About the Book:

Title: Sunbolt (The Sunbolt Chronicles #1)

Author: Intisar Khanani

Publisher: Snow Wings Publishing

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Pages: 153

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Paranormal

Synopsis:

The winding streets and narrow alleys of Karolene hide many secrets, and Hitomi is one of them. Orphaned at a young age, Hitomi has learned to hide her magical aptitude and who her parents really were. Most of all, she must conceal her role in the Shadow League, an underground movement working to undermine the powerful and corrupt Arch Mage Wilhelm Blackflame.

When the League gets word that Blackflame intends to detain—and execute—a leading political family, Hitomi volunteers to help the family escape. But there are more secrets at play than Hitomi’s, and much worse fates than execution. Betrayed and captured along with her charges, it will take everything Hitomi can summon to save them–and herself.

Fans of Robin McKinley and Tamora Pierce will love this action-packed story of one girl fighting monsters both human and not. Pick up Sunbolt now and set off on a high-stakes adventure through the gorgeously diverse world of Intisar Khanani’s Sunbolt Chronicles.

Review:

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

I was so excited to dive into Sunbolt after reading the prequel novella, Shadow Thief. Sunbolt did not disappoint! Intisar Khanani’s writing is beautiful, and she just makes her worlds come alive. There’s a wonderful main character, and we meet some amazing side characters, that really contribute to the story.

Hitomi has grown up on the streets of Karolene. She was orphaned at a young age and has had to hide her magical abilities and who her parents really were. Most of all, she has had to hide her role in the Shadow League, an underground organization that is trying to overthrow the corrupt and very powerful Arch Mage Wilhelm Blackflame.

When the league gets word that Blackflame plans to detain and execute a leading political family, Hitomi volunteers to help on the mission. But there are more secrets at play than Hitomi could have imagined. Betrayed and captured with her charges, it will take more than Hitomi bargained for to save them and save herself.

If you love books with a strong female MC, action, adventure, magic, and folklore, I think you’ll enjoy this one. I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read book two!

About the Author:

Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (Thorn, The Theft of Sunlight), and her indie epic fantasy series, The Sunbolt Chronicles.

To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar’s monthly author newsletter.

---

About the Book:

Title: The Forest Grimm (The Forest Grimm #1)

Author: Kathryn Purdie 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Fairytale Retelling

Synopsis:

Where fairy tales come to life with dark, deadly twists…

“Tell me again, Grandmère, the story of how I die.”

The Midnight Forest. The Fanged Creature. Two fortune-telling cards that spell an untimely death for 17-year-old Clara. Despite the ever-present warning from her fortune-teller grandmother, Clara embarks on a dangerous journey into the deadly Forest Grimm to procure a magical book – Sortes Fortunae , the Book of Fortunes – with the power to reverse the curse on her village and save her mother.

Years ago, when the villagers whispered their deepest desires to the book, its pages revealed how to obtain them. All was well until someone used the book for an evil purpose―to kill another person. Afterward, the branches of the Forest Grimm snatched the book away, the well water in Grimm’s Hollow turned rancid, and the crops died from disease. The villagers tried to make amends with the forest, but every time someone crossed its border, they never returned.

Now, left with no alternative, Clara and her close friend, Axel―who is fated never to be with her―have set their minds to defying fate and daring to accomplish what no one else has been able to before. But the forest―alive with dark, deadly twists on some of our most well-known fairy tales―has a mind of its own.

Review:

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

The Forest Grimm is a YA Fantasy/Fairytale retelling with a dark and mysterious sentient forest, fairytale characters with a twist, romance, strong friendships, family and more. I really enjoyed how Kathryn Purdie turned characters we know and love into something really different and creepy. I will definitely not think of Rapunzel or Cinderella in the same way again! 

Clara Thurn is a seventeen-year-old girl who lives in the village of Grimm’s Hollow with her fortune telling Grand’Mere. Clara knows her cards, The Midnight Forest and The Fanged Creature, which spell her untimely death. Despite her grandmother’s warning, Clara heads into the deadly Forest Grimm on a quest to find Sortes Fortunae, The Book of Fortunes, to reverse the curse on her village and save her mother. 

