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Spooky Mood Reads & Mothers' Legacies

The countdown to Halloween adds incentive to reading scary tales, even for me as a scaredy cat. 
[a bookstack of 6 books, from top to bottom: The Covenant of Blood, Blood Ties, Uncharmed, Never Been Witched, Love's a Witch, Joy Goddess] 

The Covenant of Blood by J.S. Living, author & publisher 
supernatural fantasy with romantic elements 
2022 

Liz, daughter of Vlad the Impaler and The Blood Countess, has questions. About her mother, her origins, her purpose. More than one faction wants to stop her from finding those answers. Secrets, betrayals, adventures, bloody mayhem, and more ensue across a saga offered in three intricately woven parts. 


Blood Ties: A Collection of Three Covenant of Blood Stories by J.S. Living, author & publisher 
supernatural fantasy with romantic elements 
2024 

Readers have some questions. This concise collection offers answers and deeper context for characters' motivations along with gorgeous artwork. Plus, there's a cover reveal teaser for the upcoming The Brotherhood of Blood. 


Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance by A'Lelia Bundles 
non-fiction biography 
Scribner, June 2025 

Great-granddaughter of A'Lelia Walker, who Langston Hughes crowned "the Joy goddess of Harlem's 1920s", excavates the relics of her family origins with compelling revelations that convey the complexity of time, place, and sociopolitical, cultural, and economic context. It's a balanced mix of intimate personal portrait and broad historical record. 


A Kiss for the Ages by Grace Burrowes, author & publisher (ebook cover not shown) 
historical romance novella 
June 2025 

Actual grown folks corral children, teens, young adults, instigators, staff, and adversaries while setting aside grief and taking chances on possibilities for new love. Amusement,  embarrassment, and exasperation abound. Sexy times too.


Witch, Please Reads 

Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood 
supernatural romance 
Ace, September 2025 

A people-pleasing witch, an incorrigible teen, and a grumpy warlock forced to collaborate with each other generate laughs and tenderness. 


Love's a Witch by Tricia O'Malley 
supernatural romance 
Gallery Books, August 2025 

A cursed witch, a grumpy mayor, and the community that needs them to work together to preserve the town and protect its future offer readers a delightful tale. 


Never Been Witched (Starfall Point #3) by Molly Harper 
supernatural romance 
Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025 

A conflicted witch, a considerate rich guy in need of help, looming threats, a delusional ex, challenging family dynamics, and haunting spirits provide assorted drama, intrigue, and fun while leading to love. 


And More BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) 
[a bookstack of 11 books spines outward, from top to bottom: The Princess and the P.I., The Holiday Hookup List, Cover Story, Follow My Voice, 90 Days to Love, Drop Dead, The Scot's Seduction, The Silver Hills Boarding House, To Kill a Badger, Here and Now, Girl Anonymous; to the left of a bookstack of 6 books with bottom edges outward]  

Between irresistible "new books" displays at the libraries that support my reading habits and picking up my fulfilled requests, my TBR list will never shrink! At least borrowing them from the library motivates me to read and return in consideration for other patrons. Auto-renewal features are convenient and much appreciated when those good intentions fail. 

Author-wise, making consistent progress on my two different WIPs while also needing to pursue some research on a few topics to keep the momentum going. 


Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy! 
 

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