A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna | 352 pages | 2025

Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her magical Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps Aunt Jasmine run an inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep the talking fox in check, and longs for the magical future she lost.

When she learns about an old spellbook that holds the secret to restoring her power, she turns to Luke Larsen, a gorgeous historian who might just be able to help her unlock the book’s mysteries. Luke, who has his own reasons for staying at the inn, never planned on getting involved in the madcap goings-on around him and certainly had no intention of letting certain grumpy innkeepers past his icy walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he not only agrees to help, but also finds himself thawing.

Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone... and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

The Witch by Freida McFadden

 The Witch by Freida McFadden-344 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Some secrets don't die―they wait.

When Julia Barlow loses her job and her apartment, she has nowhere left to go but Pemberton, her family's sprawling seventeenth-century estate in rural Massachusetts. Officially, she's there to check in on her aging grandmother. Unofficially, she's hoping the old house will give her a place to disappear.

Instead, Pemberton begins to unravel her.

Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 a.m. The lights flicker without warning. And a disembodied voice cries for help outside Julia's bedroom door.

As Julia digs into the house's dark history, she uncovers the story of a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692―and realizes the past may not be finished with Pemberton yet. When decades of family lies begin to surface, Julia must confront a terrifying truth: Pemberton may be haunted by women whose voices refuse to stay silent.

Thoughts: I liked this one. It's not my favorite McFadden book, but it's pretty good. I liked the added paranormal element. She always keeps the reader guessing and I have yet to guess the entire ending. I find her books to be easy, mostly fun reads. 

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, Vol. 3 by Saka Mikami

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, Vol. 3 by Saka Mikami

Kauro Hana wa Rin to Saku #3, 192 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Rintaro and Kaoruko have been spending more and more time together, beginning to feel comfortable with each other despite their schools' rivalry. Yet their growing bond is nowhere near strong enough to break down the barriers between their two communities. In fact, Rintaro is starting to feel at a loss with his own friends, as keeping his relationship with Kaoruko a secret means continuing to lie to them! And so, Rintaro calls Kaoruko and her friend Subaru to a meeting, hoping to find a solution...

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, Vol. 2 by Saka Mikami

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, Vol. 2 by Saka Mikami

Kauro Hana wa Rin to Saku #2, 192 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Chidori High second-year Rintaro is a gentle soul, with a fierce face and an even fiercer reputation. Used to being judged by everyone around him, he finds himself thrown off balance when he meets the open-hearted Kaoruko, a girl who attends a rival school and should be his polar opposite in every way. But her genuine attitude slowly makes his walls crumble. Despite their growing relationship, the rivalry between the two schools becomes a deep chasm that may be hard to cross, especially after Kaoruko's best friend, Subaru Hoshina, finds out about their relationship...

Yona of the Dawn Volumes 1-3 by Mizuho Kusanagi

Yona of the Dawn Volumes 1-3 by Mizuho Kusanagi (576 Pages)

Summary: Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family! Yona reels from the shock of witnessing a loved one’s murder and having to fight for her life. With her bodyguard Hak, she flees the palace and struggles to survive while evading enemy forces. Their journey leads them to a priest named Ik-su, who can see Yona’s future—one that includes four legendary Dragon Warriors!

Opinion: I'm enjoying this manga series. While there are some scenes that feel a bit outdated, I am really liking Yona's character arc. The vibes of this series really gives a mix of Avalon High, a Disney Channel Original movie, and The Twelve Kingdoms, a Japanese light novel series. Overall, a good manga series (at least so far) that I plan to continue reading. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

532 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Charlotte Brontë tells the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, who grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, enduring loneliness and cruelty. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane's natural independence and spirit - which prove necessary when she finds employment as a governess to the young ward of Byronic, brooding Mr Rochester. As her feelings for Rochester develop, Jane gradually uncovers Thornfield Hall's terrible secret, forcing her to make a choice. Should she stay with Rochester and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions - even if it means leaving the man she loves? A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre dazzled readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom.

