4 ⭐️ I devoured this book in one sitting! 

336 pages of pure delight!

If you’re looking for a cute, lighthearted modern fantasy read, this one hits the spot. I absolutely loved the slow-burn relationship between Charlie and Lorenzo. Poor Charlie, a down-on-his-luck human columnist, just wants to better understand his supernatural subjects. But with his editor Ava breathing down his neck to boost readership for Wise Old Crone, he’s desperate for inspiration.

Enter Lorenzo: a brooding vampire who can’t stand Charlie after a messy connection with a mutual ex. 

Despite their rocky start, they strike a deal: Lorenzo will introduce Charlie to the underworld in exchange for a favor. What neither of them expects is that their uneasy alliance might just turn into something more.

Funny, charming, and full of heart, this story had me grinning from start to finish. Pure camp! 

🌶️🌶️ /5 mildly spicy.  

Thank you @Lucy.Lehane.Books and @NetGalley for the eARC copy of:

Thirsty

Written by @Lucy.lehane.Books

All opinions are my own

BTR @hillstreetgardenandquilt

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

Welcome back to the enchanting world of The Spellshop, where magic blooms in unexpected places and love has the power to heal. In this second stand-alone story in Sarah Beth Durst’s cozy fantasy series, returning readers will delight in gentle nods to beloved characters from the first book. This time, the spotlight shines on librarian Terlu and gardener Yarrow, two lonely souls whose growing bond just might break ancient spells and open the door to second chances - found family/forgiveness vibes!

Highlights: We learn Caz’s backstory and discover he has a special someone on Caltrey! 🥰 This sequel bursts with whimsy and wonder, introducing a whole new cast of magical creatures: a posse of sentient plants, bumblebee-pollinating dragons, winged cat companions, and plenty of enchanted surprises hiding among the greenhouses. 🌿🐉✨ Durst leaves the greenhouse doors wide open for new adventures and readers will be eager to step through.

5⭐️ If you loved The Spellshop, you’ll be eager to see what The Enchanted Greenhouse has in store. It’s a heartwarming return to Durst’s magical world full of wonder, whimsy, and second chances.

This was an unsponsored review of: 

The Enchanted Greenhouse

Written by @SarahBethDurst

All opinions are my own

Purchase a copy to enjoy here.

REVIEW: On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn

4.5⭐️ Fans of dark academia will devour this slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy set in a world where highblood vampires rule with absolute power. Think Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire meets Pride and Prejudice. Yes, a touch of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy among the blood and magic, and trust me, it works!

Buckle up, because this story hits the ground running. Medra Pendragon, exiled fae princess and last of the dragon riders, finds herself a captive of the brooding highblood vampire Blake Drakharrow. Forced into the role of his second betrothed, Medra must navigate the perilous, politically charged halls of Bloodwing Academy, where blightborn mortals are treated as expendable property by the vampiric elite. 

Was Medra’s arrival in Sangratha pure coincidence or the fulfillment of a centuries-old prophecy binding vampires, fae, and dragons together in a destiny written in blood?

⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS⚠️
Forced Proximity/Consent
Physical and Emotional Abuse
Blood Consumption/Gore
Animal Cruelty
Mental Manipulation
Public Humiliation
A few scenes of spicy content 🌶️🌶️

Overall, On Wings of Blood was a highly enjoyable read. The writing is straightforward and easy to follow, allowing the darkly imaginative world and complex power dynamics to take center stage. Briar Boleyn strikes a fine balance between lush worldbuilding and fast-paced storytelling, creating a tale that’s as emotional as it is thrilling. Medra’s strength and defiance make her an easy character to root for, and the tension with Blake crackles on every page. If you enjoy dark academia settings, morally gray characters, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance wrapped in gothic intrigue, this book is absolutely worth your time.

Purchase a copy here.

