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 a Genre freebie, with the prompt: Pick any genre you’d like and build a list around it. You can even narrow the topic if you’d like, such as: thrillers with unreliable narrators, fantasy romance with fae characters, or historical romance with suspense elements.
I considered and discarded a bunch of options before settling on time travel as my theme for the week. I’m sure I must have covered this topic before — many times!! — but it’s just such a good one, and there are always more books to add.
Here are some favorite, beloved time travel books*… plus a smaller handful that I read but didn’t love, although in most cases, there were at least a few elements to appreciate.
*Technically, these aren’t all exactly time travel. Some just have time-related weirdness (such as extraordinarily long lives) that make me include them in this category!
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.
It’s August! My summer travels are already over, but I’m trying to still squeeze in some outdoor time and appreciate the (slightly) slower pace at work while so many other people are taking time off. The fall rush is not far away!
A cuteness update: The kitty found a favorite new hang-out. We think he just likes to be able to look down on all of us puny humans.
What did I read during the last week?
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill: A fast-paced thriller that doesn’t quite deliver, but still makes for a fast, engaging read. Review to follow.
Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman: Loved this audiobook! Which wasn’t a surprise — I also really enjoyed the previous two by this author. My review is here.
Sisters of Fortune by Esther Chehebar: I had high hopes for this book about a trio of Syrian Jewish sisters in a tight-knit Brooklyn community… but sadly, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. My review is here.
This Fallen Prey (Rockton, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: This series continue to be excellent! It’s going to be hard to make myself take breaks and read other books, rather than continuing straight through. My review is here.
The Last Wizards’ Ball (Gunnie Rose, #6) by Charlaine Harris: Finished during my Sunday walk — review to follow later this week.
Pop culture & TV:
Still exploring (and bingeing) with my free trial of AppleTV+! I’ve now finished season 2 of Ted Lasso — still loving it! I’m going to catch up on a few other things*, then dive straight into season 3.
*… such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, season 3 (on Prime Video) — although based on watching one episode so far, I’m not sure I actually care enough to finish the series.
Since my book group recently finished Fellowship of the Ring, I took time this past week to watch the movie… probably my 4th or 5th time, but it’s always glorious.
Fresh Catch:
No new physical books this week… but there were a few great price drops on Kindle that I couldn’t resist, including Fredrik Backman’s newest. (Still available for $1.99, I believe, so go grab it if you’re interested!)
Over the weekend, I posted photos (and purchase links) for cute UV hoodies and other outdoor protective wear. I’m loving my new butterflies-and-flowers top!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher: This twisted/alternate version of the Snow White story is off to a great start!
Now playing via audiobook:
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Don’t mock me! After driving through the town of Forks on my recent road trip, I was reminded of how all-absorbing this series was way back when, and thought it might be fun to revisit it. We’ll see… I’m just starting it today.
Ongoing reads:
My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):
Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 31%. Up next: Chapters 15 and 16.
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell: My new Classics Club spin book! I’m putting it here as a reminder to myself to make time for it this summer — the target date to finish this spin challenge is August 24th. This week’s update: Still haven’t started this one! I need to get moving…
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s shared reading journey, starting up in two weeks.
In This Fallen Prey, the next installment of New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong’s thriller series, Casey Duncan is about to face her toughest job as police detective in Rockton yet. When Casey first arrived at the off-the-grid town, an isolated community built as a haven for people running from their pasts, she had no idea what to expect, with no cell phones, no internet, no mail, and no way of getting in or out without the town council’s approval. She certainly didn’t expect to be the homicide detective on two separate cases or to begin a romantic relationship with her boss. But the very last thing she expected was for the council to drop a dangerous criminal into their midst without a plan to keep him imprisoned and to keep others safe. Of course, Oliver Brady claims he’s being set up. But the longer Brady stays in town, the more things start to go wrong. When evidence comes to light that someone inside Rockton might be working as his accomplice, helping him to escape, Casey races to figure out who exactly Brady is and what crimes he’s truly responsible for committing. In the next page-turning entry in Kelley Armstrong’s gripping series, life in Rockton is about to get even more dangerous.
