Title: The Summer War Author: Naomi Novik Publisher: Del Rey Publication date: September 16, 2025 Length: 131 pages Genre: Fantasy Source: Library Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
In this poignant, heartfelt novella from the New York Times bestselling author of Spinning Silver and the Scholomance Trilogy, a young witch who has inadvertently cursed her brother to live a life without love must find a way to undo her spell.
Celia discovered her talent for magic on the day her beloved oldest brother Argent left home. Furious at him for abandoning her in a war-torn land, she lashed out, not realizing her childish, angry words would suddenly become imbued with the power of prophecy, dooming him to a life without love.
While Argent wanders the world, forced to seek only fame and glory instead of the love and belonging he truly desires, Celia attempts to undo the curse she placed on him. Yet even as she grows from a girl to a woman, she cannot find the solution—until she learns the truth about the centuries-old war between her own people and the summerlings, the immortal beings who hold a relentless grudge against their mortal neighbors.
Now, with the aid of her unwanted middle brother, Celia may be able to both undo her eldest brother’s curse and heal the lands so long torn apart by the Summer War.
In this fairy tale novella, a younger sister’s hurt feelings lead her to cast a terrible curse. At age twelve, Celia’s beloved oldest brother informs the family that’s he’s leaving for good. In her fury, she wishes upon him a life without love… and realizes too late that her sorceress powers have awakened, turning her childish wish into a spell with power.
As she grows up, Celia becomes a pawn in her father’s schemes within their kingdom, threatening the hard-won peace that ended the hundred-year Summer War between the mortals and the summerlings. When a betrayal leaves her in the hands of the kingdom’s enemy, the love between Celia and her brothers may be the only thing that can save her and her people.
The Summer War is at its best when we see the world around Celia, her experiences within her family, and the ways in which love and expectations can have lasting consequences. The writing can be truly lovely, casting a magical spell of sorts as we follow the story of revenge and magical consequences and betrayals.
I especially liked learning about the dynamics between Celia and her brothers, but felt less interested in the history of the Summer War. When the plot takes us into the Summer Lands, there’s an added edge of enchantment and danger, and the stakes become very high for Celia and everyone she cares about — and her actions can determine whether the peace between the kingdoms will be shattered once again.
The ending didn’t feel especially clear to me. The dramatic events are compelling, yet I didn’t quite see how the curse was broken, and we don’t really get to see Celia’s sorcery in action. The resolution seems muddled, but perhaps this is due to the novella length. The Summer War feels like a story that could have used a bit more breathing space. Maybe a fuller-length novel could have expanded the action and helped it make better sense. As a novella, it all seems a bit too condensed.
Overall, I enjoyed The Summer War and I’m glad I read it, even though I was left feeling like a bit more storytelling was needed to tie all the pieces together.
Purchase links: Amazon – Audible audiobook – Bookshop.org – Libro.fm Disclaimer: When you make a purchase through one of these affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Title: The Haunting of Paynes Hollow Author: Kelley Armstrong Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Publication date: October 14, 2025 Length: 288 pages Genre: Horror Source: Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
From New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes a nail-biting supernatural horror about a haunted lakeside property and twisted family secrets.
When Samantha Payne’s grandfather dies, she figures she won’t even get a mention in the will. After all, she hasn’t seen him in fourteen years, not since her father took his own life after being accused of murdering a child at their lakefront cottage. Her grandfather always insisted her father was innocent, despite Sam having caught him burying the child’s body, his clothing streaked with blood.
But when she does attend the reading of the will at the behest of her aunt, she discovers that her grandfather left her the very valuable lakefront property where the family cottage sits. There’s one catch: Sam needs to stay in the cottage for a month. To finally face the fact she was wrong and her father was innocent, in her grandfather’s words.
Traveling to Paynes Hollow, Sam is faced with the realities of her childhood and the secrets kept hidden in the shadows of her memories. When her aunt goes missing a couple days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything again. Plagued by nightmares and paranoia, she begins hearing sounds in the forest and seeing shapes crawling from the water as the rippling waves of the lake promise something unspeakably dark lurking just below their surface.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow — a stand-alone horror novel by the talented Kelley Armstrong — presents a fresh spin on the tale of the headless horseman, with a very conflicted main character trying to sort out the facts from her family’s trail of lies.
Sam (Samantha) has given up everything in her life except working to keep her mother, suffering from early-onset dementia, in a high quality care facility. Sam is deeply in debt, and has been informed that if she can’t pay up what she owes, she’ll have to find someplace else for her mother. Sam’s mother is all she has left: After her father murdered a child and then committed suicide when Sam was only twelve years old, they’ve been cast out from the Payne family and cut off from their wealth, struggling to make it on their own.