Before the curse, the pages of Sortes Fortunae would reveal to the villagers how to obtain their deepest desires. All was well, until someone used the book for an evil purpose, to kill another. As punishment, the branches of The Forest Grimm took the book away, the well water in Grimm’s Hollow turned rancid, and the crops began to die from disease. The villagers tried to make amends with the forest, but anytime someone crossed the border, they were never seen or heard from again. 

Now, Clara and her closest friend Axel, who she is fated never to be with, are determined to get into the forest, rescue the villagers, and find Sortes Fortunae. The forest has a mind of its own though and the lost are not the same, and Clara and Axel will face more than they bargained for. 

I definitely recommend this one, which is out now, and I look forward to the sequel! 

About the Author:

Kathryn is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the BURNING GLASS series, the BONE CRIER’S MOON duology, and the forthcoming THE FOREST GRIMM duology (Sept 19, 2023). Her love of storytelling began as a young girl when her dad told her about someone named Boo Radley while they listened to the film score of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Kathryn is a trained classical actress who studied at the Oxford School of Drama. She also writes songs on her guitar for each of her stories and shares them on her website. Kathryn lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children.

Twitter: @kathrynpurdie
Instagram: @kathrynpurdie
TikTok: @kathrynpurdie

About the Book:

Title: Light the Shadows 

Author: Kamea Bella 

Publisher: Bowker

Release Date: August 30, 2023

Pages: 353

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance

Synopsis:

Some secrets refuse to stay buried…

When Lunara receives an Imperial summons to participate in a bridal selection, the consequences could be deadly. Forced into a cut-throat court with her newly found friends, Lunara must guard her secret identity closely or risk being unmasked. She does all she can to discourage the attention of the seven handsome princes during the tournament. Then a letter from home changes everything, and she must win the heart of Prince Artin or Prince Kato. As her enemies close in, Lunara is forced to do one thing she swore she’d never trust someone with the truth. Romance blossoms and tension builds, but their courtship puts her in the cross-hairs of her mother’s murderer. Will history repeat itself? Can she survive the treachery and betrayal of court-life to win the freedom she desperately seeks?

Review:

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

I am so excited that I came across Light the Shadows and author Kamea Bella! I am now a fan, and I am excited to read more from this author. I really enjoyed this standalone set in the Kingdom of Caspirra. There was descriptive world building, and I could vividly picture all of the different provinces in the kingdom, the food, and the beautiful clothing. If you like books with strong female friendships, found family, romance, court intrigue, mystery, positive mental health representation, and POC representation, I think this one is for you! 

Lunara grew up with her adoptive family after her mother was tragically murdered when she was a child. Her family helped her to keep her secret identity hidden and raised her as their own. When Lunara comes of age, she receives an Imperial summons to participate in the bridal selection. Lunara is forced into court with her newly found friends where she must guard her secret identity or risk being unmasked. She does everything that she can to discourage the seven handsome princes that are looking for brides throughout the tournament. Then a letter arrives from home that changes everything, and she must try and win the heart of a Prince. As a romance begins to blossom with one of the princes, she finds herself in the crosshairs of her mother’s murderer. Lunara may have to do the one thing she always vowed she wouldn’t do, and trust someone with the truth in order to win the freedom she desperately seeks. 

Lunara is a very likeable FMC who is smart, brave, and knows how to banter! I really enjoyed the friendships she makes with the other ladies at court and with the princes.

Although this story has a satisfactory ending, I hope that Kamea decides to write more in this world as I feel that there is so much more to explore. I definitely recommend! 

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: Victory Gallop

Author: Sarah Ward

Publisher: Self-published

Release Date: September 5, 2023

Pages: 259

Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary

Synopsis:

Fans of Wonder and Starfish will love this powerful middle grade debut about friendship, competition, and overcoming incredible challenges.

