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Little Witches | Book Review

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About The Book
Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg March are four sisters practicing witchcraft in secret while living in Concord during the Civil War. When a witchfinder named Mr. Laurence moves in next door, the girls fear for their safety, but he and his grandson, Laurie, turn out to be allies. As winter sets in, missing objects become missing people, and Jo and Laurie discover a powerful magic threatening the town. Together, they must confront it before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BtPaO5

My Rating

I love retellings, the story of Little Women, and witches, so a graphic novel that combines all three is amazing. I picked up the book on a whim, hoping for a fun and sweet story, and it delivered just that.

The plot wasn’t intense or super exciting, but it was a very original take on the classic. It took the characters I know and love and added this cool magic element to their lives.

I think the author stayed true to the characters’ original personalities, which is something I always appreciate when reading retellings. And while the plot was similar to the original story, it was different enough to feel new and unique.

“We Marches are all very law-abiding.”

It was such a quick read that you can finish it in one sitting, and the artwork is fantastic. The writing didn’t feel too young, which I appreciated since this is more of a middle-grade graphic novel. As an older reader, I enjoyed it, but I can see younger readers liking it as well.

Overall, this isn’t one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read, and it probably won’t stick with me for years to come, but that’s okay. I had a good time reading it, and it’s a book I’d be happy to add to my bookshelf. It’s certainly one of my favorite Little Women retellings.

In the comments, leave me some Little Women retelling recommendations! Don’t forget to like and share this post, and hit the follow button so you never miss an update.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Hysterical Girls Of St. Bernadette’s | Book Review

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About The Book
For over a hundred years, St. Bernadette’s has shaped the best and brightest girls. Then, the screaming starts. Seventeen students fall victim, including Khadijah’s sister and Rachel herself. As hysteria spreads, Khad and Rachel must uncover the school’s dark secrets to stop the terror. But something sinister is lurking, waiting for its next victim.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4eoFLGb

My Rating

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of ‘The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s’. While I’m grateful for the opportunity to read it early, please know that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and remain honest and unbiased.

I loved how the story began. It was captivating and made me eager to know what would happen next. It follows two perspectives, Rachel and Khadijah, who lead different lives but both attend St. Bernadette’s. After a traumatic event, Khadijah becomes silent and guarded, and the random screaming at school deeply affects her.

Rachel is raised by a sophisticated single mother who pressures her to excel and get into a top university. She feels overwhelmed and wants to rebel against her mother’s expectations and criticism. At first, she dismisses the screaming as unimportant but starts to think there might be more to it. Both girls have fascinating lives and perspectives.

Usually one of my biggest annoyances in any book that has dual perspectives is when the two characters don’t interact. It feels as though there are two separate storylines going on at once. But in this book, it worked because of the subject matter. I don’t want to give too much away, but it basically shows how to people can be going through the same thing, seeing each other everyday, and not even know what they share.

“What matters is what I know to be true.”

I feel like by the 50% mark, the book really kicked up the pace, and that is when I couldn’t put the book down. Even though it deals with such a heavy topic, there is the mystery element that I think really helps the story from being super serious. However, there were times when I felt for these girls, and they truly did feel like real people. Although some of the things in the story are fiction, the root of the plot is very much true, and could hit close to home for some readers.

The author knew how to tell this story in such a way that I think a lot of teenagers will find interesting. She crafted an intense, heartbreaking, and interesting story, that is part supernatural mystery, and part coming-of-age contemporary. It really gets you thinking in almost the way I feel that a non-fiction book dealing with similar topics would. It’s a very original story that I know will stick with me.