To say I’m hooked on Kelley Armstrong’s Rockton series might be an understatement. I’m obsessed! These stories build one upon the other, and so far, each leaves me thirsty for more immediately after turning the final page.
This Fallen Prey is the 3rd book in this 7-book series, and it’s a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled race through danger — and yet, it also gives us time to spend with the characters and in the town that we’ve come to know.
Quick recap (or see links below for my reviews of earlier books): Rockton is a secret hidden town in the Yukon wilderness, a haven for those seeking extreme shelter from dangers in their real lives — or those who’ve committed some sort of wrongdoing and need a place to start over. Rockton, population 200, is filled with an uneasy mix of crime victims and white-collar criminals — although as Sheriff Eric Dalton and Detective Casey Butler come to discover, the town council is willing to defy its own rules for a price and allow more dangerous people to take advantage of Rockton’s protection.
As This Fallen Prey opens, a plane arrives on Rockton’s hidden airstrip, delivering a man named Oliver Brady into the town’s custody. The note accompanying his arrival explains that he’s a serial killer, being sent to Rockton for detention by his wealthy stepfather, who hopes to shield Brady’s mother from the grief of a trial and sentencing. There are all sorts of problems with this, especially (a) Rockton was given no warning of his arrival and (b) the town has no detention facilities except one jail cell, typically used for those needing to sleep off a bar fight for a night. With no preparation yet no way to refuse or send Brady back, Eric and Casey are stuck with a dangerous killer to keep under lock and key.
Complicating matters is Brady’s insistence that he’s innocent, set up by his greedy stepfather who just wants him out of the way in order to grab his share of the family fortune. A further complication is that half the town seem to believe him. Some want to free him, but many others want to lynch him. Eric and Casey need to discover the truth, but when Brady manages to escape into the wilderness surrounding Rockton, they find themselves on a hunt for a man they can’t trust but can’t quite condemn.
As with the previous Rockton books, the danger ratchet up page by page, and the chase through the woods is scary and full of new threats and enemies with each turn of the path. The plot is twisty and misleading and full of contradictions, which all come together by the end with a bang.
This Fallen Prey wraps up the core mystery surrounding Brady, but leaves many more big picture questions hanging — which is probably what makes this series so additive. The main story has a conclusion, but there are several thing that occur that seem like critical new wrinkles in our understanding of how the town works and what the roles of various characters are. I’m desperate to know more!
Meanwhile, Casey and Eric’s relationship continues to be a wonderful centerpiece, as their two wildly different backstories add complications to their already complex work and love lives. I love seeing them navigate their differences, their needs, and their respective roles in the town, while also establishing a loving, respectful, supportive commitment to their lives together.
I can’t wait to start the next book in the series — although I’m trying to force myself to take breaks in between and enjoy a bit of the suspense!
Purchase links: Amazon – 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.
This is going to be a rare non-bookish post… because I just have to share a new find that I’m a little bit in love with.
Note: See discount code and purchase links at the bottom of this post!
This past week, I treated myself to this adorable hooded top from Farmers Defense:
This lightweight UV hoodie comes in men’s and women’s sizes, with a variety of colors. I couldn’t resist the monarch butterflies!
Their website has this description:
✔ UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, keeping your skin safe from sun damage. ✔ Scratch & Rash Defense – Shields your arms from scrapes, thorns, and skin irritants while outdoors. ✔ Recycled Fabric – Made from REPREVE® eco-dynamic material, designed to wick away moisture and keep you cool. ✔ Sorbtek Catch-Move-Release Tech – The moisture control technology that actively wicks sweat and keeps your cool
How is it in reality? Short answer: Wonderful! I hate having to layer on sunscreen every time I step outdoors. This hoodie is comfy and light, not at all bulky, so it’s suitable even for warm days. I ordered a women’s XL, because I like my tops big and roomy, but I think a slimmer, tighter fit would be cute too.
Farmers Defense has lots of products geared toward garden enthusiasts, including gardening sleeves, aprons, gloves, and hats. I’m not a gardener myself, but I could see the sleeves and hats as being good choices for any sort of outdoor time where you want protection (and a bit of flowery flair).