A Court of Splintered Harmony by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Splintered Harmony by Sarah J. Maas | 352 pages | 2026

Deep in the heart of the continent, Koschei the Deathless is stirring. Though he's been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the insidious threat of his return now spreads across the Fae territories, attracting powerful allies hell-bent on reclaiming what was once theirs: the human lands.

The Night Court will not stand idly by while innocents are attacked. But with Prythian still piecing itself together in the wake of the devastating Hybern War, the task of uniting is proving more difficult by the day. To make matters worse, those who rule and protect the Night Court are reeling from recent betrayals and revealed truths. The rifts dividing them seem insurmountable. But to defeat Koschei's creeping shadow, they must find a way back to each other and resurrect their former alliances. To survive, they must find a way to repair the splintered harmony all around them.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Heroes by Alan Gratz

 

Heroes  by Alan Gratz  219 pages

December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley have it good. Their dads are Navy pilots stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and the boys get a front-row view of the huge battleships and the sparkling water. Yes, World War II is raging in Europe and in Asia, but the US isn't involved in the war, and the boys are free to dream about becoming comic book creators. They've even invented a superhero of their own, in the style of Batman, Superman, Captain America, and other stars of the Golden Age of Comics. Maybe they'll even get their comic published someday. December 7th, 1941: Everything explodes. That morning, Frank and Stanley are aboard the battleship the USS Utah when Japanese planes zoom overhead and begin dropping bombs on the ships below. Chaos ensues as everyone scrambles to dive for safety. Frank and Stanley realize what's happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them. As the boys fight to make their way home amidst the carnage, it's clear that everything has changed. Stanley's mother is Japanese American and he is suddenly facing a terrible prejudice that he's never known before -- he's now seen as the "enemy," and Frank, who's white, cannot begin to understand what Stanley will now face. Can their friendship -- and their dreams -- survive this watershed moment in history?

I read this because it was a Mark Twain nominee for 4-6 grades.  This reminded me of an I Survived book, but was actually a lot more graphic.  I couldn't believe all the death in this children's book, but I know that was a deadly attack on Peal Harbor.  It was realistic about the perspective of Japanese Americans being treated differently.  I love Alan Gratz, but this was not my favorite book of his.  

​The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield by Claudia Gray

 

​The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield by Claudia Gray, 311 pages

After Juliet Tilney's ruination and Jonathan Darcy's ill-advised duel, it takes Mr. Hearth's puzzling murder at Netherfield Park to reunite the star-crossed lovers. Together they navigate not only a murder investigation but all the human forces pitted against their pairing. Can they unmask the murder before another body is found? Will be they be able to forge a life together or be driven forever apart by their families? 

This Austenverse murder mystery series is always a delightful break from whatever else I might be reading. Gray has a keen knack for capturing the essence of Austen--her language and themes most particularly--while simultaneously making it palettable to modern readers without over simplifying it. The last book ended with a heart wrench, and then this one had the absolute nerve to end right as things were getting really compelling. Can't wait for the next installment!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte-507 pages (Barnes & Noble Edition)

⭐⭐⭐.75/5

At Thornfield Hall, resolute and independent Jane Eyre finds fulfillment in her duties as governess, and the love of her life in her employer Edward Rochester. But when a dark secret from Rochester's past comes to light, Jane must make the most difficult decision of her life: to stay beside the man she loves regardless of the truth, or to embark upon a new life free of the encumbrances of the past.

Charlotte Bronte's powerful tale of romance and strong wills at odds with one another is a classic of nineteenth century literature. This exquisitve collectible edition features an elegant bonded leather binding, a satin-ribbon bookmark, distinctive stained edging, and decorative marbled endpapers. It's the perfect gift for book-lovers, and an artful addition to any home library.

Thoughts: I enjoyed reading this more than I expected. I like the title character and her relationship with Rochester. I like the writing style and wish we still talked like that at times. The ending is fitting and what I was hoping for. Overall, this is a pretty good read. 