Overall, this is such a good book, and while I don’t have a deep personal connection to it, I know others might. The author tackles serious real-world issues in a thoughtful way, and the paranormal mystery elements make it less overwhelming to read. I wouldn’t classify this as horror, but it’s still impactful and engaging. Be sure to check the content warnings before diving in, and despite not typically loving books with such heavy themes, I can see myself recommending this one to others.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR! Also, the audiobook is available on Everand, and as always, you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial of the service. Don’t forget to like and share this post and follow the blog for more book reviews!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

A Magic Steeped in Poison | Book Review

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About The Book
Desperate to save her sister from a deadly poison, Ning enters a competition to become the kingdom’s top shennong-shi, a master of magical tea-making. The winner gets a favor from the princess, which may be her only chance. But as Ning navigates ruthless competitors, deadly politics, and a mysterious boy with a dangerous secret, she may be the one in the most danger.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3N25DM0

My Rating

In my opinion, this book is a hidden gem in the fantasy world, and I’m excited to see how the duology wraps up. What grabbed me right away was the unique and captivating plot. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before and follows a determined main character on a high-stakes mission to cure her sister from a mysterious poison. The urgency of the quest and all the twists and turns kept me hooked from beginning to end.

As for our main character, Ning, she was likable, though I’ve seen stronger female leads in other books. I felt there wasn’t a ton of character growth throughout the story. That said, her devotion to her sister and willingness to do whatever it takes for her family made her easy to root for.

The writing was excellent. Judy I. Lin’s style is vivid and really pulls you in. While I’m not usually a fan of a lot of world-building, I get that it’s needed for the first book in a fantasy series. The author handled it well, giving a solid base for what’s to come in the next book.

“There is a difference between living the suffering and reading about it.”

Now, let’s talk about the romance subplot. I was really glad it didn’t take over the story but still played an important role. We didn’t get to know the love interest very deeply, but I’m happy it wasn’t one of those insta-love situations. Ning felt a connection to him, but her priority stayed on saving her sister.

The plot twists definitely caught me off guard, and the last few chapters were super fast-paced and full of action. The ending left me completely shocked, and now I have to know what happens next. I have no idea where the story is going from here, but I can’t wait to find out.

Overall, I think this book deserves more attention. It’s got so many things I love in a fantasy series, including a unique plot, likable characters, a well-balanced romance, and an ending that sticks with you. I’d totally recommend it to anyone looking for an underrated fantasy read.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with fellow book lovers. And if you want to get notified when there’s a new post, follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Final Draft | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Laila Piedra only takes risks in the sci-fi worlds she writes about. When her supportive creative writing teacher is replaced by Pulitzer Prize-winning Nadiya Nazarenko, who is harsh and unimpressed, Laila becomes obsessed with earning her approval. She begins to feel like she has to choose between perfection and sanity, but deep down, Laila wonders if letting go of her mentor is the only way to truly find herself.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Zw5gRy

My Rating

This book left me with mixed feelings. While there weren’t any major issues with the plot or characters, I just didn’t feel a strong connection to either. It follows Laila, a sci-fi fan who wants to be a writer, and her life changes when a new teacher takes over her creative writing class. The teacher becomes a big influence in Laila’s life, causing her to question both her writing abilities and her identity.

A key theme in the book is about losing yourself while trying to please others. The new teacher, even though they’re a successful writer, doesn’t really teach, which leaves Laila and her classmates feeling uncertain about their work. This really hit home for me—it reminded me that creativity is personal, and trying to get others’ approval can make you lose your own voice.

Redgate hints at Laila’s mental health struggles throughout the story, which become clearer halfway through. These hints add depth to her struggles with writing, friendships, and her sexuality, making her feel more real and layered.

That said, the event that triggered Laila’s mental health decline didn’t quite make sense to me, and I often found myself wondering why it had such a big impact on her. However, I believe the author used it to symbolize how a single event can deeply affect someone who is already struggling mentally—it was about losing stability and support in her life.

“Let’s short circuit in the rain.”

The romance in the book was okay, but I didn’t feel very connected to the love interest since the other characters weren’t fleshed out enough, in my opinion. The focus is mainly on Laila throughout the book, so we don’t get much insight into her other relationships, which made it hard for me to fully invest in her romantic storyline.

What stood out the most for me was Riley Redgate’s writing style. It’s engaging and kept me reading, even when I wasn’t totally sure where the story was going. While I probably wouldn’t read this book again or strongly recommend it, I do think it’s well-written and touches on some important themes.