Purchase info:
Want a discount? If you purchase through my affiliate link, you get a 10% discount!
Or, visit the site (Farmers Defense) and use my code (LISA11425) for 10% off your purchase.
Farmers Defense products are also available on Amazon.
Note: Links above are affiliate links. When you click through a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Another option:
I’ve worn (and loved) items from REI’s Sahara Shade hoodie collection, which you can find here, with lots of color options and in men’s and women’s sizes. (I’ve found these occasionally on EBay/Poshmark as well!)
I’m looking forward to wearing my butterflies on lots of upcoming outdoor adventures! If you find something you like via Farmers Defense (or have other recommendations for tops with UV protection), please let me know!
Title: Sisters of Fortune Author: Esther Chehebar Publisher: Random House Publication date: July 22, 2025 Length: 320 pages Genre: Contemporary fiction Source: Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley Rating:
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
In this hilarious, heart-warming debut novel, three Syrian Jewish sisters chase love and grapple with the growing pains of young womanhood as they seek their place within and beyond their Brooklyn community.
The Cohen sisters are at a crossroads. And not just because the middle sister, Fortune, is starting to question her decision to get married in just a few months. Nina, the eldest sister, is single at 26 (and growing cobwebs by her community’s standards) when she runs into an old childhood friend who offers her the chance to leave behind the pressure to follow in her younger sister’s footsteps. Meanwhile, Lucy, the youngest, a senior at her yeshiva high school, has recently started sneaking around with a mysterious older bachelor that has everybody asking themselves, ‘Fortune, who?‘
As Fortune inches ever closer to the chuppah, the three sisters find themselves in a tug of war between tradition and modernity, reckoning with what their community wants and with what they want for themselves—and all while learning how to roll the perfect grape leaf under the tutelage of their charismatic grandmother, Sitto, who fled Syria in 1992, and of their mother Sally, whose anxieties are tangled up in her daughters’ futures.
Sisters of Fortune is a sister story about dating, ambition, and coming-of-age under the scope of an immigrant community whose coded language is endearing, maddening, and never boring. The book reckons with what we dream for ourselves, our daughters, and granddaughters. It is concerned as much with where we come from as where we are going—and, above all, with what we are eating for dinner. (And who is making it).
This book about three Syrian Jewish sisters navigating community expectations and the pull of modern life seemed promising, but doesn’t wholly deliver. The three Cohen sisters — Lucy, Fortune, and Nina — deal with parental and community pressure to conform, marry well, and live up to expectations as exemplary wives and mothers. But with one sister’s wedding looming, an older sister remaining unwed and reluctant to play along, and the youngest sister seeming on the verge of a very successful match, the sisters’ lives are suddenly changing in unexpected ways.
Sisters of Fortune includes POV chapters for each sister, but oddly, there’s very little that shows the relationships between the sisters. Instead, each sister seems focused mainly on marriage prospects and dealing with their parents. Their lives are a mix of tradition — cooking, cleaning, preparing Shabbat meals and creating a nice home for their husbands — and modernity — taking the subway to work or school, wearing jeans, getting manicures. Material from so-called bride classes seems a bit out of place — there isn’t a strong sense that the family values quite the level of religious adherence that this material implies.
Between a somewhat messy writing style, too much emphasis on brand names and material wealth, a tendency to include kind of gross moments in random scenes (bits of food flying from someone’s mouth as they talk, engaging in a make-out scene literally minutes after throwing up) and a plot that just sort of peters out toward the end rather than reaching a strong conclusion, I was left mainly unsatisfied by this book.
I did enjoy the scenes with the grandmother and the descriptions of food (although even this felt like too much after a while). There’s a glossary at the end, which will be essential for readers unfamiliar with this culture and its language. I wish there had been a bit more about the family’s backstory; the bits we get are interesting and add depth, but that’s a small part of the story.
This is a fast read, but by the end, I was frustrated by the pacing and the lack of convincing growth for the main characters.
Purchase links: Amazon – 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: Totally and Completely Fine Author: Elissa Sussman Narrator: Patti Murin Publisher: Dell Publication date: July 8, 2025 Print length: 448 pages Audio length: 11 hours 14 minutes Genre: Contemporary fiction Source: Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
From the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask comes an inspiring romance novel about honoring the past, living in the present, and loving for the future.