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti

The Sherlock Society by James Ponti (368 Pages)

Summary: Siblings Alex and Zoe Sherlock take their last name as inspiration when choosing a summer job. After all, starting a detective agency has to be better than babysitting (boring), lawn mowing (sweaty), or cleaning out the attic (boring and sweaty). Their friends Lina, an avid bookworm, and Yadi, an aspiring cinematographer, join the enterprise, and Alex and Zoe’s retired reporter grandfather offers up his sweet aquamarine Cadillac convertible and storage unit full of cold cases. The group’s first target is the long-lost treasure supposedly hidden near their hometown Miami. Their investigation into the local doings of famed gangster Al Capone leads them to a remote island in the middle of the Everglades where they find alarming evidence hinting at corporate corruption. Together with Grandpa’s know-how and the kids’ intelligence—plus a slick gadget or two—can the Sherlock Society root out the conspiracy?

Opinion: This is a mystery and Mark Twain award nominee (2026-2027) juvenile chapter book. It starts off a bit slow in my opinion then picks up, especially around 2/3rds of the way in. I really enjoyed how the twists in each case lead to another case and then eventually they all were connected in a round about way to solve the final, big case. I also loved seeing Zoe's character development, particularly her friendship with Lina. This the first of a three book series, and while I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure I will continue with the series. 

Mr. Lonelyhearts by Clay McLeod Chapman

 

Mr. Lonelyhearts by Clay McLeod Chapman - 368 pages

What if the man of your dreams turns out to be a nightmare?

The past really can haunt you in this killer supernatural slasher by Clay McLeod Chapman, perfect for fans of Grady Hendrix, CJ Leede, and Stephen Graham Jones.

When Jenn first sees Mr. Lonelyhearts, he’s just a CPR dummy in her 7th grade health class. She and her best friends―the Cöven―smuggle him to a sleepover and pour their adolescent fantasies into his open, willing vessel. Then they grow up, get real boyfriends, and forget about him. But he never forgot about them. And now, decades later, after a traumatic break-up leaves Jenn shattered, Mr. Lonelyhearts reappears in her life to pick up the pieces.

But once Jenn begins to suspect that there’s something very wrong about her Mr. Right, it might be too late. Will she survive this situationship, or does Mr. Lonelyhearts have darker plans for them?

I honestly don't know what I expected but dang this was an odd read. Jenn seems to be spiraling into her own little world with just Mr. Lonelyhearts as company, he completely consumes her life. I was drawn to this book not only because of the author but because of the eccentric plot line. Mr. Lonelyhearts is a bit sinister and I did like how this book played out, but I guess I expected a little more horror. This book was hard to put down though, I was all about Jenn's decent into madness.

A Court of Splintered Harmony

 A Court of Splintered Harmony by Sarah J. Maas 336 pages

Synopsis: What was broken will be remade.
Deep in the heart of the continent, Koschei the Deathless is stirring. Though he's been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the insidious threat of his return now spreads across the Fae territories, attracting powerful allies hell-bent on reclaiming what was once theirs: the human lands.

The Night Court will not stand idly by while innocents are attacked. But with Prythian still piecing itself together in the wake of the devastating Hybern War, the task of uniting is proving more difficult by the day.
To make matters worse, those who rule and protect the Night Court are reeling from recent betrayals and revealed truths. The rifts dividing them seem insurmountable.
But to defeat Koschei's creeping shadow, they must find a way back to each other and resurrect their former alliances. To survive, they must find a way to repair the splintered harmony all around them.

My Thoughts: I am ecstatic that this first movement is finally out! Since this is a very popular book, I don't want to give anything away, but I enjoyed it so much, the rifts between all the characters, the stress, the "omg what did I just read" moments. I am excited for the 2nd and 3rd movement to come out soon and then the last installment to be out sometime! My favorite series of hers will always be Throne of Glass, but all of her series are worth the read!