Overall, the story explores finding your identity and the risks of looking for validation from others. It didn’t totally click with me, but its strengths lie in its writing and thoughtful approach, which could appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

Let me know your thoughts on the book in comments! You can also listen to this audiobook and many others with an Everand subscription. Sign up for a free trial using my link (click here). If you liked this review, please consider following my blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Tea Dragon Society | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
The Tea Dragon Society trilogy is a heartwarming, magical, and inclusive story by the award-winning author of ‘Princess Princess Ever After’. It follows Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, who discovers a lost tea dragon and is introduced to the enchanting world of tea dragons. She learns the delicate, fading art of tea dragon care from kind tea shop owners Hesekiel and Erik. As Greta grows closer to them and their shy ward, Minette, she sees how the craft of caring for tea dragons brings warmth and meaning to their lives—and her own. This beloved, all-ages trilogy is full of charm and wonder.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4db5b91

My Rating

This graphic novel series charmed me right from the start with its unique concept. The world of tea dragons—small creatures that grow tea leaves from their horns—is both imaginative and heartwarming.

The books are quick and easy to read, making them perfect for a cozy escape. Each volume introduces new characters while keeping the main storyline connected, creating a sense of depth. The final book ties everything together nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion, though I was sad to see the series end.

While the stories may not be the most thrilling or complex, they are undeniably charming and heartwarming. The artwork is stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that match the gentle narrative perfectly.

“People seem to live at a different pace now. Tea Dragon tea is a wonderful thing, but it takes a long time to make. Back when everything took a long time, perhaps that didn’t matter.”

Overall, I recommend this series to readers of all ages. It’s a comforting, joyful read that brings happiness with every page. While these books may not stay with me forever, they’re my go-to for cozy, feel-good reading that I will surely be rereading for years to come.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve read this graphic novel series or heard of it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Before you leave, hit the follow button to turn on post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Little Monsters | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Kacey, the new girl in Broken Falls, moves in with her father and stepfamily, finding her new life eerily charming compared to her tumultuous past. She’s welcomed into a tight circle of friends, but things turn strange when her closest friends, Bailey and Jade, start acting distant. When Bailey disappears after a party, Kacey is left to navigate the town’s suspicions. Suddenly, Broken Falls isn’t so welcoming, and Kacey is at the center of the mystery.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Ry7tXE

My Rating

Kara Thomas has a way of writing that always keeps me engaged, and this book is no exception. The story centers on a high school senior, Kacey, as she tries to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of one of her closest friends, all while grappling with her troubled past. She had a difficult childhood, and works to conceal her anger issues while living with her dad, stepmom, stepbrother, and half-sister.

What I liked most was how the story had many layers, not just the mystery. It made everything more interesting and complicated. The mystery itself moves really fast, and even though I didn’t always agree with what the main character did, it felt real. She made mistakes like any teenager would in that situation.

In the book, we mostly follow Kacey’s perspective, but we also get short chapters that are journal entries from her missing friend, Bailey. These were an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise. Furthermore, they really did enhance the story. Bailey’s chapters give us more insight into her character, and provide important details leading up to her disappearance.

“Hope is the most dangerous thing you can give someone.”

I kept changing my mind about who might be behind everything, which I loved. The author really makes you doubt everyone and throws in lots of surprises. Some twists totally caught me off guard, though I did figure out part of the ending eventually. But when everything was revealed, it was shocking and way darker than I expected—in a good way.

Overall, the writing is fantastic, and the ending is gripping. I could easily see this book being one that many readers finish in a single sitting. If you enjoy young adult mysteries, this is a must-read. Just a heads-up, though: it tackles some heavy stuff, so check for trigger warnings if you need to.

Let me know in the comments if you enjoy YA mysteries! For more book-related content, check out my Instagram where I share book photos and reels. Don’t forget to hit follow to stay updated on all my bookish posts.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
In the spooky town of Maple Hollow, apothecary witch Jordyn accidentally conjures the ghost of her ex-girlfriend. The snarky specter haunts her until she finds new love. Enter Harlow, the new girl in town, who’s just trying to survive working in her sister’s cafe. As romance brews between them, Jordyn’s ghostly ex threatens to ruin it all.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ANfBOx

My Rating

I want to give a big thank you to the authors for granting me an eARC of this book. The first chapter dives right into the story, which I usually love, but I felt this book needed a prologue or an intro chapter. Still, I knew from the start that I was going to enjoy the story and its characters.