REVIEW: The Beginner's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Nourish, and Create Bliss Year-Round by Elizabeth Brown

It’s October, and we've had our first hard frost here in New York’s Zone 5b. Preparations are underway to put the garden to bed for the winter. The 2026 season is still just a dream, but in a few short months, it will begin to take shape, bringing with it new hope for the year ahead. I'm deeply grateful to have Elizabeth's book to help guide the way.

Filled with beautiful photographs and friendly, down-to-earth advice, she encourages readers to find joy in their gardens. There’s no need for perfection or pressure - just trust your intuition!

Born out of the isolation of the 2020 lockdown, Elizabeth set out to create a gardening book that nurtures the spiritual and emotional sides of growing.

It’s a side of gardening she notes many books tend to overlook.  With a gentle hand, she guides the reader, saying, “Let me help.”   A truly introspective, and at times romantic, take on the subject, this book is thoughtfully organized by season. In addition to covering the basics, it explores topics such as design aesthetics, getting to know your growing space, creating a gardening calendar, scaling your preparations, floral design, proactive pest management, natural dyes, and the simple act of slowing down to observe and just be in the presence of your garden.

II have to say, I really connected with the author’s writing style. It felt as though I were sitting with her for a garden club chat over tea. It’s a warm, well-rounded exploration of gardening that feels both personal and inspiring.

If you’re looking for a little garden inspiration during the cold winter months, pick up this book and enjoy. As Brown notes, there’s still plenty to do while the garden sleeps. Try a project with dried flowers, take some time to clean and sharpen your snips, or force a few bulbs indoors. Overall, it’s a delightful read and a sensible addition to any garden book collection.

Thank you @TimberPress for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley.  All opinions are my own.

The Beginner’s Cut Flower Garden

Release date: 10 Feb 2026

Written by Elizabeth Brown

@FoxgloveFarmhouse

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: Mockingbird Court by Juno Black

Have you ever felt a little sad when starting the latest book in a beloved series? Raises hand. It was announced early on that Mockingbird Court would be the final book in the Shady Hollow collection—a series I’ve grown to adore for its cozy charm, whimsical storytelling, and light-hearted themes. Every adventure left me with that perfect feel-good vibe.

Autumn has arrived in Shady Hollow, and preparations for the annual Harvest Festival are in full swing. Vera Vixen, our favorite reporter from the Shady Hollow Herald, has just returned from a crucial assignment in the city when she's surprised by an unexpected visitor—Bradley Marvel, a renowned author and old friend. He’s in trouble!

A dead body has been discovered in his apartment, and he’s desperate for Vera’s help, insisting he’s innocent. 

Vera soon discovers she has a connection to the victim, turning her world completely upside down. When a detective from the city arrives, accusations and gossip begin to swirl around her. Now, it’s up to Vera to clear her name—and uncover whether Bradley Marvel is really the one responsible. Will Vera uncover that the story runs far deeper than anyone ever imagined?

I love that this book offers a glimpse into Vera’s backstory. Returning readers will enjoy the familiar banter between characters, along with heartfelt themes of small-town dynamics, friendship, loyalty, and the bonds of found family.

I’m sure I’ll return to this series again and again, and hope Shady Hollow isn’t gone for good. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery filled with charming woodland animal characters, I highly recommend it. 

Thank you @IReadVintage for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

Think Hallmark rom-com meets a magical universe filled with sentient plants, flying cats with fluffy wings, and merfolk!

The story opens with Kiela, a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, fleeing her burning workplace in the midst of a revolution. With her loyal spider plant, Caz, and a cache of forbidden magical books in tow, Kiela sets off by boat to seek refuge in her small island hometown of Caltrey. Once there, she must confront her shy, introverted tendencies and find a way to rebuild her life. Will the locals accept her? Will authorities from Alyssium track her down to reclaim the magical books? And what surprises await her on Caltrey that she could never have expected?

For readers new to fantasy, this book is a delightful introduction. The characters are endearing, and the themes—balancing vulnerability with caution, navigating trust, and finding courage to start over—are highly relatable. The whimsical magical creatures add charm and levity while supporting the broader story of courage, small acts of kindness, and personal growth. Bonus: there’s non-spicy romance!

My only minor reservation is the pacing, which can feel slow in some chapters. While the book has clear conflict and resolution, it’s not an action-packed thriller—it’s meant to be a cozy, whimsical journey rather than a fast-paced adventure.

Overall, The Spellshop is a lighthearted, fun romantasy. If you’re looking for a feel-good story to reset your mind between epic, multi-book fantasy series, this is a perfect pick. The characters are charming, the plot moves along whimsically, and the magical world Sarah Beth Durst creates is a joy to explore.

This was an unsponsored review. All opinions are my own and do not reflect those of the author or publisher.

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant

Dedicated to her grandmothers, Catherine and Rosemary, Rosie Grant traveled far and wide, interviewing families, visiting gravesites, and collecting “gravestone recipes” for this unique and original cookbook. I found the stories throughout the book both intriguing and deeply endearing.

This isn’t just a collection of 40 recipes from around the world—it’s a thoughtfully preserved legacy of the people behind them. Grant highlights the connection between food, tradition, family, and memory, showing how comfort dishes can bridge generations and keep loved ones’ stories alive.

Scattered throughout the pages are photographs of gravestones with accompanying recipes, as well as stories and sentiments from families who celebrate life and honor loss with food—like an everlasting, comforting final embrace.

Equal parts storybook and how-to guide, the book is impressively organized. It includes a sizeable glossary of cemetery and end-of-life terms, a 21-question guide on documenting your own food history, suggested pairings for recipes, and a universal conversion chart. Rosie even shares the recipe she hopes will appear on her own gravestone—Clam Linguini—noting, “I’d like to be remembered—not just for the meal itself but for the moments it created.”

From cookies and cakes to pies, cobblers, fudge, ice cream, Irish coffee, rolls, breads, soups, dips, and casseroles, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the recipes, the stories, or both, this book is a celebration of life, family, and memory.

Overall, I highly recommend To Die For as a gift for taphophiles, history buffs, or food lovers. The stories tied to the recipes are touching, entertaining, and often moving. I’ll definitely be adding this to my collection and buying several copies as gifts this holiday season.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: Sharp Force by Patricia Cornwell

 

Brief Synopsis:

It’s Christmas Eve in Alexandria, Virginia, and the “Phantom Slasher” is terrorizing D.C. Dr. Kay Scarpetta and her husband, Benton Wesley, are preparing for a much-needed vacation in England when their plans are suddenly derailed by the murder of a prominent psychiatrist in her home. Could the killer be someone close to her—or is there a more sinister connection to the larger case unfolding across the capital?

Pros:
As with all of Cornwell’s works, this latest installment brings back our steadfast protagonist, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, Chief Medical Examiner, along with familiar favorites: Pete Marino (Kay’s cynical police officer brother-in-law), Lucy Farinelli (her brilliant, tech-savvy niece), Dorothy Farinelli (Kay’s sister and Lucy’s mother), and Benton Wesley (Kay’s forensic psychologist husband).

Cornwell continues to excel at maintaining consistent characterization across her long-running series. The quirks, temperaments, and relationships of these recurring characters remain authentic and familiar, allowing both longtime readers and those who skip around the series to easily find their footing.

The holiday setting adds an intriguing contrast—festive D.C. lights and warm family gatherings juxtaposed with grisly crimes and dark psychological tension. Cornwell blends this duality beautifully, weaving in moments of genuine tenderness amid the chaos. The relationship conflicts between characters also feel believable and help deepen the emotional realism of the story.

Another strength is Cornwell’s relevance. She skillfully taps into current anxieties around artificial intelligence, blending cutting-edge technology with psychological suspense to explore modern fears about control, privacy, and identity.

