave enough to step into the light.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Emily Bain Murphy is among my favorite authors, so I had to pick this one up! It is pitched as being similar to the Chronicles of Narnia and The Wingfeather Saga. The Chronicles of Narnia is one of my absolute favorite series, and I would say that the comparison checks. The story is so immersive, and the world building was beautifully detailed. There is also a marvelous adventure, and the characters show tremendous growth through the journey. I also really enjoyed the theme of light vs darkness.

Finn and Lydia are very likable protagonists, along with all of the friends that they meet on their journey.

I’m really excited to continue the series, and I definitely recommend this one!

About the Author:

Emily Bain Murphy is a critically acclaimed author of books for adults and young adults. She was born in Indiana and raised in Hong Kong and Japan. She graduated from Tufts University and has also called Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California home.

Murphy is the author of the YA fantasies The Disappearances, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and Splinters of Scarlet, which received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Bookpage and was nominated for the MASL Truman Readers’ Award. Both are available now from HarperCollins.

Murphy’s adult historical mystery Enchanted Hill is available now from Union Square and Co./Hachette. The Ivory City, a standalone adult historical mystery set at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, will be published in November 2025 from Union Square and Co./Hachette.

Murphys’s debut middle grade fantasy trilogy Lightseekers will be published in March 2026 from WaterBrook Multnomah/Penguin Randomhouse.

Murphy is represented by Peter Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary and Media. She currently lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, three children, and a rescue bunny. Find her online at Instagram @emilybainmurphy and Facebook @emilybainmurphy.

His Reluctant Duchess: The Scandalous Stringhams: Review

August 24, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: His Reluctant Duchess

Author: Samantha Hastings

Publisher: Scribbling Pens

Release Date: February 5, 2026

Pages: 247

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance

Synopsis:

Mantheria, the Duchess of Glastonbury, is recently widowed and has no interest in marrying again. But when her son, Andrew, runs away on an adventure, she turns to her dear friend Sunny, the Duke of Sunderland, for help. Together, they follow the clues to find not only her son but the broken pieces of their hearts.

PRAISE FOR THE SCANDALOUS

“VERDICT [Accidental Courtship with the Earl] Hastings presents a sweet, spirited Regency romance. Full of heartwarming humor, this sixth book to feature a member of the Stringham family can be read as a stand-alone.”—Library Journal

“VERDICT [Debutante with a Dangerous Past] With romance, mystery, and scandal, Hastings’s latest book has it all. Perfect for a quick weekend read and for fans of Regency romance.”—Library Journal

“VERDICT [The Marquess and the Runaway Lady] Combining the Regency season with the runaway woman trope makes for a delightful story.”—Library Journal

Review:

*I received an arc from the author for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I’ve loved all the stories about the Stringham family, so I was absolutely delighted to get Mantheria and Sunny’s story! We’ve had bits and pieces of their story in the other books, but now the focus is on them. His Reluctant Duchess was the perfect ending to what has become a beloved series for me. Samanta Hasting’s books always seem to come to me at the right time too. I needed an uplifting story at the time that I read it. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the rest of the series first.

Mantheria is recently widowed and doesn’t plan on marrying again. Then, she must embark on an adventure with Sunny after her eleven- year- old son, Andrew goes missing. As they follow the clues to find Andrew, they find themselves picking up the broken pieces of their hearts.

If you enjoy second chances, romance, and historical fiction I think you will enjoy this one. I highly recommend!

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

The Sun and the Starmaker: Review

August 22, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: The Sun and the Starmaker

Author: Rachel Griffin

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: February 17, 2026

Pages: 448

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance

Synopsis:

There once was a village so far north that most considered it the top of the world… and in that village, the Sun fell in love with her Starmaker. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches comes a whimsical and sweeping romantic fantasy.

Nestled deep in the snowy mountains of the Lost Range, the small village of Reverie endures on a miracle. Beyond the reach of the Sun, Reverie is dependent upon the magic of the mysterious Starmaker: every morning, he trudges across a vast glacier and pulls in sunlight over the peaks, providing the village with the light it needs to survive.

Aurora Finch grew up on tales of the Starmaker’s magic, never imagining she’d one day meet him. But on the morning of her wedding, a fateful encounter in the frostbitten woods changes everything. The Starmaker senses a powerful magic within her and demands she come study under his guidance. With her newfound abilities tied to the survival of the village, Aurora is swept away to his ice-covered castle at the mountain’s peak.

