Bookish Things – Page 2

Author Spotlight: Rebecca Ross

There are some authors who don’t just tell a story—they weave it. Rebecca Ross is one of those rare writers whose words feel more like music than prose. Her lyrical fantasy writing has a way of slipping under your skin, leaving you absolutely enchanted long after you’ve turned the last page.

My personal favorites of hers right now are A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless. These two books swept me away completely—the kind of stories where you lose track of time, wrapped up in magic, folklore, and characters that feel achingly real.

Recently, I had the chance to see Rebecca Ross on her Wild Reverence book tour, and let me tell you—my excitement for this release has only grown. From everything I’ve heard, Wild Reverence is shaping up to be one of her most mystical and atmospheric books yet. I cannot wait to dive in.

What makes me love her work even more is knowing that the authors who inspire her are also some of my personal favorites—like Juliet Marillier. It feels like a shared language of stories and influences, and you can see those threads of inspiration beautifully reimagined in her own novels.

Rebecca Ross’s books are the perfect ones to curl up with in a cozy chair, cup of tea at your side, and just let yourself be carried away. If you’re looking for stories that feel both timeless and magical, she’s absolutely an author to add to your shelf.

📚 Where to Start with Rebecca Ross

A River Enchanted – A Scottish-inspired fantasy full of folklore, music, and enchantment.
Divine Rivals – A WWI-inspired romantic fantasy about rival journalists whose letters connect them across battle lines.
The Queen’s Rising – Her debut duology opener, perfect for fans of lush coming-of-age stories and court intrigue.
The Queen’s Resistance – The second half of the duology, delivering rebellion, romance, and resilience.

A Love Letter to Romance (and the Reader I’ve Become)

Over the past few years, something unexpected has happened to me: I’ve started to turn into a romance reader.

I mean, I’ve always loved romance in books. I crave it, actually — the stolen glances, the slow burns, the moments when two characters finally realize what’s been obvious to everyone else. But romance was never the main course. It was always the side dish, the seasoning sprinkled into stories that were “really about something else.”

And I still love books like that. I’ll never stop being the reader who thrills at a romance that takes several books to simmer. But somewhere along the way — maybe as the world has felt heavier and heavier — my heart started reaching for something different.

I wanted books where love is the point. The kind you can read in one sitting. The ones that promise a happy ending, where you know everything will turn out right for the characters.

Ten years ago, my highbrow, literary-leaning self would’ve been horrified. That version of me was in college and grad school, priding herself on layered novels full of tortured characters who specialized in making terrible choices. I thought romance novels were “easy.” I thought they didn’t mean much.

I was wrong.

The me of now knows that some of the best lessons I’ve learned about life and love have come from romance novels. Especially as a woman who is both aware of her own flaws and deeply proud of her strengths, I’ve found myself reflected in these pages in ways I never expected.

I’ll be honest — I’m not looking for books full of endless smut (though I don’t mind spice when it feels earned and tied to real connection). What I am searching for are romances with depth. Stories that touch on grief, mental health, physical challenges, or that ache of being lost in the world. Characters who feel real and flawed and human — and who still get to be happy in the end. Not in spite of their struggles, but with someone who loves them because of them.

That’s what keeps me coming back to romance.

And because of that, I’ve gathered some new favorite authors — the ones who reliably deliver heart, humor, depth, and joy— such as Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Katherine Center.

Here are just a few romances that have brought me so much joy:

✨ The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary – A quirky, heartwarming romance built on the slow discovery of love through shared space and scribbled notes. This one got me through a pretty difficult time in my life.

✨ The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston – A witty, tender story about love, grief, and ghosts (literally). Ashley Poston is new to me, but I already can’t wait to read the rest of her books.

✨ Beach Read by Emily Henry – A smart, banter-filled romance about two writers with very different approaches to love and storytelling. Honestly, I can recommend any of the books I have read by Emily Henry, but I thought I would highlight her very first book, which still remains my favorite of hers so far.

✨ Hello Stranger by Katherine Center – A heartfelt tale of resilience, identity, and finding love when life looks nothing like you expected. Great mental health representation! Plus, there’s an adorable dog.

✨ Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez – A romance full of heart, healing, and that perfect balance of humor and depth. I think this is actually my all-time favorite romance I’ve read so far!

✨ The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord – A sweet, funny, deeply charming love story that celebrates second chances and self-discovery. I’m not sure why this one hasn’t gotten super high ratings on Goodreads. I found it to be absolutely adorable, and I read it in one sitting on a ten-hour plane ride home. Those ten hours flew right on by.