But now that her grandfather has died, Sam finally has an opportunity to provide for her mother for the rest of her life. Forced to attend her grandfather’s funeral and the reading of his will, she’s shocked to learn that he’s left her the family property in Paynes Hollow — 300 acres of prime lakefront land, which a developer is ready to offer millions to buy.
There’s a catch: To inherit the land, Sam must live there for a month — and there are rules to make sure she fulfills her obligations. She’ll be monitored, and is only allowed to leave the property for one hour each day. At the end of the month, the property will be hers, but if she fails, she get nothing. Hating everything about this, Sam agrees to do it anyway. Her mother’s care depends on her.
Accompanied by her aunt Gail, Sam heads to the family summer cottage, preserved exactly as it was the last time she was there, the summer when everything fell apart. From the start, Sam is confronted by sharp memories of her experiences as a child — good times with her father, but also, the fear caused by a boy who obsessively pursued her, and her fascination with the hoofbeats she’d hear at night. Her grandfather used to claim that Washington Irving spent time in Paynes Hollow and got his inspiration for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow there… but that’s just family folklore — isn’t it?
With each passing day she spends at the Payne cottage, the sense of danger increases. Sam hears hoofbeats again at night and sees strange lights out at the lake… or is she sleepwalking? Someone leaves mutilated animals on her doorstep… but why is her own hatchet bloody? When Gail disappears, the sense of uneasiness turns to terror, and even with the property’s caretaker and local law enforcement offering help, Sam feels helpless. Is this a set-up by one of her greedy relatives, trying to spook her into leaving and giving up her inheritance? Or is something ancient and dire stalking Paynes Hollow, leaving death in its wake?
Be ready for chills and thrills if you pick up The Haunting of Paynes Hollow! This tightly told story features plenty of disturbing scenes, and the terror ratchets up with each passing day that Sam spends at the cottage. For much of the story, there’s room for doubt. We witness events through Sam’s eyes, and she can’t be certain about anything. What if she really did do terrible things in her sleep? What if the creatures she sees in the lake are hoaxes created to scare her away? On the other hand… what if there really is a deadly family secret, and she’s inextricably tied to it?
While the cover and title make it clear that yes, there are supernatural elements involved here, the revelations about Sam’s family are the truly breathtaking surprises in this book. Twists and turns galore steer the reader in all sorts of possible directions before the various hints and events come together to reveal shocking truths. The ending is harsh but fitting, and Sam’s final actions are brutally appropriate.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is a perfect book for October’s spooky season. The mix of scary horror and complex family entanglements makes this a deeply engaging read. Highly recommended!
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is Kelley Armstrong’s third stand-alone horror novel. Her previous two are:
Hemlock Island (2023) — on my TBR!
I’ll Be Waiting (2024) — I gave this book 5 stars! Check out my review.
Purchase links: Amazon – Audible audiobook – Bookshop.org – Libro.fm Disclaimer: When you make a purchase through one of these affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Title: Lucy Undying Author: Kiersten White Publisher: Del Rey Publication date: September 10, 2024 Length: 464 pages Genre: Horror Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
In this epic and seductive gothic fantasy, a vampire escapes the thrall of Dracula and embarks on her own search for self-discovery and true love.
Her name was written in the pages of someone else’s story: Lucy Westenra was one of Dracula’s first victims.
But her death was only the beginning. Lucy rose from the grave a vampire, and has spent her immortal life trying to escape from Dracula’s clutches–and trying to discover who she really is and what she truly wants.
Her undead life takes an unexpected turn when, in twenty-first-century London, she meets another woman who is also yearning to break free from her past. Iris’s family has built a health empire based on a sinister secret, and they’ll do anything to stay in power.
Lucy has long believed she would never love again. But she finds herself compelled by the charming Iris, while Iris is mesmerized by the confident and glamorous Lucy. But their intense connection and blossoming love is threatened by forces from without. Iris’s mother won’t let go of her without a fight, and Lucy’s past still has fangs: Dracula is on the prowl again.
Lucy Westenra has been a tragically murdered teen, a lonesome adventurer, and a fearsome hunter, but happiness always eluded her. Can she find the strength to destroy Dracula once and for all, or will her heart once again be her undoing?
Dracula stories never seem to go out of style, and it’s a pleasure to discover a new Dracula tale that remains faithful to the original in most details while also spinning the story out into new directions, with new interpretations of familiar events and characters.
“Lying about the existence of monsters never saved anyone from falling victim to them.”
Lucy Undying is set mainly in the present day, with flashbacks told through journal entries and other recorded documents. Surprisingly, the first character we meet in the modern era is not Lucy, but Iris, daughter of a recently deceased, utterly ruthless businesswoman. Iris is in London to take possession of a family property that she’s inherited, but it’s obvious from the start that there are an infinite number of strings attached. With her mother’s death, Iris is the sole heir to her family’s billion dollar business — but all she wants is out.
Crossing a busy street, American-raised Iris looks the wrong way and is saved from being flattened by a passing taxi by a beautiful stranger. She’s young, lovely, and kind, offers helpful tips on dealing with London traffic, and then disappears into a crowd. But their paths cross again: Iris discovers that the London property is in terrible shape, and she’s determined to sell whatever antiques or valuables she can find there, then attempt to disappear for good. When Iris calls a museum to ask for a referral to an appraiser, it’s that same stranger who shows up at Iris’s door — just as beautiful as Iris remembers, and more than willing to help Iris with her project.
Meanwhile, other narrative threads provide different storylines. The journals of Lucy Westenra take us back to Dracula’s time, as Lucy provides a first-person account of her life with a sickly, controlling mother, her secret love for her former governess Mina Murray, and the unwanted courtships of three men who seem to circle Lucy — John Seward, Quincey Morris, and Arthur Holmwood. And in still another thread, we have transcripts of Lucy’s sessions with a therapist… showing that Lucy is very much alive (or at least undead) in the present day, despite the version of events we may have learned from Bram Stoker.
As the various threads weave together, what emerges is a fascinating what-if: What if Lucy Westenra rose from her grave after being turned by Dracula — not to be staked and vanquished, as we’ve been told, but to roam the earth for over a century since then? Parallel to this is Iris’s journey, as she attempts to unravel the secrets of her family’s cult-like, multi-level marketing conglomerate, which has its own weird ties to Lucy’s world.
Without giving too much away, all I can say is that author Kiersten White has created a complicated, fascinating story that pulls together the essentials of Stoker’s novel and blends these with a chilling, modern day horror tale. The corporate entanglements of Iris’s family seem bizarre at first, but as the connections become clear, it all makes a hideous sort of sense.
I loved how faithfully the author depicts the core beats of the original Dracula story, then spins them into a version whose interpretations — while certainly different — never actually contradict the source material. I would highly recommend a basic familiarity with Dracula before reading Lucy Undying — yes, it could still be enjoyable without, but I think it would lose quite a bit of its “oomph” otherwise.
I did find it curious that in the world of Lucy Undying, the cultural/literary phenomenon of Dracula seems to be an unknown. This is a modern world where the Bram Stoker novel never existed? The name Dracula does not seem to have larger cultural connotations beyond the events unfolding in Iris’s world; he’s a figure from Lucy’s past whose influence is felt across the years, but that’s it. I kept waiting for Iris to say, “Dracula?? For real? Oh, you’re THAT Lucy??” — but it never happened.
There comes a point in the story where Lucy’s past (and connection to the origin story) has been fully explored, and the narrative focus shifts primarily to the modern-day storyline. That’s the point in the book where I started feeling a little less invested. It’s still a good story, but unravelling the sinister corporate secrets behind Iris’s family fortune is slightly less compelling than learning how Lucy evolved over the many years since her transformation.
Lucy Undying is a long book, but my attention never wavered. At times, the story becomes almost too complicated… but fear not! With a bit of focus and patience, it all makes sense by the end, and answers that were hidden or withheld for much of the book are finally provided.
The writing is engaging, sometimes dwelling on the horror — lots of body parts and gore — but often with funny, sly twists or clever phrasing to offer a bit of light-hearted relief.
Then I sat and thought of Mina and had a nice, self-indulgent cry. Sometimes a girl finds herself alone at the feet of an unknown land, covered in grime, having just decapitated a stranger, and it’s all too much.
I truly enjoyed Lucy Undying, and while I strongly recommend reading Dracula first, I’m sure Lucy Undying could be enjoyed on its own as well. This is a fast-paced, deeply detailed story that skillfully weaves different timelines and narrative approaches into one cohesive, compelling whole. Fans of horror and vampire fiction should not miss this one!
Purchase links: Amazon – Audible – Bookshop.org – Libro.fm Disclaimer: When you make a purchase through one of these affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Satisfying Book Series, with the prompt: Maybe all the books were amazing or there wasn’t any second book syndrome or the final book wrapped everything up soooo perfectly
The prompt seems to put the focus on series that are already completed, but there are at least a few I can think of that really satisfy me even though they’re not done! Here are some favorites:
Series: A Stitch in Time Author: Kelley Armstrong # of books: 4 (plus novellas) Completed? Yes
Amazing timeslip romances with threads to link the stories together, great lead characters, and real emotion!