Harper Hayes is just your average horse crazy middle school girl. She loves to spend her free time taking riding lessons, reading about horse breeds, and helping out her coach, Ms. Taylor, on weekends at competitions. She’s made her first real friend since starting at a new private school and Ms. Taylor even offered her horse to Harper to ride at the upcoming fall horse shows. Harper dreams of hearing her name called in first place at a big horse show someday, but the universe hasn’t been on her side.

Harper has panic attacks. Bad ones. And a fellow rider at Harper’s barn just won’t stop bullying her. When Harper’s friend Laney tries to help her with her anxiety, everything falls apart. One wrong decision and Laney decides to walk away, leaving Harper questioning everything. Harper wants nothing more than to prove her worth to herself and her bully and to overcome her panic attacks, but horseback riding is harder than it looks. Can Harper battle her personal struggles and finally make it to the winner’s circle?

Review:

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

A delightful debut for author Sarah Ward! A middle grade story about friendship, horses, hard work and competitions with great anxiety rep. I honestly wish a book like this existed when I was a kid!

Harper Hayes is a middle school girl with a passion for horses. She loves spending all her free time taking horse riding lessons, reading books about horses, and helping her coach, Ms. Taylor at her barn after lessons and on the weekends at competitions. Things are looking up as she finally makes a friend after starting at a new school, and her coach even offered to let her borrow her horse for some of the upcoming fall horse shows. Harper has been dreaming of winning a horse show and hearing her name announced on the loudspeaker, but things have been tough for Harper for a while now and she’s been keeping it to herself.

Harper has been having bad panic attacks, and one of her fellow riders at the barn has been bullying her. Harper’s new friend Laney tries to help her with her anxiety, and things backfire. Harper finds herself alone and begins to question everything. She wants nothing more than to prove that she can succeed for herself and prove her bully wrong, but horseback riding is harder than it looks. Can Harper persevere and win a competition?

Harper was such a likeable main character. I loved her passion for the horses and her willingness to work hard to care for them. I was pleased that Harper had such a supportive family and coach that wanted to help her. I appreciated how coping mechanisms for anxiety and talk therapy were discussed in a positive light.

I definitely recommend! Out today, be sure to add this one to your shelves.

About the Author:

Sarah Ward is an avid equestrian, educator and creative. Victory Gallop is her first novel. Sarah and her husband live in a house run by their dog, Griffey. She obsesses over baseball, hot chocolate, and dragons. You can follow her latest reading, writing and riding endeavors on Instagram at @themagicalreader.

About the Book:

Title: Shadow Thief 

Author: Intisar Khanani 

Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing 

Release Date: August 29, 2023

Pages: 94

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

If a door won’t open, pick the lock.

Hitomi has watched for too long from the alleyways as her adopted homeland slowly suffocates in Archmage Blackflame’s tightening hold. The only group in the island sultanate able to undermine him is an underground resistance known as the Shadow League, and they have little use for an orphan and street thief like Hitomi. But when she learns the Shadow League’s leader has been arrested, Hitomi knows they’ll need every trick she has up her sleeve to get him back—whether they like it or not.

A 25k word prequel novella featuring everyone’s favorite scrappy street thief as she earns her place in the Shadow League. Shadow Thief can be read before or after Sunbolt, as your heart desires. Buy now and set off on a fast-paced adventure featuring found family, traitors, and tea.

Review:

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

I fell in love with Intisar Khanani’s writing when I read The Dauntless Path series, so I jumped at the chance to read this novella that is a prequel to the Sunbolt Chronicles. I have not read the Sunbolt Chronicles yet, but this novella has left me wanting more!

Hitomi has been watching as her adopted homeland has slowly been suffocating under the grip of the Archmage Blackflame. The only group that that has put up any resistance is the underground group known as the Shadow League. Hitomi, a young orphan with magic and a street thief is desperate to feel as though she is doing something to help, but the Shadow League doesn’t seem to want her assistance. When the Shadow League’s leader has been arrested, Hitomi knows that they’ll need every trick that she has learned as a street thief to get him back, whether they want her help or not. 

I quickly grew to love Hitomi and I can’t wait to read more about her in Sunbolt. She wants to help the League from a place of goodness, and I appreciate that about her. She is strong, brave and doesn’t take no for an answer. I was very intrigued by her magic, and I can’t wait to learn more about her powers. I love the friendships that she develops, and I am excited for growth in the next books. 

An action filled prequel that kept me on the edge of my seat, I highly recommend! 

About the Author:

Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.

Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (Thorn, The Theft of Sunlight), and her indie epic fantasy series, The Sunbolt Chronicles.

To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar’s monthly author newsletter.

About the Book:

Title: Find Him Where You Left Him Dead 

Author: Kristen Simmons 

Publisher: Tor Teen

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Pages: 272

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Thriller, YA Paranormal, YA Horror 

Synopsis:

Kristen Simmons’s masterful breakout novel for young adult readers that’s “Jumanji but Japanese-inspired” (Kendare Blake) about estranged friends playing a deadly game in an eerie folkloric underworld.

Four years ago, five kids started a game. Only four survived.

Now, at the end of their senior year of high school, the survivors—Dax, Maddy, Emerson, and Owen—have reunited for one strange and terrible reason: they’ve been summoned by the ghost of Ian, the friend they left for dead.

Together they return to the tunnel where their friendship ended with one goal: find Ian and bring him home. So they restart the deadly game they never finished—an innocent card-matching challenge called Meido. A game without instructions.

As soon as they begin, they’re dragged out of their reality and into an eerie hellscape of Japanese underworlds, more horrifying than even the darkest folktales that Owen’s grandmother told him. There, they meet Shinigami, an old wise woman who explains the rules:

They have one night to complete seven challenges or all of them, Ian included, will be stuck in this world forever.

Once inseparable, the survivors now can’t stand each other, but the challenges demand they work together, think quickly, and make sacrifices—blood, clothes, secrets, memories, and worse.

And once again, not everyone will make it out of Meido alive.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the publisher via Netgalley for review. All thoughts are my own*

This book surprised me in a good way! I thought this story was going to be a thriller, but it wound up being based on Japanese Folklore/Mythology in a Jumanji inspired setting. Fans of YA thrillers, paranormal and mythology will enjoy this one. 

Four years ago, five kids started a game and only four of them made it out alive.

The four survivors, Dax, Maddy, Owen and Emerson have been reunited once again. They have all been summoned by the ghost of their friend Ian who didn’t make it and was left for dead.

Together they return to the cave where it all began with the goal of finding Ian and bringing him home. They restart the matching game, Meido, that they never finished. A game that wound up not having instructions, and not being as innocent as they once thought. 

As soon as they begin the game again, they’re sucked into the Japanese underworld which is more terrifying and horrifying than they could have ever imagined. They meet Shinigami, a wise old woman, who explains to them the rules of the game. They have one night to complete seven challenges, or all of them, including their friend Ian, will be trapped in the game forever. They meet many different mythological creatures and strange animals along their journey.

Although the friends were once besties, they now cannot stand being around each other. The game forces them to work together again and make some hard decisions. Will they all make it out alive?

I think the multiple points of view worked really well in this story as we got to know each of the unique characters. I really grew to care about each and every one of them and found myself rooting for them. 

This story will keep you entertained from start to finish. I thought at first that this was a standalone, but I am under the impression there will be a sequel. I definitely recommend! 

About the Author:

Kristen Simmons is the critically acclaimed young adult author of the dystopian Article 5 trilogy, The Deceivers boarding-school thriller series, and speculative fiction stand-alones, PACIFICA, METALTOWN, and THE GLASS ARROW. She has co-written the magic-wielding, gladiator fantasies, SET FIRE THE GODS and RISE UP FROM THE EMBERS. Next up: FIND HIM WHERE YOU LEFT HIM DEAD, the start of a yōkai horror duology.

Her work has received star reviews, librarian recognitions, and been nominated for the Edgar Award and Anthony Award for best young adult mystery. Several of her titles are included in junior high and high school reading curricula and are used in reluctant reader programs nationwide.