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews | 470 pages | 2026

When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy, and naked in a gutter, it doesn't take her long to recognize Kair Toren, a city she knows intimately from the pages of the famously unfinished dark fantasy series she's been obsessively reading and re-reading while waiting years for the final novel. Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic, and mayhem? Her encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, the setting, and the characters' ambitions and fates. 

But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed (though many will try!), the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she's coming to love—a motley band that includes a former lady’s maid, a deadly assassin, various outrageous magical creatures, and a dangerously appealing soldier. Soon, instead of trying to get home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes—and attentions—of dueling princes, dukes, and villains, all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the way she knows their stories will end: in a cataclysmic war.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Killer on the Road by Stephen Graham Jones

Killer on the Road by Stephen Graham Jones, 248 pages 

From the MARC: "Sixteen-year-old Harper has decided to run away from home after she has another blow-out argument with her mother. However, her two best friends, little sister, and ex-boyfriend all stop her from hitchhiking her way up Route 80 in Wyoming by joining her on an intervention disguised as a road trip. What they don't realize is that Harper has been marked by a very unique serial killer who's been trolling the highway for the past three years, and now the killer is after all of them in this fast-paced and deadly chase novel that will have your heart racing well above the speed limit as the interstate becomes a graveyard."

​One of the things I love about Jones' work is how uncomfortable it makes me. He dances on the knife edge of too much all the while making everything seem ridiculously, unflinchingly real, even things that should be impossible. Killer on the Road had moments so brutal I had to put the book down before I could continue.  The ending of this story is horrific but satisfying.

 

The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones

The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones, 212 pages

From the MARC: "When high school senior Charlotte agrees to babysit the Wilbanks twins, she plans to put the six-year-olds to bed early and spend a quiet night studying [...] But the house is filled with mysterious noises and secrets that only the twins understand, echoes of horrors that Charlotte gradually realizes took place in the house eleven years ago. Soon Charlotte has to admit that every babysitter's worse nightmare has come true: they're not alone in the house.."

​I enjoyed the journey of this book, even as it repulsed me. Often I found myself devouring the story to find out what comes next while simultaneously dreading each moment. The body horror in The Babysitter Lives is unwavering. I'm torn about the ending, but I can't say too much about it without (possibly) spoiling the whole ride. 

 

Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley

Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley, 295 pages

The Grand Alpine Hotel has it all: skiing, a spa, rich hot chocolate, and murder.  As bodies continue to drop and the rumor of Nazi gold swirls, Miss Marple must 

I really enjoyed this book. I was huge into Agatha Christie as a kid, and Miss Marple was always my favorite. I've never read Lucy Foley, but she did a remarkable job of honoring Christie's style without feeling like rote duplication. The novel is a thrilling read, even if I was vaguely disatisfied at the whodunit reveal.

 

A Little Step, Volume 1

A Little Step, Volume 1 - 176 pages

Mimi Szeto

Summary (From Goodreads)

Yu-kiu Lau is a quiet fifth-year student who dreams of studying overseas and becoming an artist. As she prepares for college applications, though, she can't bring herself to produce new work, paralyzed by perfectionism and the fear of judgment. Everything changes the day she hears music drifting through the school halls and meets the boy behind it, Ho-yuet Lee. Ho-yuet's bad reputation clashes with his gentle presence, and Yu-kiu's fascination with his music leads to an unexpected friendship that begins to build their confidence in their own artistic aspirations.

Review

I enjoyed this one a lot more than other series where a school-age girl makes a connection with a boy in her year with a "bad reputation."  It's definitely on the slower side, as is typical of slice of life stories, but I'd still like to read the next volume if/when it's available.  

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

152 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods—until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers. Their days pass in happy isolation until cousin Charles appears. Only Merricat can see the danger, and she must act swiftly to keep Constance from his grasp.

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz, 63 pages

I checked this collection of spooky folklore out because it included "The Green Ribbon." It was delightful reading an old favorite, but the new illustrations, while charming, weren't the original I was craving.