Series: Folk of the Air Author: Holly Black # of books: 3 (plus stories and a related duology) Completed? Yes
The original trilogy is practically perfect!
Series: Well Met Author: Jen DeLuca # of books: 4 Completed? Yes
This Ren Faire-centered series has great characters, interesting plot complications, and a fabulous setting!
Series: The Expanse Author: James S. A. Corey # of books: 9 (plus stories) Completed? Yes
I absolutely did not want to see this series come to an end! But it comes to such a perfect ending that it’s hard to complain. Love the characters, the complex universe… really, just everything about this series.
Series: October Daye Author: Seanan McGuire # of books: 19 and counting! Completed? No
I honestly hope we never reach the end of this series! I love it to pieces, and there’s not a weak book in the bunch.
Series: Lady Astronaut Author: Mary Robinette Kowal # of books: 4 Completed? Unclear
The Calculating Stars blew me away, and is a fabulous read. The following three books are all good, but none have quite the emotional impact of the first. Still, it’s a great series! And while I thought the 4th book was supposed to be the last one, it now seems that there may be more to come in this world.
Series: The Glamourist Histories Author: Mary Robinette Kowal # of books: 5 Completed? Yes
“Jane Austen with magic” is the short-hand description for this series, but it’s so much more! These five books feature terrific characters, an intricately crafted system of magic, compelling relationships, and high stakes. Completely satisfying from start to finish!
Series: The Interdependency Author: John Scalzi # of books: 3 Completed? Yes
Such an interesting sci-fi world! And yes, it’s funny, even while being more along the lines of “hard” science fiction. I feel like this trilogy is much less well known than the Old Man’s War series (also amazing!), and I think these books deserve more attention! Terrific storytelling.
Series: The Parasol Protectorate Author: Gail Carriger # of books: 4 (plus other related series and many stories) Completed? Yes
I love everything about the Parasol-verse, and this four-book series started it all! The Finishing School and Custard Protocol series are both terrific too!
Series: Gunnie Rose Author: Charlaine Harris # of books: 6 Completed? Yes
Some books in this series are stronger than others, but overall, it’s a terrific alternate world, and I ended up loving the main characters. The series wraps up well… the only unsatisfying thing about it is that I wish the story would continue!
Do we have any series in common? What series do you consider most satisfying?
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
What a difference a week makes! The week before last, I was basking in the sun with good books and fruity frozen drinks, enjoying a vacation with my husband… and this past week, it was back to work, back to the daily routine, and back to running around non-stop. I finished four books on vacation… and this past week, barely made it through one. Clearly, I need to plan another vacation ASAP!
On the bright side, I went to a great dance workshop over the weekend, and came home with sore feet and a happy heart.
Plus…
Got my COVID and flu vaccines! Doing my part for myself, my family, and the community.
And wrapping up the week, here’s a picture of the kitty just being his cute self. Love the eyes!
What did I read during the last week?
As I mentioned, I only finished one book during the past week, but I did manage to catch up on writing and posting reviews:
Reviews from books finished earlier:
The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell and Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding: Check out my two-fer review, here, of these two cute Austen-inspired romances.
A Pirate’s Life for Tea (Tomes & Tea, #2) by Rebecca Thorne: A so-so second book in a cozy fantasy series. My review is here.
Green Rider by Kristen Britain: Terrific first book in a long-running fantasy series. My review is here.
New this week:
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: This Dracula retelling took me all week, even though I was very into it. I finally finished late Sunday. Review to follow.
In audiobooks, I started out the week with a DNF:
Where You’re Planted by Melanie Sweeney: I borrowed the audiobook from the library, listened to the first hour and a half, and decided I just wasn’t in the mood. My first impressions: A fairly predictable enemies-to-lovers setup, plus a bit too much crassness for my taste. (A description of nipples in the opening paragraphs probably should have been my first clue that I wouldn’t like this book.) It’s possible that I’ve just listened to too many contemporary romances lately… in any case, I stopped, returned it to the library, and moved on to…
… a much better choice!
I adored my audio re-read (re-listen) of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, narrated by the incredibly talented Juliet Stevenson! Just what I needed.
Pop culture & TV:
I did a bit of catching up on my usual reality competition shows this past week, including Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Dancing with the Stars. Don’t mock me for enjoying DWTS! Yes, they use the term “stars” pretty loosely. (I’m sorry, but “influencers” (gag) are not “stars”! — well, not for me, anyway.) Still, I enjoy watching people learn to dance, and also, watching this show is a sweet sort of tribute to my dad, who loved ballroom dancing and kept at it well into his 80s. He always loved to show me ballroom videos when I’d visit, and so watching DWTS makes me think of him every time!