The book is told from dual perspectives: Jordan, who is haunted by the ghost of her ex-girlfriend, and Harlow, a new resident of Maple Hollow. Both girls are very likable, though somewhat similar. I never found myself preferring one perspective over the other, and I was sold on their relationship from their first interaction.

I loved the Halloweentown vibes in this book. Maple Hollow is literally a town where supernatural beings live, and the concept is amazing—it’s a place I’d want to visit and maybe even live in. I enjoyed seeing the different supernatural creatures interacting with each other and humans.

“We’re all different here. Maybe you just needed a little more magic in your life.”

While I loved the main characters and the town, the side characters were also likable, especially Harlow and her sister Willow. Their relationship felt real, like true sisters who love each other but sometimes lash out at one another. Willow cherished her life in this unique town, so she was hesitant about Harlow moving in with her, but she did love her sister. However, she could be a bit stuck in her ways and harsh at times.

This is a magical queer romance at its core, made even more complicated by the ghost of Jordan’s ex-girlfriend lingering around. However, I appreciated that the story was more than just a cute paranormal romance. The mystery plot was intriguing, and I wanted to find out what really happened to Jordan’s ex.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot, characters, and setting. While the ending wasn’t surprising, as I had a sense of where the story was heading, I could still see myself picking up more books by the authors. However, I felt the book was missing something extra to make it truly outstanding, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. Thanks again to the authors for the ARC!

In the comments, let me know if you watch Halloweentown every fall. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers, and give my blog a follow before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Couple In Cabin 14 | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Dean and Amber’s vacation at a secluded lakeside resort turns tense when Amber grows suspicious of their mysterious neighbors, Sophie and Marc. Obsessed with uncovering the couple’s secrets, Amber digs into their past, threatening to unravel her already fragile marriage. As the lines between truth and deception blur, Amber realizes she can’t trust anyone.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4cHH1mb

My Rating

First off, I want to thank the author and publisher for the ARC of this book. When I heard it was a debut psychological thriller, I was immediately interested. The plot—about a couple going to a secluded cabin for a week to reconnect, only to discover the couple next door might be hiding something—seemed like something I’d enjoy. I love psychological thrillers, although I haven’t come across many set in isolated locations that I’ve really liked.

The story starts off strong, and I liked the pacing. I couldn’t wait to see where it was going. It’s one of those books that grabs you from the first page, and I ended up finishing it in a day because I just couldn’t put it down. The short chapters and overall length also made it a quick read.

That said, I did have a few issues. The plot was interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of the main character, Amber, especially her thoughts about other people’s appearances. While it’s realistic for people to have these kinds of thoughts, some of her comments were off-putting. I’m not into reading about women putting each other down because of insecurities.

“Social media is a disease to society. There’s
nothing real there. The entire thing is contrived and curated to mislead
people.”

Another thing was Amber’s relationship with her husband, Dean. I didn’t like how she treated him for most of the book, and I didn’t really feel a strong connection between them. But I guess that made sense for the story since they were supposed to be having relationship issues, which is probably why Amber was so focused on the couple next door.

The writing was solid, and the author kept me interested the whole time. The last few chapters had me hooked, and there was a twist I didn’t see coming. I love when a thriller surprises me, but I can see how some people might figure out the twist. It didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat, but I enjoyed every second of it, and that’s what counts.

Overall, I’d say this is more of a mystery suspense than a psychological thriller. If you’re into Alice Feeney’s books, especially ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’, I think you’ll really like this one. I’m curious to see what the author writes next. Thanks again to the author and publisher for the chance to read this book early.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR. And don’t forget to follow the blog if you like book reviews and other bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Love On The Brain | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Bee Königswasser, a neuroengineer, lands her dream project at NASA but must co-lead with her old grad school nemesis, Levi Ward. Despite his heroics and undeniable attraction, Levi once made it clear they were enemies. As Bee’s career hits snags with missing equipment and uncooperative staff, she notices Levi becoming more of an ally. Torn between her growing feelings and the risks involved, Bee must decide what her next move will be.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4czbnHn

My Rating

I’ve heard this book compared a lot to ‘The Love Hypothesis,’ Ali Hazelwood’s first STEM romance, with people saying it has a very similar plot. However, I don’t see that at all, apart from the sunshiny and somewhat clueless main female character, and of course, the STEM setting. There aren’t many similarities between the books, and the tropes in each are completely different.

