The following two books celebrate powerful characters who overcome their fears to manifest their greatness for the benefit of themselves, their loved ones and communities. So satisfying.
[3 books arranged with the spines showing: Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho, Overruled by Lana Ferguson*, It Takes a Pyschic by Jayne Castle next to a stack of 8 books showing the bottom edges of their pages]
[2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff]
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
contemporary speculative romance
Berkeley, July 2025
Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable.
One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen:
Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become important. Like his lonely and her lonely fit perfectly into the empty spaces at the other's side, saying nothing, asking nothing, just keeping each other company.
Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff
contemporary speculative fiction with romantic elements
DAW, April 2025
Multiple mysteries, secrets, intrigue, ethical quandaries, entrenched traditions and inevitable changes, generational conflicts, community, complicated family dynamics, power struggles along with stumbling into a chance for romance make this clever Lake Argen saga an irresistible read that entertains with a combination of drama, tenderness, and humor. Sharp social commentary and homage to librarians and libraries included.
from chapter three, a character's strategy for packing luggage:
Without the jacket, I had room for another couple of books.
from chapter thirteen:
... the world could have ended without him noticing. It wasn't even a new book! He'd read it before! Who does that? It's a good thing he never married and had kids; they wouldn't have survived infancy. He'd have read them to death.
My BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues evolve.
Four days ago the Overruled ebook became available from the neighboring county's library system, but my home county library branch had the print version available on its New Books display when I returned books Friday so... (I did return the ebook so the next patron didn't need to wait 14 days.;-)
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy
Happy reading!
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