I am so thankful to these books for turning me into the kind of romance reader I never thought I’d be — and am now so glad to be.

Because romance matters. And I can’t wait to talk about it with you.

Book Review: The Dead Romantics

Rating: 4.75 ⭐️

Author: Ashely Poston

Genre: Romance

Pages: 368 pages

Synopsis

Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the most famous romance authors in the industry—but after a heartbreak of her own, she no longer believes in love. Add to that her unusual ability to see and speak with the dead, and life feels more complicated than ever. When her beloved father passes away, Florence returns home to her small town to face her grief and the family she left behind. But things take a startling turn when the ghost of her new (and very attractive) editor shows up at her door. Florence soon finds herself navigating family, heartbreak, and unexpected romance—with someone she can’t exactly have.

Why I Loved It

You know that feeling when you pick up a book and immediately realize you don’t want to put it down—even as your plane is literally touching the ground? That was me with The Dead Romantics. From the very first chapter, I was hooked.

What I loved most about The Dead Romantics was how seamlessly Ashley Poston wove humor, grief, and romance into one story. The premise is unique and whimsical, but the heart of the book lies in the main character’s journey. Watching Florence navigate her complicated relationship with grief, her family, and her own sense of worth made the romance feel all the more powerful. It’s not just a love story—it’s a story of self-acceptance, healing, and realizing you can still move forward even while carrying loss.

And the romance? So sweet, tender, and impossible not to root for, even with the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of falling for a ghost. I found myself grinning through so many scenes, and yet also tearing up at moments that hit far too close to home.

The writing itself is sharp, funny, and heartfelt. Poston manages to balance whimsy with emotional depth in a way that kept me reading nonstop—I was literally still turning pages as my plane touched down.

Final Thoughts

The banter, the ghostly twist, the little touches of magical realism—all of it made the story feel fresh and whimsical without losing its emotional weight.

This one definitely earned its spot on my “romances with layers” shelf. If you like stories that give you hope, a love story that feels impossible but somehow works, and a heroine you can’t help but root for, I think you’ll love this one too. I know that I will be picking up more from this offer soon.

📚 Read if you love…

-Romances with a touch of magical realism

-Stories that balance grief and healing with humor and heart

-Slow-burn love stories with high emotional stakes

-Quirky heroines who grow into their strength

-That mix of “impossible romance” + “but maybe it could work?”

Book Review: The Enchanted Greenhouse

Rating: 5⭐️
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Genre: Cozy Fantasy
Pages: 375 pages

Synopsis

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.

First Impressions

Last fall, I read The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst and was utterly enchanted. At that time, The Enchanted Greenhouse had already been announced, and of course, I put it straight on my TBR. Fast forward to April of this year, when I received an email letting me know I had been chosen to receive a free ARC of that very book—I don’t think any email has ever made me squeal with excitement quite like that one! I immediately downloaded the book and was swept right back into the whimsical world Durst first introduced in The Spellshop.

Did it meet, exceed, or defy expectations?

At first, I doubted that the sequel could surpass the brilliance of The Spellshop (especially since I found Terlu a little grating at first). But oh, how wrong I was! To my surprise, I think The Enchanted Greenhouse not only met my expectations but surpassed them.

Strengths

The coziness factor is dialed up beautifully here. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Terlu and Yarrow was absolute perfection—I could have read an entire book just about their slow-growing affection. More than that, I loved the warmth of the found family aspect and the tender reminder that love—romantic or otherwise—can flourish even in unexpected places.

Writing Style

Durst’s prose is lush and descriptive without ever feeling heavy. Her ability to create a setting that feels both magical and comforting is unmatched, and I found myself wishing I could step into those greenhouses myself.

Characters

The characters felt deeply relatable in their search for belonging and meaning. None of them were flawless—least of all Terlu—but that made them all the more lovable. Watching her grow into herself while still carrying her imperfections was incredibly rewarding. I especially loved how forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances were central themes.

Weaknesses / Caveats

Honestly, none. This book is a hug in novel form. Even my initial hesitation toward Terlu melted away as the story unfolded. By the end, I adored her as the heart of this book.

Final Thoughts

The Enchanted Greenhouse felt like pure magic. It was cozy, heartwarming, and brimming with enchantment. I didn’t want it to end, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I closed the final page. My only hope now is that Sarah Beth Durst isn’t finished with this series—because I would happily return to this world again and again.

Recommendations: This book is perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Legends & Lattes.