The Starmaker is as cold and distant as the dark woods, leaving Aurora to explore his enchanted castle with only an immortal rabbit for company. Yet the more she discovers about the sorcerer, the stronger their ruinous attraction grows, pulling her closer to the secrets he refuses to share. A deadly frost approaches, and Aurora must uncover what the Starmaker is hiding before she is left in an endless winter that even the Sun cannot touch.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

The Sun and the Starmaker is an enchanting and whimsical story with a fairytale setting that I absolutely loved! Griffin’s writing is captivating and I could picture the beautiful mountains, woods, and animals so vividly.

I adore Aurora. She is so fiercely loyal to her family and to her village, it is quite admirable. The Starmaker has been used to a solitary lifestyle, so when Aurora comes, the banter between them is fantastic!

LOVED this one and I highly recommend to anyone that enjoys fantasy, romance, and fairytales.

About the Author:

Rachel Griffin writes novels inspired by the magic of the world around her. She is the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of atmospheric, spellbinding books for teens and adults.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Rachel has a deep love of nature, from the mountains to the ocean and all the towering evergreens in between. She adores thunderstorms and hopes more vampires settle down in the area.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her wandering rain-soaked forests, reading by the fire, or drinking copious amounts of coffee and tea. She lives with her husband beneath the moody skies of western Washington.

Rachel is represented by Pete Knapp of Park & Fine Literary and Media. You can find her on Instagram @TimesNewRachel.

Carnival Fantastico: Review

August 22, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Carnival Fantastico

Author: Angela Montoya

Publisher: Joy Revolution

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Pages: 464

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance

Synopsis:

An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that the carnival is more sinister than it appears.

Welcome to the Carnival Fantástico, a spectacle of magic and mischief, and the perfect haven for a runaway. Using her tricks and razor-sharp wit, Esmeralda becomes the carnival’s resident fortune-teller, aiming for the lead role in the Big Top Show. Success would mean freedom from her former employer, the commander of the King’s army.

Ignacio has defected from the army and is on the hunt for evidence of his father’s corruption. But the last thing he expects to find on his father’s trail of lies is the only girl he’s ever loved, spinning false fortunes at a traveling carnival.

Perhaps fortune has thrown them together for a reason. They strike a deal: she’ll help him expose his father if he helps her secure the main act. But old feelings don’t die easily, and the commander’s secret isn’t the only thing they’ll need to confront.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I think this was my first book by Angela Montoya, and I am so excited to have found her! Carnival Fantastico was so atmospheric, magical and full of shenanigans. The setting is one that I love, as I love stories that take place in a circus or carnival. Perfect for fans of romantasy!

Esmeralda and Ignacio were both very likeable protagonists. I am always here for a second chance romance. They had me swooning!

I definitely recommend! If you enjoyed Caraval and The Night Circus, I think you will enjoy this one also.

About the Author:

Angela Montoya lives in Northern California with her family. She is the granddaughter of the celebrated activist and poet laureate Jose Montoya. When she isn’t with her partner, two children, goats, chickens, and dogs, you can find Angela co-hosting Of the Publishing Persuasion.

Maybe This Once (Rock Bottom Love #3): Review

August 22, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Maybe This Once

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Two people end up with more feelings than they bargained for after pursuing a summer fling, in this small-town, opposites-attract romance from Sophie Sullivan.

Charlotte “Charlie” Ashford has worked hard to become her own person. Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, she gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally found his footing. He’s settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is showing a steady profit and seeing its fair share of repeat visitors. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, who he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson seem to have nothing in common more than a growing attraction that neither of them can fight. Trusting each other isn’t easy. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I really enjoy Sophie Sullivan’s books, and this was such a cute addition to the Rock Bottom Love series. This book could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the other books in the series’ first as they are all interconnected. If you enjoy small town, opposites attract, found family, and forced proximity tropes, I think you will enjoy this romance.

Charlie and Greyson are so cute together! They both came to the relationship with a lot of baggage, but I felt that that is what made it work for them. I love also how Charlie fit right in with the family and that Greyson has finally found someone. I had been waiting for his turn!

I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

SOPHIE SULLIVAN is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast. She’s written ten books for St. Martin’s Press, including Ten Rules for Faking It, Can’t Help Falling in Love, and the Rock Bottom Love series. She loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She’s had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford.

The Starlight Menagerie: Review

August 20, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: The Starlight Menagerie

Author: Elaine DeBohun

Publisher: Chariklo Press

Release Date: November 8, 2025

Pages: 373

Genre: Romantasy, Paranormal

Synopis:

The year is 1900. Troilo Visconti, a poetic doctor from Zurich, travels

to the Austrian springs of Bad Ischl to observe a Habsburg archduchess suffering from a case of hysteria. There, on the edge of a lake nestled firmly within the Salzkammergut mountains, he meets Philippa, a tantalizing young woman who bears a striking resemblance to his late wife. The serpent-infested grounds and wallpapered ruby halls of the empress’ tea house breed desire and secrecy, but the closer he grows to the cunning Philippa, the more Visconti is confronted by the ghost of his memory and the ethics of his treatment. Because he, too, is harboring a secret.