In her small Montana hometown, Lauren Parker has assumed a few different roles: teenage hellraiser; sister of superstar Gabe Parker; and most recently, tragically widowed single mother. She’s never cared much about labels or what people thought about her, but dealing with her grief has slowly revealed that she’s become adrift in her own life.
Then she meets the devilishly handsome actor Ben Walsh on the set of her brother’s new movie. They have instant chemistry, and Lauren realizes that it has been far too long since someone has really and truly seen her. Her rebellious spirit spurs her to dive headfirst into her desire, but when a sexy encounter becomes something more, Lauren finds herself balancing old roles and new possibilities.
There’s still plenty to contend with: small-town rumors, the complications of Ben’s fame, and her daughter’s unpredictable moods. An unexpected fling seemed simple at the time—so when did everything with Ben get so complicated? And is there enough room in her life for the woman Lauren wants to be? Alternating between Lauren’s past with Spencer and her present with Ben, Totally and Completely Fine illuminates what it means to find a life-changing love and be true to oneself in the process.
Lauren Parker is not, actually, Totally and Completely Fine… although she’d very much like it if everyone would act like she is. Three years after her husband’s tragic death, she and her 13-year-old daughter Lena are muddling along, coping with daily life mainly by not talking about the big, gaping hole in their world, and just kind of pretending that everything is okay.
When Lauren’s movie star brother Gabe — a former James Bond! — invites them to spend a week visiting the set of his new movie, it seems like a good chance to get away and take a break from their small town in Montana… where everyone knows everything about everyone else, all the time. Lena seems happy enough to hang out with her uncle and witness the movie magic, and meanwhile, Lauren seems to find an instant spark with actor Ben Walsh, a Hollywood rising star and total hottie (and sweetheart), who just happens to be at least ten years younger than Lauren. But what difference does age make if it’s just a vacation fling?
In this layered look at love, grief, and second chances, Lauren’s connection to Ben is obviously not just a fling… but it takes her a while to figure that out. Meanwhile, she’s starting to realize that as much as she loves her late husband Spencer and misses him every single day, she’s actually lonely. Could she… should she… consider opening herself up to love (or at least, dating)? And if she did, what would that mean for Lena, whose rocky relationship with Lauren can’t take one more blow?
As the story unfolds, the narrative alternates between now — Lauren’s potential romance with Ben, her efforts to support and reach Lena, and her challenges living in the town where she’s grown up — and then — Lena’s history with Spencer, from childhood friendship through her rebellious teens and all the way to the marriage and early parenting years. The two halves of the story weave together effectively, with the past informing Lauren’s approach to motherhood and the possibility of getting involved with someone new.
If you’ve read Elissa Sussman’s previous books, the character names and even some scenes may ring a bell. Gabe Parker was one of the lead characters in Funny You Should Ask, the author’s 2022 novel about Hollywood, scandal, and unlikely love. I loved that book, so it wasn’t a surprise to find myself immediately caught up in Totally and Completely Fine, immersed in the characters’ lives and relationships, and delighted to see Gabe, Lauren, and others once again.
Ben is a complex, interesting love interest, and I enjoyed seeing his sensitivity and intelligence as he navigates spending time with Lauren and dealing with the ups and downs of her family and community. I really appreciated the depth of Lauren’s character development, as we come to understand the beauty of her marriage to Spencer, the pain of her loss and the unending sense of grief, the sparks of hope when it comes to finding moments of unexpected joy, and the challenges she faces in dealing with small-town gossip, preconceived ideas about who she is, and finding a way to parent a grieving child.
I really have only two small quibbles with this book. The first has to do with the sex scenes, which, to my taste, are unnecessarily graphic. Granted, this is strictly a matter of reader preference, but I didn’t need quite that many details in order to understand that there’s excellent chemistry going on here.
