Ashtin

Bookshops & Bonedust by Heather Fawcett is a whimsical, enchanting adventure that blends the magic of books with the thrill of mystery and fantasy that follows Eve, a young woman with an appearance of an ogre, with a dream of opening her own bookshop. As Eve unravels the mysteries of the shop, she becomes embroiled in a strange and supernatural journey that will test her courage, wit, and belief in magic.

The plot of Bookshops & Bonedust is full of twists, puzzles, and layers of intrigue. While the magical elements are certainly a large part of the story, Fawcett touches on themes such as loss and self-discovery as well. By mixing these themes with adventure, Fawcett has written a tale that is deemd to be both lighthearted and thought-provoking. The mystery at the center of the book is compelling, and as the secrets of the bookshop and its past unravel, readers will be hooked until the very last page. The only drawback to the book, and it may not be a drawback to many, it that it is definitely a slow, cozy read. I rated it 2/5 stars simply because it just wasn't as good as the sequel, Legends and Lattes.

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree is a delightful and cozy fantasy that will sweep you into a world of magic, warmth, and good coffee. It’s a refreshing take on fantasy, filled with low-stakes adventure, rich world-building, and a wonderful sense of community that leaves readers with a smile on their face.

The story follows Viv, a former orc barbarian who’s decided to leave her violent past behind and embark on a new chapter of life. Tired of the bloodshed and violence of adventuring, she moves to the small city of Thune with the goal of opening the town’s first-ever coffee shop. Of course, opening a business isn’t as easy as it sounds, Viv faces many challenges, however. She is quickly joined by a quirky cast of characters, including a fellow former adventurer, a skilled barista, and a lovable succubus. Together, they work to make Viv’s dream a reality.

What makes Legends and Lattes so special is its subversion of traditional fantasy tropes. Unlike other traditional fantasy novels released lately, there’s no great evil, no kingdom, no gory battles with which to win—just a former warrior looking to find peace and happiness in a simpler life. Baldree’s world is full of magic, but instead of world-shaking sorcery, the focus is on the small, everyday magic of building something new and creating a sense of belonging.

Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments is a collection of deeply moving and reflective stories centered around those whose lives have been effects by hospice services, with its writing as compassionate as it is empathetic. The book brings together first-hand accounts, anecdotes, and reflections from both those who have had direct experiences with the dying and the loved ones who have witnessed these intimate and often emotional moments. Nurse Hadley Vlahos has written an emotionally novel thats overarching theme is the unexpected beauty and peace that can arise in life’s final moments.

Each story, written according to how it was experienced through her own eyes, the author sheds light on the extraordinary range of experiences people have when they are nearing the end of their lives, often involving extraordinary acts of clarity, unexpected memories, and even spiritual encounters. While deeply personal, these moments resonate universally, offering comfort, insight, and a sense of connection. Each story is unique, but many share common threads: themes of reconciliation, the power of love, and often, a final, unspoken exchange that provides closure. Some stories are bittersweet, while others are surprising, revealing how death can sometimes bring clarity or a profound sense of peace. At times, the book can feel emotionally overwhelming, as the stories bring to the surface the complex feelings associated with loss—grief, relief, longing, love—but this is part of its strength. By tackling such raw and universal themes, the book offers a powerful opportunity for readers to reflect on their relationships, mortality, and what it means to truly connect with others.