Kristen’s writing is inspired by her work with trauma survivors as a mental health therapist, specializing with soldiers with PTSD and individuals in foster care. She currently lives with her husband and son in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she spins stories, herds a small pack of semi-wild dogs, and teaches Jazzercise.

Follow Kristen on Facebook (Author Kristen Simmons) and Instagram at @kris10writes.

About the Book:

Title: Zhara 

Author: S. Jae-Jones 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Pages: 416

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

Sailor Moon meets Cinder in Guardians of Dawn: Zhara, the start of a new, richly imagined fantasy series from S. Jae-Jones, the New York Times bestselling author of Wintersong.

Magic flickers.
Love flames.
Chaos reigns.

Magic is forbidden throughout the Morning Realms. Magicians are called abomination, and blamed for the plague of monsters that razed the land twenty years before.

Jin Zhara already had enough to worry about—appease her stepmother’s cruel whims, looking after her blind younger sister, and keeping her own magical gifts under control—without having to deal with rumors of monsters re-emerging in the marsh. But when a chance encounter with an easily flustered young man named Han brings her into contact with a secret magical liberation organization called the Guardians of Dawn, Zhara realizes there may be more to these rumors than she thought. A mysterious plague is corrupting the magicians of Zanhei and transforming them into monsters, and the Guardians of Dawn believe a demon is responsible.

In order to restore harmony and bring peace to the world, Zhara must discover the elemental warrior within, lest the balance between order and chaos is lost forever.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own*

This was my first read by S. Jae-Jones and I really enjoyed it! It’s been compared to Sailor Moon meets Cinder and I can totally see why. This is the start of a fun YA fantasy series, and I am excited to see what happens in the next installment and meet more of the guardians. 

Jin Zhara has grown up in a world where magic is forbidden. Magicians are called abominations, and they have been blamed for the plague of monsters that wreaked havoc twenty years ago. She has had a tough upbringing, after losing her father, she’s been trying to appease her stepmother’s cruel whims, and look after her blind younger sister, all while trying to keep her own magic hidden and under control. There have been rumors of monsters reemerging in the marsh on top of everything. 

Jin Zhara has a chance encounter with an easily flustered but handsome young man, Han, who introduces her to a magical liberation organization called the Guardians of Dawn. She soon realizes that there may be more to the rumors than she thought. A mysterious plague has been corrupting the magicians of Zanhei and turning them into monsters and the Guardians think that a demon is responsible. 

Zhara along with her new friends, must find the demon and destroy it and bring balance back to the realm or face chaos. 

I really enjoyed watching Zhara blossom and come into her own. I liked that she never gave up and kept trying to do her best and stay true, as her father had always told her to do. I liked the relationship she develops with Han and their other friends they meet along the way. The magic and folklore were really fascinating parts of the story, and I am excited to learn more in the sequel. 

If you like stories with magic, fantasy and folklore, I think you will enjoy this one. There are some darker elements to this book as well, so reader please be advised. 

About the Author:

S. Jae-Jones, called JJ, is an artist, an adrenaline junkie, and the NYT bestselling author of Wintersong. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she now lives on the wrong coast, where she can’t believe she has to deal with winter every year. When not writing, JJ can be found working toward her next black belt degree in taekwondo, being run ragged by her twin dogs, Castor & Pollux, or indulging in her favorite hobby—collecting more hobbies.

About the Book:

Title: The Witch Is Back 

Author: Sophie H. Morgan 

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: August 15, 2023

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Romance, Adult Paranormal, Adult Fantasy 

Synopsis:

Love is a hex of a thing. Former childhood sweethearts fake a relationship in this charming, witchy romcom.

There’s nothing wrong with being a wallflower. Not to Emmaline Bluewater, anyway. Emma may have been born into witch society, but her days of trying to fit in where she doesn’t belong are over—they ended seven years ago, when the man she’d hoped to marry left town without a word. She’s much happier now, living a delightfully mundane human life in Chicago and running her bar, Toil and Trouble.

Until Bastian Truenote walks through the door and announces that he wants her back.

Bastian had his reasons for leaving—even if he can’t tell Emma what they are. Now, to win Emma’s heart, he’s got to face down an adorably goofy dog familiar, a best friend who’s all too eager to hit him with a carefully aimed hex, and a woman who’s far from the meek witch he remembers.

Magical contracts aren’t easily broken, but as far as Emma’s concerned, not even a marriage of convenience will have her falling under Bastian’s spell again…

Review:

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

A truly magical read, The Witch Is Back is a fun second chance romance by Sophie H. Morgan! If you’re looking for a fun fall read, this one should be on your list. This was my first book by Sophie, and she has definitely gained a new fan in me. 

Emmaline Bluewater was born into witch society, but she’s never felt like she’s belonged. She used to try to fit in, but those days ended when her fiancé left her seven years ago without a word. She was completely devastated and humiliated when he left. She’s happier now, living her mundane life in Chicago running her bar, Toil and Trouble. Everything has been going well, until the handsome Bastian Truenote walks through the door and announces that he wants her back. 

Bastian had reasons for leaving, but he can’t share them with Emma. To win back her heart, he must befriend her dog familiar, a best friend that wants to hex him, and a woman who is far from the meek and mild witch he remembers. 

This marriage of convenience has convinced Emma that she won’t fall for Bastian’s charms again, even if a magical contract is almost impossible to break. 

I really connected with Emmaline who is quite shy and socially awkward. She’s not really fond of social gatherings and doesn’t like being the center of attention. I really enjoyed seeing Bastian and Emma’s relationship blossom from enemies, to friends, and then more. The side characters were also very likeable and gave me lots of laughs.  The villain of the story totally gave me Cinderella’s Evil Stepmother vibes. I’m hoping for more in this world, as it was a lot of fun and I feel like there’s a lot of potential.

If you’re looking for a witchy romcom, definitely pick this one up! I highly recommend. 

About the Author:

Sophie H. Morgan is a romance author, repped by Cole Lanahan. She lives in crazy worlds, some concocted by her, some ruled by her spaniel.

You can usually find her on Instagram (SophiehMorgan), on Twitter (@SophieHMorgan) or through her website.

About the Book:

Title: Debutante With a Dangerous Past 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Release Date: August 22, 2023 

Pages: 288

Genre: Adult Romance, Adult Historical Fiction 

Synopsis:

A rags-to-riches Regency romance

She’s a counterfeit lady

But he’s stolen her heart! After her criminal father is killed, Miss Nancy Black is forced to seek out her estranged aristocratic grandfather. He offers her a new life as a debutante, but only if she stays out of trouble! Easier said than done when she starts to fall for rebellious Lord Matthew Stringham. Can Nancy risk her heart by telling Matthew the truth about her identity before her dangerous past catches up with her?  

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

Review:

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

So happy to read and review another book from Samantha Hastings! She has become one of my go-to authors and I quickly devour her stories. Debutante With a Dangerous Past was an utter delight and I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction and romance. It’s also great for those who like mysteries with a dash of danger as well. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think reading The Marquess and the Runaway Lady first was helpful, as there are characters from that story that are included in this one, and it made it more enjoyable for me. 

Nancy Black had a very tough upbringing. After her criminal father is killed and she has nothing left, she is forced to visit her estranged aristocratic grandfather and blackmail him in order to survive. He offers her a new life as a debutante on the condition that she will stay out of trouble. This is easier said than done, when she starts to fall for the rebellious Lord Matthew Stringham. Will Nancy be able to tell Matthew the truth about her identity and her dangerous past at the risk of her own heart?

I just love Nancy! Despite her tragic upbringing and her vast criminal knowledge, I really admire how she is still such a good person at heart, and she is so smart, sassy, and witty.  I loved meeting Matthew, the younger of the Stringham brothers. His first meet with Nancy was *chefs kiss* and he is such a likeable character. I loved the banter and word sparring between him and Nancy. It was great to see Frederica and other members of the Stringham family again too! Aunt Marianne aka “The Nose” was a pleasant surprise as well.