My second quibble is not with the plot or writing, but with the audiobook narration. Narrator Patti Murin does a fine job with most of the story, with Lauren and Lena, and — oddly — with the adult male characters with non-American accents. However, her delivery for Gabe does not work, at least not for me. Gabe is a former Bond! (Yes, he used a British accent for the role, but in his real life, he speaks like the native Montanan that he is). Gabe should sound like a leading man… but here, he comes across as kind of nasal and whiny — he’s believable as an annoying younger brother, but not as the awesome, flawed, grown-up Hollywood star that he is.
Those complaints aside, I enjoyed Totally and Completely Fine very much, and once I started, I just didn’t want to stop. I was immersed enough in these characters’ lives that I was left wanting more — and while the story wraps up quite well and has a satisfyingly definitive ending, I’d love a follow-up!
I’m now three for three with Elissa Sussman’s books! If you haven’t read anything by her yet, you really could pick any of the bunch and have a great time. Her books are funny, layered, emotional, and highly entertaining. I can’t wait for whatever she writes next!
Purchase links: Amazon – 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 Beach/Beachy Reads, with the prompt: Share books you’d take to the beach OR books that take place at the beach.
I love books with a summer vibe, and all of these take place at or near a beach of some sort… or at least include a brief visit! Here are ten of my favorites:
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.
This past week was focused on catching up — it was my first week back after two weeks away from work… and let’s just say, it was a lot!
Apart from that, it was good to be back home, get a little time each evening to chill (and read), and spend time with family. Unfortunately, we’re having a very typical San Francisco July — grey skies and drizzle every day! Nothing can keep me down, though. I’m still squeezing in as much outdoor time as I can, even if that means getting cold and damp.
What did I read during the last week?
A Darkness Absolute (Rockton, #2) by Kelley Armstrong: I finished this while away the previous week, but just posted my review, here. I love this series! Can’t wait to keep going.
The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst: This book is sweet and cozy, but light on actual plot. I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped to. My review is here.
The Auctioneer by Joan Samson: A 1970s horror classic — no gore, but filled with terrible dread that builds and builds. My review is here.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien: Ta-da! My book group’s reading journey through Fellowship wrapped up last week! It was such a treat reading and discussing this book with the group. We’ll be starting The Two Towers in mid-August.
Pop culture & TV:
I’m loving my free trial of AppleTV+! I was skeptical about Ted Lasso — could it really be worth all that buzz? And why would I — someone who really has no interest in sports — even care? Well, I stand corrected. I care! I binged season 1 of Ted Lasso this past week and immediately started season 2.
My son and I also watched the first episode of Murderbot, and it was… okay. We’re very much on the fence about continuing. After Ted Lasso, I think I’ll try Severance next, and meanwhile have some non-Apple catching up to do, including The Summer I Turned Pretty and The Gilded Age.
Fresh Catch:
One new book this week:
A gently used copy of a super cute little book that’s a great gift for booklovers!
As for e-books… I simply couldn’t resist when I saw price drops for Georgette Heyer books, and added a whole bunch more to my Kindle library. Now to find time to read them…
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill: My book group book for July. And yes, I’m late! I made a lot of progress over the weekend, and hope to finish today or tomorrow.
Next up — I haven’t quite decided, but it’s between an ARC, the next in a series, or a recent Kindle addition:
Now playing via audiobook:
Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman: I just need one more hour-long walk — hopefuly today! — and I’ll be done! Watch for my review later this week.
Next up — the final book in a series that’s been terrific so far:
Ongoing reads:
My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):
Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 23%. Up next: Chapters 13 and 14.
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell: My new Classics Club spin book! I’m putting it here as a reminder to myself to make time for it this summer — the target date to finish this spin challenge is August 24th. This week’s update: Still haven’t started this one! I need to get moving…
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s shared reading journey, coming up in August.
Title: The Auctioneer Author: Joan Samson Publisher: Valancourt Books Publication date: 1976 Length: 235 pages Genre: Thriller/horror Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
One of the finest and best-selling horror novels of the 1970s returns at last to chill a new generation of readers.