Honestly, as someone who loved ‘The Love Hypothesis,’ I enjoyed this one slightly more and think it’s an underrated novel where Ali Hazelwood is concerned. The main female character, Bee, is a Marie Curie-obsessed scientist who is offered her dream job working on a project for NASA. Unfortunately, she has to work with her grad school nemesis, Levi.

You might think this is an enemies-to-lovers story with a touch of workplace romance. However, that’s not the case; there is so much more to the plot. I loved Bee and Levi’s interactions throughout the book. She was so sure that he hated her, but that simply wasn’t true. And yes, one could say she was oblivious, but I found it hilarious.

“Science is reliable in its variability. Science does whatever the fuck it wants. God, I love science.”

There was this whole ‘You’ve Got Mail’-esque plot that I didn’t expect but loved. I’m a big fan of secret pen pals or, in this case, online friends. It adds such a fun layer to the story, and I couldn’t wait for things to be revealed. I will say that this book wasn’t a quick read, but the plot was more than just romance; a lot happened within 350 pages.

The characters Ali writes are amazing, and all you want is for them to get their HEA. For me, Bee and Levi complemented each other wonderfully, and they might even be one of my new favorite couples. However, I have a feeling I’ll be saying that about all the couples in Ali Hazelwood’s books.

Overall, I think this book shouldn’t be disregarded. The plot is interesting, the side characters are great, the banter is wonderful but not overwhelming, and the romance is fantastic. Also, the spice in this book is great! It’s open-door, and I would rate it a 3 out of 5 on the steamy scale, but that might be a bit too high.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Also, feel free to follow me on Instagram for more bookish content. And if you enjoy my blog, please show some love by giving it a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Hacienda | Blog Post

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Years after her father’s execution, Beatriz marries Don Rodolfo Solórzano for the safety of his countryside estate, Hacienda San Isidro. However, the hacienda is far from a sanctuary, as eerie visions and unexplained events plague her. Rodolfo’s sister and the household staff’s odd behaviors deepen Beatriz’s unease. She seeks help from Padre Andrés, a priest with hidden powers, to confront the malevolent force haunting the estate. But the darkness within the hacienda may prove to be her downfall.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SUy5Ty

My Rating

This book is often compared to Rebecca meets Mexican Gothic. While I haven’t read ‘Rebecca’, I did read ‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I love haunted house stories, so I had high hopes for this book, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint.

The story is about Beatriz, a new bride who moves into her husband’s countryside estate, the Hacienda. But she quickly realizes things aren’t quite right at Hacienda San Isidro. She starts hearing voices and even sees a dead body. Honestly, she handled it way better than I would have.

Beatriz is an interesting character. She married a man she barely knew, hoping for a better life, but ended up in a situation that might be even worse than what she left behind. What I liked about the story is that it’s not just told from Beatriz’s point of view. We also get some chapters from Padre Andrés, the young priest she turns to for help. Even though his chapters are fewer, it was interesting to see things, especially the past, from his perspective.

“There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of match against paper, the sharp spark of amber and gold, the small crackle of a wick taking flame.”

You can tell from the description that there’s a bit of a magical element in the story, and the author blends it in really well. It gives the book something unique that makes it stand out among other Gothic haunted house stories. It even gave me *The Conjuring* movie vibes, which I really liked.

The writing is good, but sometimes it felt a bit slow, which made the story drag a little. But I never wanted to put it down, and once I started reading, I needed to know how it would end. Also, the book does mention some heavy and possibly triggering topics, which was a bit unexpected.

Overall, I enjoyed the historical setting, and I didn’t mind that the ending was a bit predictable. My only real complaint is how the romance part ended, though I’m not sure you’d even call it a romance. Still, I’m interested in reading more from this author, and I’d recommend this book to anyone just starting to explore the horror genre.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book in the comments. If you liked this post, please give it a like and share it with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more book-related content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny