Margot

I received an advance review copy of this book from Berkley and BookBrowse via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Jillian Laine brings a witchy feminist take on some of England’s most infamous historical figures. Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon are compelling protagonists, and although their circumstances are extraordinary, their motivations—grief, anger, justice, and the desire to reclaim their own stories—feel surprisingly relatable. I also really enjoyed the snarky footnotes, which added humor and personality to the narration.
The historical backdrop is fascinating, and it’s clear the author has a deep appreciation for the Tudor period. Seeing real historical figures and events woven into a fantastical revenge story made for an intriguing premise. When the action picked up, those scenes were exciting and engaging. Ultimately, though, I found myself wanting the story to move more quickly between the action sequences, and I had trouble staying invested enough to continue. I ended up setting this one aside around the halfway point, but I plan to pick it up again when the audiobook is released.

Even so, I think readers who enjoy slower-building historical fantasy, especially those who love the Tudors and the lore of witchcraft, will likely find a lot to enjoy here.

Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan is a lovely mix of faeries, adventure, romance, and mystery, all set in post-war England. One of its biggest strengths is how thoughtfully it handles grief and healing—the emotional moments feel genuine and quietly powerful without ever being overwhelming.

What really surprised me was how the story balances those deeper themes with unexpected turns into adventure and mystery. Just when things feel more reflective, the plot shifts in interesting ways that keep you hooked and guessing.

The book also explores identity, acceptance, trauma, and forgiveness through characters who feel real and easy to connect with. Their growth feels earned, and the relationships—especially the romance—develop in a satisfying way.

With a hopeful, feel-good ending, Thistlemarsh is a warm, engaging read that blends heart and intrigue. 5 stars!

Amy Coombe's Stay a Spell completely renewed my faith in cozy fantasy. From the very first page, I felt wrapped in a world that perfectly balances fairy tale magic with the quiet, comforting charm of an 19th century English village bookshop. Despite most of the story unfolding within the shop's four walls, I was never once bored. Instead, the setting becomes its own character—full of quirky pets, mutual care, and the peaceful sense of nowhere else you need to be.

What truly makes this story shine is its heart. The found family elements are beautifully woven throughout the narrative, creating relationships that feel authentic and meaningful. Every interaction carries emotional weight, whether tender, humorous, or quietly profound.

And the romance? Sweet, yes—but more importantly, real. Coombe crafts a love story built on vulnerability, respect, and genuine connection, making every heartstring-tugging moment land perfectly. Stay a Spell is a gentle, magical reminder that you don't have to leave home to have everything your heart desires.

Pie & Mash Detective Agency by J.D. Brinkworth is a delightful return to the classic amateur sleuth—warm, wry, and far cleverer than it first lets on. From the opening chapters, Brinkworth’s dry humor had me giggling with delight, the kind of understated wit that sneaks up on you and lands perfectly.

The novel lovingly embraces the traditional detective format—eccentric investigators, a tightly wound mystery, and clues scattered with intention—while keeping everything fresh through voice and pacing. I was particularly impressed by how skillfully the plot stays one step ahead: just when I thought I knew what was really going in, the story gently tugged the rug out from under my theories.

The detectives themselves are wonderfully quirky without tipping into caricature, grounding the humor in genuine charm and competence. Brinkworth clearly understands the mechanics of the genre and plays within them confidently, resulting in a mystery that feels comforting and surprising in equal measure.

Smart, funny, and immensely readable, Pie & Mash Detective Agency is a treat for fans of classic British cozy mystery.

Gilliland’s Wild Witches series offers a captivating journey, though I found the first two books more engaging. Sky’s story has lower stakes, which, given her resurrection in the first book, may be intentional. The author’s self-awareness shines through in her characters, particularly in the honest portrayal of mental health, specifically neurodevelopmental and perinatal mood disorders in this story. Each book quaintly employs classic romance tropes, adding a fresh twist with elements of indigenous mythology, spirituality, and Catholicism. This blend creates a unique and artistic narrative, making the series a beautiful exploration of love and self-discovery.