Over on AppleTV+, I decided to check out The Studio to see what all the fuss is about. I’m about halfway through, and yes, it’s worth watching! My free trial of AppleTV+ ends soon, and since I still have a long list of shows I want to check out, I plan to keep my subscription going, at least for now.
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week… but a wonderful work friend gave me a birthday gift of an Amazon giftcard and this amazing book lamp:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong: Getting back to ARCs! I’ve just barely started, but since it’s by a favorite author, I have very high hopes.
Now playing via audiobook:
My Friends by Fredrik Backman: I’ll be starting this audiobook today! Really looking forward to it.
Ongoing reads:
My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):
Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 76%. Up next: Chapters 33 and 34. The end is in sight! We’ve got about a month to go (and honestly, I’m ready to be done).
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: Another book group read, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 46%.
Title: Green Rider Series: Green Rider, #1 Author: Kristen Britain Publisher: DAW Publication date: 1998 Length: 481 pages Genre: Fantasy Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Magic, danger, and adventure abound for messenger Karigan G’ladheon in the first book of the New York Times-bestselling Green Rider fantasy series
On her long journey home from school after a fight that will surely lead to her expulsion, Karigan G’ladheon ponders her uncertain future. As she trudges through the immense Green Cloak forest, her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves, as a galloping horse bursts from the woods.
The rider is slumped over his mount’s neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young man lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king of Sacoridia.
Before he dies, he begs Karigan to deliver the “life and death” message he bears to King Zachary. When she reluctantly he agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to complete his mission, whispering with his dying breath, “Beware the shadow man…”
Taking on the golden-winged horse brooch that is the symbol of the Green Riders, Karigan is swept into a world of deadly danger and complex magic, her life forever changed. Compelled by forces she cannot understand, Karigan is accompanied by the silent specter of the fallen messenger and hounded by dark beings bent on seeing that the message, and its reluctant carrier, never reach their destination.
With memorable characters, unique magic, and a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, this action-packed, feminist fantasy is a must-read for lovers of the genre.
Where has Green Rider been all my (reading) life? I only became aware of this series in 2023, after stumbling across a promo for a soon-to-be released novella set in the world of the larger series. I don’t know why I wasn’t aware of Green Rider sooner… but I suppose this falls into the category of “better late than never” books!
Green Rider is a high fantasy series involving magic, legacies of ancient battles, rivalry for the throne, struggles between the nobility, merchant, and lower classes, and so much more. Our main character is Karigan G’ladheon, teenaged daughter of a successful shipping merchant. Karigan has just been suspended from school after humiliating a nobleman’s son at swordplay. On her trek home, Karigan encounters a Green Rider — a member of the King’s elite messenger corps — who’s been mortally wounded. Dying in front of Karigan, he begs her to complete his mission. Although she has no training in such matters, she swears to do so, and takes up his green cloak, his mysterious horse-shaped gold brooch, and his horse (whom Karigan proceeds to name The Horse).
Almost immediately, Karigan discovers that her own life is now in danger. She’s pursued by a variety of bad guys, who are clearly willing to hurt or kill her in order to get their hands on the message she carries. But Karigan is committed to keeping her promise, and has the dead Rider’s ghost to encourage her onward when she falters.
Much of Green Rider focuses on Karigan’s journey along dangerous roads, fighting off threats while also meeting intriguing others who seem to wield magical gifts and are willing to offer her help. Karigan learns that wearing the cloak and brooch of a Green Rider imbues her with certain powers — and while she keeps insisting that she’s not really a Rider herself, her actions seem to prove otherwise.
The stakes and tension escalate further when she finally reaches the kingdom’s capitol and finds her way to the court. Meanwhile, scattered throughout are chapters showing a devious plot to overthrow the king, with nefarious parties willing to allow the blackest magic back into the kingdom in order to promote their own power plays. A dramatic, deadly face-off between the forces of good and evil provides a thrilling climax to the story — and the ripple effects are sure to be felt throughout the next books in the series.
Green Rider is an absorbing, complicated book, with intricate world-building and a wide cast of characters. I think I hesitated to start because of the length and size of the book — my edition is an oversized paperback, and it really looks and feels like a doorstop! Fortunately, it’s fast-moving, and I never felt bogged down or overwhelmed.
Karigan is a terrific character, as are so many of the others we meet. I’m curious to learn more about the king and the other riders, and would love to know more about certain of the unusual people Karigan meets during her journey.
A map of the kingdom and surrounding lands would have been helpful! My edition does not include this, although a quick Google search leads to several fan-made versions, as well as a map drawn by the author when book #6 was released.
As for the series as a whole, it currently consists of eight novels plus two shorter works. The eighth novel was just published this week! The main novels are all pretty massive, well over 500 pages each. No wonder I was hesitant about starting!
Will I continue? Absolutely! I loved Green Rider, and can’t wait to see what’s next for Karigan. There’s clearly so much more to explore about this rich fantasy world. Given the length of the books, I’m not sure when I’ll actually dive into book #2 (596 pages!), but at the very latest, it will be a priority read for me in 2026.
Overall, I highly recommend Green Rider, and I’m delighted that I’ve finally taken the time to start this series. A must-read for fantasy fans!
The Green Rider series:
Purchase links: Amazon – Audible – Bookshop.org – Libro.fm Disclaimer: When you make a purchase through one of these affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Title: A Pirate’s Life for Tea Series: Tomes & Tea, #2 Author: Rebecca Thorne Publisher: Bramble Publication date: February 23, 2023 Length: 444 pages Genre: Fantasy Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
“You asked for this, Rain. Let’s go capture a pirate.”
While searching for stolen dragon eggs, newly engaged couple Kianthe and Reyna find themselves smack-dab in the middle of a swashbuckling love story.
On one side is Serina, a failed farmer turned river pirate. Her booty? Wheat, grains, and the occasional jar of imported tea leaves. It’s quite the embarrassment to Diarn Arlon, the powerful lord of the Nacean River, and he’ll conscript anyone to bring her to justice. Especially Kianthe, the elemental mage who just crashed his party, and her somewhat-scary fiancée.
Begrudgingly, the couple joins forces with Bobbie, one of Arlon’s constables–who happens to be Serina’s childhood friend. Bobbie is determined to capture the pirate before anyone else, but it would be a lot easier if Serina didn’t absolutely loathe her now.
As Kianthe and Reyna watch this relation-shipwreck from afar, it quickly becomes apparent that these disaster lesbians need all the help they can get. Luckily, matchmaking is Reyna’s favorite past time. The dragon eggs may have to wait.
When does cozy cross over into boring? I’m not exactly sure, but A Pirate’s Life for Tea definitely approaches the line.
While I enjoyed the first book in this series, Can’t Spell Treason without Tea, in which a Queensguard (highly skilled swordswoman sworn to protect a terrible Queen) and the Arcandor (a.k.a., the Mage of Ages, the most powerful mage in the land) fall in love and run off together to open a teahouse/bookshop… this second book lacks a lot of the charm, and spends entirely too much time moseying up and down a river.
Here, our heroes Reyna and Kianthe (the Queensguard and Arcandor, respectively) are off on an adventure, trying to chase down missing dragon eggs that they’ve sworn to find and return to the dragons (who otherwise threaten to burn down their newly adopted home town). Following clues that lead to the wealthy lands bordering the Nacean River, they discover a corrupt ruler, a pirate trying to mete out justice single-handedly, and a constable whose duty it is to stop the pirate… but whose heart is standing in the way.
The story follows Serina and Bobbie’s adventures up and down the river onboard various stolen ships, with a motley crew of deckhands and would-be pirates to aid and abet their schemes. Meanwhile, Reyna and Kianthe become involved, realizing that the pirates’ enemy is also the person most likely to have clues to the whereabouts of the missing eggs, if not the eggs themselves
There are plenty of action sequences — ship to ship combat, shipwrecks and raging rapids, exploding magical traps — and yet the storyline itself feels strangely stagnant. The action set-pieces are offset by the cozier elements of the book as a whole, including wine tastings, crocheting, dancing, and plenty of lovey-dovey flirting (as well as Kianthe’s never-ending puns, which are, I admit, kind of cute). The cozy side of things may be sweet, but it has a tendency to grind the action to a halt. The up-and-down pacing makes the whole book feel like a slog after a while.
Beyond that, the main problem for me is that I couldn’t quite bring myself to care about the pirate storyline, and Bobbie and Serina didn’t capture my imagination as a couple. They spend far too much time agonizing over their differences, and while we’re told that they’ve always deep-down loved one another despite their current antagonism, I didn’t feel their chemistry at all.
Reyna and Kianthe are often great together, but their story here feels lacking as well, perhaps because the entire book takes place away from their town and bookshop — which makes the story as a whole feel untethered. A lot of the first book’s charm revolves around seeing them settle into their new chosen home and build a life together; here, they’re off on an adventure, but it’s not nearly as engaging as I expected it to be.
