BOOK REVIEW: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Any More

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 OH MY GOSH!! I loved this story.

Thornwitch Violet Thistlewaite has finally freed herself from the dark sorcerer Guy Shadowfade. Pardoned by Karina the Tempest, the very assassin sent to kill him, Violet suddenly finds herself with something she’s never had before: freedom. And what’s a Thornwitch to do with her newfound independence? Why, start a flower shop, of course!

Settling into Dragon’s Rest, Violet rents a shop from twin siblings Prudence and Nathaniel Marsh. At first, she butts heads with the handsome alchemist Nathaniel, but before long, something tender begins to bloom between them. Still, Violet worries that her past, and the secrets she carries, will eventually come to light. Will Nathaniel and the rest of Dragon’s Rest still accept her?

But everyone in this quirky little town is hiding something, and regret runs deeper than Violet realizes. Worse still, a sinister blight is spreading across the land, corrupting everything it touches. Is Guy Shadowfade truly gone… or is something else behind the creeping destruction?

This story feels like a cozy fairy-tale tapestry woven with redemption, forgiveness, and a whisper of spice. It’s full of second chances, healing, and self-discovery. I adored the banter between Violet and Nathaniel, and the author strikes a perfect balance, giving enough detail and plot movement to keep things engaging without ever making the story feel heavy. Plus: rock goblins, dragons, elves, compost-loving gnomes, and adorable puppies! The ending even delivers a small twist, leaving the door open for more adventures, which I really hope we get.

I highly recommend this book to fans of cozy fantasy and readers who enjoy authors like Julie Leong and Sarah Beth Durst. At 368 pages, it’s a quick, delightful read. I finished it in just a few sittings.

Violet Thistlewaite is Not A Villain Any More
Story by Emily Krempholtz
Released 18 Nov 2025, 368 pages
Ace Berkley a Penguin Random House Company

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong

I absolutely loved this book! Julie Leong never fails to captivate me, and once again she delivers a story that feels complete, immersive, and satisfying, all in under 400 pages. After reading so many sprawling fantasy duologies and cliffhanger-heavy epics, I really appreciate an author who can introduce a rich world, compelling characters, and a clear premise, then wrap it all up beautifully without dragging things out. And honestly… the flying cats don’t hurt either. 

The pacing is brisk and engaging, the magic system is intriguing, and we’re treated to a slow-burn sapphic romance that adds just the right amount of heart. There’s also a delightfully hateable villain, a lovely found-family element, and a cast of quirky, memorable side characters who make the world feel alive.

This is cozy fantasy at its finest, and another Julie Leong story I can see myself revisiting. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good read you can breeze through in a weekend, I highly recommend picking this one up!

Purchase your copy here.

REVIEW: Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden by Kendra Wilson

As a long-time fan of the Gardenista website and its message of sustainable gardening, I was thrilled to see the team release a book, and I had to request a peek. Gardenista: The Low-Impact Garden is as inspiring as it is beautiful, filled with lush photography and thoughtful design. The book takes readers on visits to twelve stunning gardens around the world, each showcasing how sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand.

Author Kendra Wilson does an excellent job demonstrating that gardens created with environmental consciousness don’t have to be plain or predictable. Each featured space feels alive with personality, texture, and creativity, reinforcing the idea that working with nature can lead to more engaging results than working against it.

The layout is clean and inviting, and I especially appreciated the inclusion of the “Gardenista 50” essential tools section and the insightful Q&A segments. While some of the “how-to” elements feel a bit surface-level and could benefit from more depth, the sheer abundance of gorgeous imagery more than compensates. A highly enjoyable and inspiring read for anyone looking to make their gardening both greener and more beautiful.

You can purchase your copy here.