In the isolated farming community of Harlowe, New Hampshire, where life has changed little over the past several decades, John Moore and his wife Mim work the land that has been in his family for generations. But from the moment the charismatic Perly Dunsmore arrives in town and starts soliciting donations for his auctions, things begin slowly and insidiously to change in Harlowe. As the auctioneer carries out his terrible, inscrutable plan, the Moores and their neighbors will find themselves gradually but inexorably stripped of their possessions, their freedom, and perhaps even their lives…
A chilling masterpiece of terror whose sense of creeping menace and dread increases page by page, Joan Samson’s The Auctioneer (1975) is a rediscovered classic of 20th-century fiction. With echoes of Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’ and Stephen King’s Needful Things, Samson’s novel returns to print at last in this long-awaited new edition, which features an introduction by Grady Hendrix (Horrorstör, Paperbacks from Hell).
The Auctioneer is a 1970s horror classic — perhaps forgotten by most, but seemingly gaining yet another round of readers thanks to its inclusion in Grady Hendrix’s excellent non-fiction book Paperbacks from Hell. I seem to remember seeing a copy of The Auctioneer in my parents’ house as a child, and though I’d never read it, that sinister cover image has always stayed with me.
Finally, at least partially motivated by my 20th Century Decades Challenge, I decided to pick up The Auctioneer and see why it’s remained a horror touchstone for so many years. And I’m so glad I did.
The Auctioneer is set in the rural New Hampshire town of Harlowe, populated by old-time farming families who collectively exemplify small-town life. Sure, you could go 30 miles or so down the road to find a big-box outlet for your essentials, but why do that when you can visit the local general store, a messy jumble of odds and ends where you can buy what you need and catch up on the local gossip?
Perhaps more tourists from Boston and other cities have shown up in recent years for summer getaways in the country, but life more or less goes on as it always has, until Perly Dunsmore shows up in Harlowe. He’s a charismatic man in his 40s, full of charm and friendliness, who suggests holding a country auction to raise money for the sheriff’s department, a one-man operation that has almost nothing to do most of the time. The town is eager to show support, and Perly and the sheriff make their way from house to house, farm to farm, collecting donations for items to be auctioned.
The auction is a success, with city folk coming from miles away to bid on country collectibles and antiques. With the proceeds of the auction, the town is able to add a deputy. But it doesn’t stop there: Each Thursday, Perly or one of his representatives — a growing number, as Harlowe hires more and more deputies — makes the rounds to collect more items to donate.
Our point-of-view characters are the members of the Moore household, John, Mim, their young daughter Hildie, and Jim’s mother, called Ma by the family. The Moores have farmed their lovely piece of land for generations. At first, it’s easy to part with an unneeded chair or spare wagon wheels collecting dust in the barn. But the collections and auctions keep going, and John and Mim quickly come to dread the Thursday visits. Soon, they’re giving up cookware, furniture, tools — even the water pump eventually goes — and the family is left living in a way reminiscent of earlier days, with no heat, electricity, telephones, or running water.
Why don’t the families refuse? Those who do are threatened. The deputies who show up are armed, and rumors begin to fly about families who’ve left town in the dead of night, or suffered serious injuries, or ended up accidentally shot in a hunting incident. The violence is not explicit: No one physically attacks John or Mim — instead, there’s an insidious undertone of what terrible things could happen to those who oppose the auctions.
Meanwhile, in an almost allegorical thread throughout the book, we see the city dwellers flocking to Harlowe for a taste of country living, yearning to capture something they’ve never had, dreaming of old-time values and quality of life that they imagine a town like Harlowe might provide. These interlopers show up week after week, spending money to buy pieces of this dream, but never stopping to wonder where these wonderful finds are coming from.
The sinister nature of Perly’s auctions creeps up on the reader.
“Just remember this,” he said in a deep voice that cut neatly through the confusion. “Whatever I’ve done, you’ve let me do.”
This isn’t out-and-out horror with blood on the page. Instead, it’s a slowly building dread, fueled by fear and distrust and complacency. John and Mim talk of fleeing, yet never quite bring themselves to do it, even when they have nothing left to lose but the lives of their family members. In a community turned against itself, where neighbors are complicit in the darkness dismantling their town, individuals can’t quite bring themselves to separate from the crowd and take action.