He has waited 500 years to find her again.

Review:

*I received an arc from the author for review. All thoughts are my own*

This was such a bewitching story from start to finish! DeBohun’s prose is exquisite, and the yearning and angst between the characters made this a compelling read. It was such a nice change of pace at the time that I read it, as I found it quite unique.

I absolutely love Troilo. He captivated me from the moment he entered the story. His love, devotion and passion to be reunited with his true love made me swoon.

If you like stories that span the centuries, star-crossed lovers, forbidden love and lyrical poetry I think you will enjoy this one. I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Elaine is both and author and astrologer. She also wrote The Threaded Entanglement series.

Graceless Heart: Review

August 20, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Graceless Heart (The Spellbound History Quartet, #1)

Author: Isabel Ibañez

Publisher: Saturday Books

Release Date: January 13, 2026

Pages: 488

Genre: Adult Fantasy, Adult Romance, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

A lush, atmospheric and achingly magical standalone adult fantasy romance set in Renaissance Italy from a #1 New York Times bestselling author.

In 15th-century Volterra, sculptress Ravenna Maffei enters a competition hosted by a secretive, immortal family who offer an invaluable boon to the victor. Desperate to win so she can save her brother, Ravenna reveals a rare magical talent–a dangerous act in a city where magic is forbidden. Her revelation makes her a target, and she is kidnapped by the Luni family and taken to Florence, a city of breathtaking beauty and cutthroat ambition.

There, Ravenna is forced into an impossible task where failure means certain death at the hands of Saturnino dei Luni, the family’s enigmatic and merciless heir. But under his cold reserve hides a vulnerability that draws her closer than she ever intended.

Meanwhile, Ravenna’s forbidden magic does not go unnoticed. The Pope, waging war against Florence, the Medici, and magic itself, has his own interest in her abilities, seeing her as a potential weapon in his ruthless campaign.

As alliances shift and war brews on the horizon, Ravenna must navigate the treacherous line between survival and betrayal, between love and duty. With time running out and her every move watched, the choices she makes will determine the fate of not just her own life, but the fragile balance of magic and power that could unravel Florence itself.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you to Netgalley and Saturday Books for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I love Isabel Ibañez’s writing, so it should have come as no surprise that I would enjoy Graceless Heart. Y’all, I LOVED it! I thought this was a fantastic adult debut, and it is one of my favorite books of the year!

I adored the setting of Renaissance Italy! I could tell that this was well researched, as I felt as though I was drawn back in time, and could picture everything quite vividly. There was a lot of political intrigue, and the Pope and the Medici family are among the cast of characters. Then add in magic, which made it chef’s kiss!

Ravenna is such a strong and fascinating female protagonist. I enjoyed watching her growth throughout the story. The love of her family is one of the things that drives her character the most, and I think that’s great. I would do just about anything for my family. Despite everything she comes up against, she doesn’t stop fighting, and she is truly inspiring. Saturnino gave me some whiplash, but I wound up adoring him.

Overall, this story was just beautiful and I highly recommend it! This is a standalone, but there will be future books set in this world, and I can’t wait for more!

About the Author:

Isabel Ibañez is a USA Today, Indie, Sunday Times, and #1 New York Times bestseller and the author of the Secrets of the Nile duology, Together We Burn, Written in Starlight, and Woven in Moonlight, which is listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time and was a finalist for the William C. Morris award. She is the proud daughter of Bolivian immigrants and has a profound appreciation for history, traveling, and writing stories where her characters are often running for their lives. She currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her family, their adorable golden doodle, and an overwhelming amount of books.

The Swan’s Daughter: Review

August 20, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: The Swan’s Daughter

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Pages: 400

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Retelling

Synopsis:

In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.

To find love is a curse …

Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, teatime on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life but find the courage to chase a life worth living.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books. All thoughts are my own*

When I saw this book go up on Netgalley, I knew I had to request it! I love Roshani Chokshi’s writing.

This book was so fun, and I found myself laughing throughout. It’s a retelling of the ugly duckling story and the atmosphere is simply magical! I love fairytale retellings, and this one did not disappoint.

I really enjoyed Demelza and Aris. Demelza was such a quirky character, and I loved that about her. I felt that she was really unique. Aris is trying to make his own way, and I enjoyed that. The side characters were all very enjoyable as well.

