Everyday Magic & Genre Mashups

Three outstanding reads by authors who've crafted irresistible tales that defy the confines of the narrow expectations of a single genre.

[three books arranged face up, from left to right: Chocolate Chip City, He's To Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe]

Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell

contemporary speculative fiction with romance

Bywater Books, June 2025

In this lyrical, lush composition three sisters, Jasmine, Ella and Layla, embody riffs on power: of the individual, family, community, culture; attraction, repulsion, collaboration. It's anchored in harsh realities while using magical realism and sharp humor to explore the often awkward and discouraging search for purpose, acceptance, and love in the context of life and the socio-economic pyramid scheme of capitalism.

Its recurring variations on themes of erasure and reclaiming legacies echo a present-day continuum of The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope and an emotional texture reminiscent of Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel while projecting its own unique propulsive narrative energy.

This passage from chapter one exemplifies the sumptuous nature of this captivating tale:

She ran her fingers over the words, imagining how the souffle would feel on her tongue.

He's To Die For by Erin Dunn

contemporary mystery romance

Minotaur Books, June 2025

Police Detective Rav Trivedi is unapologetically himself as excellent work performance earns him accolades and promotions at a fast pace that doesn't please everyone. Then the flashy murder off an unpopular executive who was hated by many throws Rav into the orbit of a successful emo musician who's also a prime suspect. Attraction and conflict ensue. He's To Die For offers readers a potent blend of intrigue and romance that mixes genres in perfect proportion.

The Baby Dragon Cafe (Baby Dragon #1) by A.T. Qureshi

contemporary speculative new adult romance

Avon, January 2025

Creating a place that welcomes all who enter opens up unexpected opportunities for Saphira in the aftermath of a devastating loss. Dragons, griffins, and more provide fantasy. Portraying grief as an evolving process offers compassion, encouragement, and plenty of tenderness and humor.

This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues as supported by irresistible temptations at the public library

[a collage of two photos arranged side-by-side; left side - "NEW BOOKS! Prince George's County Memorial Library pgcmls.info" sign atop a round shelf with two books, Love on the Rebound and Beautiful Broken Love, arranged in front of the sign; right side - a bookstack of 5 books showing the bottoms of the pages with Beautiful Broken Love and Love on the Rebound leaning upright against the bookstack]

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind and joy.

Happy reading!

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