Author Spotligh: CJ Archer

About two years ago, I stumbled across a book that completely drew me in: The Librarian of Crooked Lane by CJ Archer. I believe I first discovered it due to a Kindle Unlimited recommendation. The premise caught me right away: A librarian with a mysterious past, a war hero with a secret, and the heist of a magic painting. All set in London during the 1920s, but with a magical twist? Count me in.

In Archer’s world, people are born either as magicians—each with their own unique affinity, whether that’s paper, silver, ink, etc.—or as non-magicians. Those affinities allow them to enhance the properties of everyday man-made goods. It was such a clever, fascinating idea that I couldn’t resist downloading it… and within a few chapters, I was hooked.

I tore through the remaining Glass Library books that were available at the time. And when I ran out? I quickly discovered that CJ Archer has a very extensive backlog. From there, I dove straight into her After the Rift series (a sweeping fantasy with a healthy dose of romance) and A Secret Life, the first book from her Shakespearean romance series. After the Rift has now become one of my all-time favorites, and I was pleasantly surprised by her historical romance, A Secret Life, which was much steamier than anything I had read from her so far.

Since then, I’ve completed the Glass Library and After the Rift series, started her eleven-book (and counting!) Cleopatra Fox Historical Mystery series, and I have downloaded at least one book from each one of her multiple series, because I have every intention of making my way through her entire backlist.

From supernatural adventures to fantasy epics, from historical mysteries to romance/romantasy, CJ Archer truly writes something for just about every type of reader. Even her romances range from sweet to spicy (both are always swoon-worthy), showing just how versatile she can be with her writing.

What I especially love in her writing is that Archer has a gift for atmosphere and characters you just want to keep coming back to. Whether it’s a smoky London street, a tucked-away magical library, or a far-off land, you feel transported. Her stories also balance whimsy with deeper themes—grief, belonging, and finding strength in unexpected places.

Next up on my list is her Glass and Steele series, the prequel to Glass Library. I can’t wait to remeet some of my favorite characters from the Glass Library series as their younger selves! I’m also eagerly awaiting the upcoming spin-off that follows a side character from After the Rift.

Finding CJ Archer’s books has been such a joy for me as a reader. Her stories are exactly what I love—rich in atmosphere, brimming with magic, mystery, romance—and always impossible to put down.

If you’re curious where to begin, I think you should start with the series that sounds the most appealing to you. But fair warning: once you step into Archer’s worlds, you may not want to leave.

Where to Start with CJ Archer ✨

Historical Fantasy with Magic & Mystery → The Glass and Steel Series and the Glass Library series
Fantasy + Romance (Romantasy) → After the Rift (my personal favorite so far)
Cozy Historical Mystery → Cleopatra Fox Mysteries (light, clever, and fun)
Victorian Historical Paranormal/Fantasy Romance → The Freak House Series, The Ministry of Curiosities, or Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy
Steamy Historical Romance → A Secret Life (Lord Hawkesbury Players series) or The Assassins Guild
Historical Fantasy + Spice → The Witchblade Chronicles

Top Ten of 2019

We have now come to the end. 2019 was an amazing reading year for me. I had so many books to choose from, but now it’s time to take a look at my top ten favorite books/series that I read in 2019!

1. Enchantée by Gita Trelease
Still in first place is Enchantée! No other book this year wowed me quite as much as this magical retelling of the French Revolution. The lush writing and unforgettable characters completely stole my heart.

Trelease recently announced that the sequel won’t be released until 2021. While that was disappointing to hear, I admire her honesty—she didn’t want to rush the story and felt the original 2020 timeline wouldn’t allow her to do it justice. It took her three years to write Enchantée, so it only makes sense she’d want the same care for the sequel. Too often, follow-up books are rushed and lose their spark. So I’ll happily wait as long as it takes!

2. Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith
For much of the year, it was neck and neck between Bloodleaf and Enchantée. In the end, Enchantée edged out by the smallest margin. Bloodleaf is a loose retelling of the fairytale The Goose Girl, and like Trelease, Smith takes the bones of a classic and spins it into something completely fresh.

I adored the magic system, but it was the characters—flawed, resilient, and deeply human—that made this book unforgettable. Their journeys of growth felt so authentic. The sequel comes out this summer, and it’s already one of my most anticipated reads of 2020.

3. The Lady Darby Series by Anna Lee Huber
I started this series at the tail end of 2018 and spent 2019 happily devouring books 2 through 4.5. Lady Darby mysteries are consistently engaging, with wonderful historical detail and a heroine I adore. I still have more books ahead of me in this series, and I can’t wait to continue in 2020!