The story’s main focus is not on the romance, but love is still a really strong theme throughout the story.

If you enjoy fairytale retellings, humor and a friends to lovers romance, you will enjoy this one. I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Roshani Chokshi is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestselling series The Star-Touched Queen, The Gilded Wolves and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which Time Magazine named one of the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time. Her adult debut, The Last Tale of The Flower Bride, was a #1 Sunday Times bestseller. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and often draw upon world mythology and folklore. Chokshi is a member of the National Leadership Board for the Michael C. Carlos Museum and lives in Georgia with her husband and their cat whose diabolical plans must regularly be thwarted.

The Ivory City: Review

April 26, 20262 Comments

About the Book:

Title: The Ivory City

Author: Emily Bain Murphy

Publisher: Union Square and Co.

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Synopsis:

THE IVORY CITY is a historical mystery that explores the lush and vibrant St. Louis World’s Fair of 1904, where a miniature city of palaces and pavilions becomes a backdrop for romance, betrayal, and murder.

Grace and Lillie are cousins and have been best friends since birth, despite Grace’s inferior social status. When Lillie invites Grace to the biggest event of the century—the legendary World’s Fair, also known as “The Ivory City”—Grace doesn’t hesitate.

Then: a murder. A young woman at the fair is brutally killed, and suspicion quickly falls on Grace’s cousin Oliver.

Grace has to help prove Oliver innocent before he is jailed and her beloved cousin’s family is ruined forever. And along the way, discover whether the city’s wealthy elite—not least of all Oliver’s handsome, irritable friend Theodore—aren’t quite who they first appeared to be.

Because a killer is still on the loose, and all the glitz, glamor, and magic of the Ivory City is about to become a lot more dangerous to behold.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

The Ivory City was REALLY good! I have read almost all of Emily’s books, so I had to read this one of course. You could tell that this book was well researched and that a lot of love was poured into the story. It’s a murder mystery set at The World’s Fair in St. Louis, featuring all of the glitz and glamour, and a slow burn romance. I instantly felt transported to 1904! I also loved how Emily explored the darker side of the time period, the differences between classes, and some of the inhumane ways that people were treated at the World’s Fair.

The romance was *chefs kiss* I won’t say more, as I don’t want to spoil anything.

I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Murphys’s debut middle grade fantasy trilogy Lightseekers will be published in March 2026 from WaterBrook Multnomah/Penguin Randomhouse.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas: Review

April 23, 2026Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: You Make It Feel Like Christmas

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Release Date: September 23, 2025

Pages: 320

Genre: Christmas, Romance, Holiday

Synopsis:

All bets are off when a single-minded photographer and a professional hockey player are forced to spend a week together on his sister’s Christmas tree farm, perfect for fans of Jenny Holiday and Maggie Knox.

Maisie Smart has a don’t-look-back policy–not on the choice she made to be a photographer (despite her family’s wishes) and not on the one-night stand she had six months ago. Sleeping with someone she barely knew was out of character; sleeping with a professional hockey player who bolted the morning after is a whole new level of embarrassing. Getting invited to spend the week at Tickle Tree Farm with her family this Christmas is a sure way to fill her with holiday spirit. Until the universe throws a Grinch in her festive plans in the form of the one man she hoped to avoid.

Nick King is a mess. After a significant injury lands him on the bench for every game for the rest of the month, he has more time to dwell on the one night stand he can’t get out of his head. With time on his hands, his anxiety hovering, and the holidays around the corner, he figures visiting his sister and nephew at their Christmas tree farm will be a good way to lie low and sort himself out. He’s in for a surprise when it turns out Maisie is staying at his sister’s and his attraction for her hasn’t lessened one bit in the last six months. Apparently, neither has her anger at him for bailing. But Christmas is the time for second chances, and the forced proximity may help Nick and Maisie unwrap feelings neither of them can walk away from twice.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

This was such a fun and festive holiday read! I finished it right after New Year’s, so it was the perfect time for me. If you’re a fan of holiday romances and/or contemporary romances, I think you will enjoy this one. Honestly, this could be read and enjoyed at any time during the year. I also appreciated the anxiety rep that the author handled rather well throughout the story.

Maisie a photographer, and Nick a professional hockey player, had a one-night stand 6 months ago. They haven’t talked to each other since then. Maisie is invited to a Christmas Tree farm to take photographs of the farm and spend the holidays with her family. The owner of the tree farm and inn winds up being the sister of Nick, and they are shocked at seeing each other. They are forced to spend a week together, as they are all there with family for the holidays. Will they get a second chance?

I definitely recommend!