Debutante With a Dangerous Past it out now, so be sure to pick up a copy! I highly recommend, and I am hopeful that Samantha will continue with more stories from the Stringham family. 

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.

Giveaway Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3109171a6/?

Don’t miss your chance to win at each stop!

8/21 Instagram @larameefox

8/22 Instagram @mommas_book_journal

8/23 Instagram @hiding.in.the.pages

8/24 Instagram @gettingyourreadon

8/25 ashleighsbookshelf.com

8/26 thecleverreader.wordpress.com

8/27 Instagram @emflynnreads

8/28 Instagram @heeyore25

8/29 Instagram @minreads15

8/30 singinglibrarianbooks.com

8/31 Instagram @mara.harvey

About the Book:

Title: Before the Devil Knows You’re Here 

Author: Autumn Krause 

Publisher: Peachtree Teen 

Release Date: October 3, 2023

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Gothic 

Synopsis:

Part dark gothic fantasy, part journey into the bizarre, this delicious blending of tall tales and Latin American surrealism will haunt you as you devour it!

“Highly imaginative and powerfully affecting.” — Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

1836, Wisconsin. Catalina lives with her pa and brother in a ramshackle cabin on the edge of the wilderness. Harsh winters have brought the family to the brink of starvation, and Catalina has replaced her poet’s soul with an unyielding determination to keep Pa and her brother alive.

When a sudden illness claims Pa, a strange man appears—a man covered in bark, leaves growing from his head, and sap dripping from his eyes. He scoops up her brother and disappears, leaving behind a bird with crimson wings. Catalina can’t let this man—if that’s what he is—have her brother. So, she grabs Pa’s knife and follows the bird.

Along the way, she finds help from a young lumberjack, who has his own reasons for hunting the Man of Sap. As their journey takes them deeper into the woods, they encounter strange beasts and tormented spirits. The more they uncover about the Man of Sap, the more they learn how deeply Catalina’s fate is entwined with his, planted long ago in cursed seeds.

An enchanting mixture of American tall tales and Faustian elements, Before the Devil Knows You’re Here centers a fierce Mexican American poet on a quest to save her brother. Autumn Krause’s vivid, haunting prose and rich symbolism make this a must-read for fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Erin Craig.

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

How do you like them apples?! (Sorry, not sorry) Like biting into a crisp, juicy apple, Autumn Krause’s riveting blend of American tall tales (Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed among them) and Faustian deals with the devil will beckon you in and leave you wanting more. This story is heartbreakingly beautiful with lush imagery and gorgeous prose, and I highly recommend to those who enjoy YA, the importance of family, fairytales and legends, and dark gothic fantasy.

The story begins in 1863, in the state of Wisconsin. Catalina, a young Mexican American poet, lives with her father and brother in a small cabin on the edge of the wilderness. The harsh winters have brought the family on the brink of starvation and Catalina is determined to keep them alive.

When her father becomes suddenly ill, a strange man appears that is covered in bark, with leaves growing out of him, and sap dripping from his eyes. He takes her brother, and leaves behind a bird with crimson wings. Catalina can’t let this monster have her brother, so she grabs her father’s knife and sets out after them by following the bird.

On her journey, Catalina meets a young lumberjack who has his own reasons for following the Man of Sap. As their travels take them deeper into the woods, they meet spooky creatures and tormented spirits. The more they unearth about the Man of Sap, the more they realize that Catalina’s fate is entwined with his and those long-ago planted seeds.

Catalina is a fierce and determined character I could get behind. I admired her strength and how she was willing to do whatever it took to save her brother. She felt very real to me. I also loved Paul (the lumberjack) and learning more about him as the story progressed. His is such a sweet, cinnamon roll!

This is the perfect fall read, so warm up your apple cider, grab a cozy blanket, and sit by the fire! Releasing on October 3, 2023.

About the Author:

Autumn Krause is a writer in Orange County, California, where she can most often be found wearing a black lace dress and boots.