It’s hard to describe why The Auctioneer works as well as it does. Readers may stop and question why the town goes along with Perly so willingly; why no one objects for far too long; why people give up what matters to them rather than fighting back. A sense of isolation and helplessness pervades the story — there’s no place to turn for help, so the entire town becomes easy prey for one man with the power of persuasion.
The Auctioneer is a disturbing read, one that will keep readers awake at night pondering how it all could happen — but the story is built so carefully that we can see it all unfold and believe that it’s all possible. This is a gem from the past that should certainly be read by horror fans today — it’s a fascinating look at an earlier age of the genre, as well as an outstanding story in its own right.
Interested in learning more?
For a fascinating look at how the novel was received back when it was first published, check out this review from the New York Times archive.
About the author:
Joan Samson
Joan Samson (1938-1976) is the author of the bestselling novel, The Auctioneer. It is Samson’s first and only novel, published just before her death in 1976 at the age of 38.
Purchase links: Amazon – Bookshop.org 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 Enchanted Greenhouse Series: The Spellshop, #2 Author: Sarah Beth Durst Publisher: Bramble Publication date: July 15, 2025 Length: 375 pages Genre: Fantasy Source: Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley Rating:
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges.
Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.
This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.
But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.
This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.
Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.
If you’re looking for cozy fantasy with magical, whimsical creatures, sweet treats, and talking roses… have I got a book for you!
The Enchanted Greenhouse is Sarah Beth Durst’s follow up to her 2024 novel The Spellshop. Both books epitomize the cozy fantasy trend — light on plot, but filled with sweetness, moments of delight, and a sense of wonder.
The Enchanted Greenhouse opens with drama and high stakes. Main character Terlu, a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, breaks the law governing control of magic: Lonely, she casts a spell to grant sentience to a spider plant in order to create a companion for herself. When she’s caught, she’s quickly convicted and condemned to spending the rest of her life as a wooden statue, to serve as a warning to anyone else who might be tempted to commit unsanctioned sorcery.
From this point onward, the story slows way, way down, and we enter the realm of cozy gardening and baking and magical cuteness.
Terlu’s life is saved when she ends up on a remote snow-covered island, where a taciturn gardener, Yarrow, wakes her from her fate as a statue and restores her to living, breathing life. After some confusion, it becomes clear that he thought he was rescuing a sorcerer, who could then work magic to save the vast greenhouses that cover his island. The greenhouses were created and enchanted by a sorcerer many years earlier, but after that sorcerer’s death, some of the greenhouses have started to fail. Yarrow fears that without intervention, they’ll all eventually collapse — and as the sole caretaker and resident of the island, that would utterly destroy all sense of purpose for his life.
Terlu is not a sorcerer, but she does have skill with unraveling unfamiliar language, and commits herself to trying to understand the enchantments on the greenhouses. Meanwhile, Yarrow grudgingly accepts Terlu’s help and introduces her to the wonders of the greenhouses — which include flying cats, singing flowers, and honey-loving miniature dragons. With each new greenhouse she enters, Terlu discovers something else spectacular and delightful, making her more determined than ever to save the greenhouses.
There’s a slow-burn, sweet and chaste romance that simmers between Terlu and Yarrow throughout the book, but meanwhile, they also develop trust and companionship and a shared purpose. Terlu and Yarrow both carry baggage from their pasts and have to overcome their fears in order to imagine any sort of safe and happy future.
Plot-wise, well, The Enchanted Greenhouse is pretty lightweight. A lot of the book depends on introducing readers to new moments of cozy cuteness (I mentioned the talking, singing flowers already, right?) There are big chunks of the book where not much happens at all; your enjoyment of this will depend on how much you like hearing about magical, sparkly decor and delicious baked goods.
I didn’t dislike The Enchanted Greenhouse — but there’s just not much there there. It’s a sweet story, but the actual narrative development could probably have fit into about half as many pages. I enjoyed some of the set pieces, but felt a sense of impatience after a while, having had my fill of descriptions of cakes and flowers and magical creatures.
As with the first book, The Enchanted Greenhouse has positive messages about connection, community, acceptance, and honesty, as well as being emotionally vulnerable, taking chances, and being a good friend. All this is lovely… I just wish there had been more of a plot to keep me interested.
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