August slipped away from us somehow... I mostly reread again this month, listening to those rereads on audio as I walked or cleaned or did a bunch of other stuff that probably contributed to my not knowing where the month went. But I did read a few new books that I enjoyed:
The Wednesday Witches Book Club by Sarah Beth Durst (Cozy fantasy/mystery): I'm not usually a big short story reader, but I do enjoy Sarah Beth Durst's books and so I gave it a try. It didn't disappoint. Ashley has just relocated after a difficult divorce and joined a book club, since every witch needs one in this world where magic is discovered through stories. But she finds that someone is turning her new book club into cats one by one. It's a cute, quick read that left me with a smile on my face.
The Lion's Tusk and A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett (Fantasy/mystery): A Trade of Blood is the third Ana and Din mystery with The Lion's Tusk a short story set between the second and third books. While the mysteries in this series are all stand alone, the characters and world develop over the series, so I personally would recommend reading them in order. I enjoyed both of these new entries—as always, there is a twisty mystery capably handled by Ana and her assistant Din. Ana is, as always, weird and grumpy, Din brave and long-suffering and an absolute disaster at romance (which is nowhere near the focus of the books, but do not expect his love interests to work out) and now dealing with family drama too. Looking forward to the next book.
Ruinous Ends by I.V. Marie (YA fantasy romance): Ruinous Ends is the second and final book in the Souls of Blackwood Academy series, which has to be read in order. I won't give you spoilers, but I'll say that I thought this book ended the series well, even if a lot of it was more bittersweet than I was perhaps in the mood for at the time.
Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst (Cozy fantasy romance): Yes, another Sarah Beth Durst. This was the absolute right book at the right time for me, but I don't think that takes away from how delightful it was. The previous book in the series (this is book three, but it can be read on its own) introduced us to Marin, the supply runner, and this book gives us her story, one of opening up and letting people in again. It also shows us more of this whimsical, lovely world (do I want to be friends with a sea serpent and a marmoose? yes, yes, I do). This might be my favorite book in the series so far, though the other two are lovely as well, and I'm now eagerly waiting for the next.
What have you read and loved lately?
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