4. Stalking Jack the Ripper Series by Kerri Maniscalco
This year I read the first two books: Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula. Both were excellent, but I have to give the edge to Hunting Prince Dracula. The atmosphere, gothic setting, and mystery gripped me even more than the first book. Books three and four are definitely on my 2020 TBR!

5. Sorcery & Cecilia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
This book was pure joy. A whimsical historical fantasy told through letters, it had me smiling the entire time I read it. The story itself is delightful, but what makes it even better is its unique origin—the book began as a letter-writing game between the two authors. If you don’t know the backstory, look it up. It makes the reading experience even more charming.

6. The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
This was the most inventive book I read all year. A time-bending “whodunit” that blends the classic feel of an Agatha Christie mystery with a mind-bending fantastical twist. I couldn’t put it down. I’m eagerly waiting to see what Turton publishes next.

7. The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Sepetys never fails to impress me. She shines a light on overlooked corners of history, and this book—set in post–Spanish Civil War Spain—was no exception. I’m ashamed to admit how little I knew about this period, and Sepetys opened my eyes to its lingering impact. Every time I read her work, I come away with not only a moving story but also a reminder of how much history still hides in the shadows. I’ll read anything she writes.

8. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
This was another unforgettable historical fiction read. It follows Cussy Mary, one of the last “blue people” of Kentucky, who also happens to be a traveling librarian. Prejudice, isolation, resilience, and the power of books all come together in a deeply moving story. The audiobook is especially wonderful.

9. The Sixth World Series by Rebecca Roanhorse
Both Trail of Lightning and Storm of Locusts blew me away. These post-apocalyptic, Navajo-inspired fantasy novels combine myth, gods, and clan powers in a world that feels truly original. They’re fast-paced, gritty, and unlike anything else I’ve read. I can’t wait for the third installment!

10. The Verity Kent Series by Anna Lee Huber
Clearly, Anna Lee Huber had a strong showing for me this year. While I slightly prefer her Lady Darby series, the Verity Kent books are excellent in their own right. Set in post–WWI England, they follow a former secret service agent navigating mysteries in a world still haunted by war. Huber’s research and attention to historical detail are remarkable, and Verity herself is a strong, layered heroine.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it—my top 10 reads of 2019! This year was full of unique worlds, unforgettable characters, and books that stayed with me long after I closed the covers. I can’t wait to see what stories capture my heart in 2020.

Struggling to Read When You Have…Too Much to Read?

July was great. I read a lot, like a champ.

August? Not so much. I haven’t read one book all the way through in weeks, and it’s driving me a little crazy.

Sure, the start of the month was busier, and summer pressure is real—but nothing is grabbing me. And it’s not like I don’t have books. I feel like I have hundreds of unread books staring at me right now. Maybe… that’s the problem.

Too many books, not enough me
Sometimes I forget I’m just one person (especially when it comes to buying books… or hitting a buffet). I look at my shelves and feel like I should be reading them all at once. But I can’t.

Yes, I can multi-task with an audiobook here and a novel there—but wanting to read twenty books at once? Across different genres and age ranges? Absolutely ridiculous.

My reading life in a nutshell

Historical fiction and fantasy are my top loves, across adult, YA, and middle grade.
Retellings? Count me in.
I’m in multiple book clubs.
I read for work.
And of course, I have my personal list.

It is, frankly, a little ridiculous.

The slump struggle
Right now, I feel a bit defeated. My brain keeps asking, “How will you ever catch up?” Simple answer: read. But I can’t seem to stick with a book. I’ve picked up at least five and put them down again.

Has this happened before? Yes. Will I get through it? Absolutely.

In the meantime, I feel the wasted moments slipping by—the moments I’m not reading. So, what’s a book lover to do when they have no energy for the thing they love most?

Making the most of a slump

In the meantime, I’ve found that diving into other book-related activities really helps. Booktube and Bookstagram are my go-to whenever I can’t muster the stamina to read but still want to immerse myself in the bookish world.

I also keep trying new books. Eventually, something will stick and get me back into the groove. I have to remind myself: having too many books isn’t a bad thing. It’s just more opportunities. Everything in its own time.

Our lives are never perfect. As much as we’d like, we can’t plan out everything—the universe just doesn’t work that way. When you hit a reading slump, don’t be afraid to explore other interests for a while. Don’t worry—you’ll enjoy reading again. And when you do, you’ll find yourself savoring the joy of books even more than before. Which, weirdly, makes the slump completely worth it.