Cons:
The biggest drawback is the ending—it feels rushed. After a well-paced buildup, the final reveal of the killer happens within just a few paragraphs. The conclusion lacks the depth and creativity that Cornwell usually delivers, leaving the reader slightly unsatisfied after such a strong setup.

The novel can also be dense with technical jargon. Between AI personalities, Wi-Fi pet collars and rings, drones, robot pets, and holographic projections, the story occasionally feels bogged down by the sheer volume of tech references. At times, these overshadow the forensic elements that longtime Scarpetta fans love most.

Final Thoughts:
I give Sharp Force ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars). While the resolution feels a bit forced and the tech aspects occasionally overcomplicate the plot, this is still a solid addition to the Scarpetta Universe. Fans will appreciate the familiar cast, the atmospheric tension, and Cornwell’s ever-evolving effort to keep her storytelling relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: Let’s All Keep Chickens! by Dalia Monterroso

 

I’ve read my fair share of books about keeping poultry, but I always find myself coming back to this one. Let’s All Keep Chickens! by Dalia Monterroso has become my go-to reference for caring for my own flock.

Dalia shares a wealth of practical information, neatly divided into eleven chapters. She covers everything from setting up your coop and feeding routines to treating common ailments and caring for older hens. It’s truly a one-stop guide for anyone raising chickens—from fluffy chicks to wise old layers.

What I love most is how approachable the information is. The writing is clear, engaging, and easy to follow, whether you’re new to poultry keeping or have years of experience. I’ve tried several of Dalia’s holistic recipes with great success. My favorite is her Parasite Repellent Spray, a simple blend of essential oils, liquid soap, and water. I use it weekly to keep pests like mites and earwigs from taking up residence in the coop or nesting boxes.

The book is also full of cheerful color photos—many of them featuring Dalia’s own flock. I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of her chickens dining out of Fiestaware bowls!

For even more tips and fun, be sure to visit Dalia’s YouTube channel, Welcome to Chickenlandia, where her passion for poultry really shines.

I give Let’s All Keep Chickens! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — five stars for its thoughtful, well-organized, and often humorous approach to chicken care. It’s informative without ever feeling overwhelming, and it’s become an essential part of my homestead bookshelf.

This truly is my go-to reference for chicken raising!

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: Briggs's Dictionary of Fairies: Banshees, Boggarts and Other Folklore Creatures by Katharine Briggs

 

Step into the enchanting world of fairies and folklore with this newly revised edition of Katharine Briggs’s A Dictionary of Fairies. Originally published in 1979 under the title Abbey Lubbers, Banshees, and Boggarts: A Who’s Who of Fairies, this updated version features charming ink illustrations by artist Fee Greening and a foreword by Sophia Kingshill, a family friend of Briggs and Honorary Secretary of the famed Folklore Society (where Briggs herself once served as an esteemed President).

The entries in this collection are both entertaining and oddly familiar. As a fan of fantasy, I couldn’t help but notice echoes of these folkloric figures in the works of classic authors like Tolkien, Dahl, and Pullman, as well as in modern storytellers like J.K. Rowling—many of whom clearly drew inspiration from the tales preserved in this text.

That said, the language can feel a bit repetitive at times, with frequent cross-references (“see this” or “see that”) that send the reader circling between similar descriptions and behaviors.

Still, as a reference guide to all things fairy, this book is a delight. Its old-fashioned language and storytelling style conjure the feeling of fireside legends passed down through generations—perfect for dipping into on a cozy evening. Just don’t expect to read it straight through like a novel; it’s best enjoyed in small doses, perhaps as a palate cleanser between those epic fantasy or romantasy series.

Be sure to browse the bibliography, too—Briggs lists dozens of fascinating sources that any folklore enthusiast will want to explore further.

This edition would make a wonderful gift for the fantasy-loving bibliophile in your life.

ARC provided by Octopus Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Purchase your copy here.