I’ll be honest: I had a hard time staying interested in this book, and even considered walking away. Ultimately, I stuck with it, largely because I own the paperback edition of this book and wanted to see it through.
I’m feeling very ambivalent about continuing with the series… but since I also own #3 (yes, I bought all three on a whim on a bookstore visit earlier in the year), I’m guessing I’ll read it eventually. And honestly, the synopsis for #3 makes it sound like it’ll be an improvement!
Up next:
Tomes & Tea, #3: Tea You at the Altar
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Somewhat accidentally — I really didn’t plan for this to happen! — I ended up reading two light, cute, Austen-inspired romances during my recent vacation. Both were lots of fun. Let’s dive in!
Title:Emma of 83rd Street Series: For the Love of Austen, #1 Authors: Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding Narrators: Brittany Pressley and Teddy Hamilton Publisher: Gallery Books Publication date: May 23, 2023 Print length: 384 pages Audio length: 10 hours 40 minutes Genre: Contemporary romance Source: Library Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
In this witty and romantic debut novel, Jane Austen’s Emma meets the misadventures of Manhattan’s modern dating scene as two lifelong friends discover that, in the search for love, you sometimes don’t have to look any further than your own backyard.
Beautiful, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse has lived twenty-three years in her tight-knit Upper East Side neighborhood with very little to distress or vex her…that is, until her budding matchmaking hobby results in her sister’s marriage—and subsequent move downtown. Now, with her sister gone and all her friends traveling abroad, Emma must start her final year of grad school grappling with an entirely new emotion: boredom. So when she meets Nadine, a wide-eyed Ohio transplant with a heart of gold and drugstore blonde highlights to match, Emma not only sees a potential new friend but a new project. If only her overbearing neighbor George Knightley would get out of her way.
Handsome, smart, and successful, the only thing that frustrates Knightley more than a corked whiskey is his childhood friend, Emma. Whether it’s her shopping sprees between classes or her revolving door of ill-conceived hobbies, he is only too happy to lecture her on all the finer points of adulthood she’s so hell-bent on ignoring. But despite his gripes—and much to his own chagrin—Knightley can’t help but notice that the girl next door is a woman now…one who he suddenly can’t get out of his head.
As Emma’s best laid plans collide with everyone from hipster baristas to meddling family members to flaky playboy millionaires, these two friends slowly realize their need to always be right has been usurped by a new need entirely, and it’s not long before they discover that even the most familiar stories still have some surprises.
Not all contemporary Austen retellings work — the emphasis on marriage can be jarring in a supposedly modern-day setting. And yet, Emma of 83rd Street manages to tell a familiar tale in a way that’s amusing and nicely tailored to today’s world of online dating, high-pressure jobs, and dressing to impress.
The Upper East Side is a natural location for rich, spoiled Emma Woodhouse. Sure, the designer name-dropping gets a bit tedious — but that’s Emma’s world, and feels right for who she is. She’s flighty and meddlesome, thinks she knows what’s best for everyone, and seems to be pursuing a master’s degree in art history mainly for the fun of it… but underneath that shallow exterior, we get to see Emma’s kind heart and her devotion to her friends and family.
I liked that the original cast of characters from Austen are repurposed here in ways that fit the story, given new names and occupations, but remaining true enough to certain essentials to make them recognizable (and fun to spot).
The Knightly relationship has a bit less of an age difference here… and yes, he can be overbearing, but the chemistry with Emma works well, and the progression to romance feels mostly organic. (We see it coming well before either of the characters do.)
A running complaint I have with contemporary Austen retellings is that it can be jarring to see well-loved characters — even modern-day versions of them — hopping into bed together, and that’s true here as well. I could have used a bit less of the details! She may be wearing today’s couture, but she’s still Emma Woodhouse! Closed door would have been better, is all I’m saying.
Overall, Emma of 83rd Street is quite a lot of fun, and the audiobook version’s narrators bring the characters and dialogues to life.
This is apparently the first in a series. I’m on the fence right now about continuing — the wealthy New York setting could get old after a while, I’m afraid. We’ll see; for now, these are on my TBR:
Title:The Austen Affair Author: Madeline Bell Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin Publication date: September 16, 2025 Length: 336 pages Genre: Contemporary romance Source: Library Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this delightfully clever and riotously funny debut
Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s NorthangerAbbey. It’s not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever. But one thing is standing in Tess’s way—well, one very tall, annoyingly handsome person, actually: Hugh Balfour.
A serious British method actor, Hugh wants nothing to do with Tess (whose Teen Choice Awards somehow don’t quite compare to his BAFTA nominations). Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry—and Tess’s career depends on it.
Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches…well, Tess won’t be complaining.
A wickedly funny, delightfully charming story, The Austen Affair is a tribute to Jane Austen, second chances, and love across the space-time continuum.
The cover of The Austen Affair is what first caught my eye… and then I read the synopsis, and had to laugh out loud. An Austen retelling with time travel?? Yes, please!
In this entertaining story, Tess Bright is in England for the filming of Northanger Abbey. Playing Catherine Morland is her dream role, and also a tribute to her late mother, whose love of Jane Austen was a constant for Tess throughout her childhood. Mired in grief, Tess has all but tanked her career, and this film may be her very last chance to prove to herself (and all the vicious naysayers) that she’s worth taking seriously.
Filming does not get off to a good start, thanks to tension (and not the good kind!) with her costar, Hugh Balfour. Hugh is an uptight, classically trained Method actor who thinks Tess is flighty and chaotic, and doesn’t believe she knows her Austen from her elbow. When a freak electrical accident flings them back in time 200 years, Hugh and Tess are forced to rely on one another as they attempt to fit in in their new setting, convince Hugh’s ancestors that they’re who they say they are, and figure out how to get back to their real lives.
Tess and Hugh seem ill-suited at first, but as they adapt to their new circumstances, their animosity peels away. Each is revealed to have more depth than the other originally perceived, and their forced proximity turns into friendship, understanding, and a sense of support and respect.
The time travel conundrums are quite fun, as is Tess’s delight at finding herself living out her Regency-era dreams, down to the bonnets and gloves and games of whist. While there’s a lot of silliness on the surface, we see how Tess’s grief is a constant for her, and how living in Austen’s world helps her find joy in remembering her mother.
I didn’t necessarily buy everything in this story, especially Tess’s insistence that the universe and/or her mother intentionally caused the time travel… but overall, the romance, the family complications, and the focus on Jane Austen really work well.
The Austen Affair is a sweet, engaging, funny book with a warm heart. Sure, the time travel mechanics are worthy of a few eye-rolls… but this is romantic fiction, not sci-fi. Suspend your disbelief, and just go along for the ride!
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Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Book Covers that Give off Fall Vibes. I last did this TTT topic in 2020 and 2019 — let’s see if I can come up with a fresh batch of 10!
When I think of autumn, I think of browns and oranges and yellows — so here are a selection of books from my shelves with cover colors in a fall palette.
What books make you think of autumn? Please share your TTT link!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
I’m back! My husband and I just spent a week in Hawaii… pure relaxation! Our trips tend to be go, go, go all the time — whether daily hikes or road trips or running from point A to point B to point Z. This time, though… we basked in the glory of having no plans other than enjoying the beach, the sun, the waves, and good food.
We basically spent every day swimming, walking on the beach, and reading by the pool, then headed out in the evenings for casual to nicer dinners — and even made it to a terrific Cirque du Soleil experience!
I loved getting some time away (and it also was a great way to celebrate my birthday)!
What did I read during the last week?
I have a LOT of catching up to do when it comes to reviews. Meanwhile, here’s a look at everything I’ve read since my last Monday Check-In post two weeks ago:
Silver and Lead (October Daye, #19) by Seanan McGuire: Fantastic addition to one of my all-time favorite series! My review is here.
Alone in the Wild (Rockton, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: This series is SO good! I’ve been trying to pace myself, but it’s hard to resist reading straight through. My review of book #5 is here.
Reviews to follow later this week:
The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell: Cute Austen-inspired romance with a time-travel twist.
Green Rider by Kristen Britain: Just as good as everyone says! I’m so happy that I finally took the time to read this terrific fantasy.
A Pirate’s Life for Tea (Tomes & Tea, #2) by Rebecca Thorne: Sad to say, this cozy fantasy is so-so at best.
Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding: Even more Austen! This contemporary retelling of Emma was lots of fun as an audiobook.
Pop culture & TV:
My reality competition shows all started this past week, and I’m behind! I didn’t watch a single thing while we were away, so over the next few days, I’ll be looking forward to starting the new seasons of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Dancing with the Stars.
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: This wasn’t on my priority reading list for fall, but it somehow suited my mood last night when I was ready to start a new book, so here we are! This Dracula retelling/reinvention is off to a good start.
Now playing via audiobook:
Where You’re Planted by Melanie Sweeney: I don’t remember where I first heard about this book, but my library hold came in and I decided to grab it! I should be starting this audiobook today.
Ongoing reads:
My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):
Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 73%. Up next: Chapters 31 and 32.
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 45%.
Bookshelf Fantasies 