Peasreads: A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox

 Set in the Dutch Golden Age this story has the fun storytelling, magic, and folklore woven into the reimagining of The Little Mermaid. Smart and beautifully done.

Clara, the main character, was likeable and I cheered for her. I could relate to her and understand the reasoning behind many of her decisions. Her people, her wonderful nursemaid, I liked them. Without giving any spoilers away, I think if Clara knew from the start how her beautiful home was procured she would have been a force to be reckoned with from the start. The great thing is that with the knowledge learned along the way, she was smart, brave, and resilient. She loved her people, but she could also see the wrong done to others for her to have the life she lived. Maurits is the other main character. I enjoyed his charm and care, until he just got sappy. Yes, be in love, but be smart about it.  His flowery words were almost too much for me. I could see how his being so enamored by the human world made things easy for his brother, the antagonist. Maurits was irresponsible, and it was hard to reconcile my feelings for him with how things turned out. I would have liked him more if the book were longer. If more time were taken to develop his character, and give him more depth and maturity. The magical creatures and folklore were such great additions. This story is an entertaining, fun read. It is also a read that makes you think about climate change, slavery, and oppression.  Hester Fox didn't write the topics of climate change, slavery, and oppression into the book in a glaring way; they are woven in seamlessly, and they are the foundation of how the town was built and how it thrived. They are what the wealthy stand on. There is no way to gloss over that. 

Description: Set in the waning days of the Dutch Golden Age, this enchanting, lu rsheimagining of The Little Mermaid is perfect for fans of Jesse Burton’s The Miniaturist and Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar.

The Dutch Republic, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Wieren is faced with an ill omen: a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn’t believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother’s overbearing rule.

When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family’s estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.

But Maurits isn’t who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.

What can you expect in A MAGIC DEEP & DROWNING?
Lush & Enchanting
Gender-swap of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid
Historical Fantasy
Set in 17th Century Netherlands
Family Secrets
Atmospheric Vibes 

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Graydon House I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are  my own.  

Peasreads: Celestial Banquet Roselle Lim

 Celestial Banquet: Fast-paced, drool worthy fantasy adventure with excellent world-building. Great concept. A cooking competition for the three major gods by mortals. The grand prize is a peach of immortality for each team member. Not winning could cost you your life. Cai is the main character, she is a poor orphan who wants to fulfill her father's dream of competing in the Celestial Banquet. She is a smart, skilled, hard worker. There is a love triangle in this book, but it's so secondary and unnecessary. The only part of the book that wasn't well written, it was too much too fast. One star off for that. (Sorry). Bo is Cai's best friend from childhood. I never thought he resembled a love interest. He's such an amazing and supportive friend. Soen is a rich noble who sponsors the team in the Celestial Banquet. He is kind and honorable. All of these characters had enough to them and their story that to add the romance needed more pages and build. I'm glad Cai chose well in the end, though.

My other beef is that this book wasn't long enough. I finished it within a 24 hour period. It is 384 fast paced pages that I wanted more of. I don't know if it will end up being a series but the author did leave room for that to happen, which would be awesome. I loved Roselle Lim's food and setting descriptions. She did such a great job. She also described the people and creatures so well. I could picture everything in my mind.

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I received this egalley from NetGalley and Zando Projects I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are  my own.  

Peasreads: Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

 If it were not for my love for Mulan and all things Mulan retellings I wouldn't have given this book a second glance. 

This is a Disney a Mulan retelling in an urban setting. There's no going off to war in a literal sense and Mushu isn't a spirit. At first it was a little cheesey then the character development was good, the humor, the way I could relate as a first generation Asian American, the swoon worthy Sheng. I'm laughing, I'm tearing up. I'm hooked. All of a sudden I'm looking down and I'm 95% done with this book but I don't want it to end! Such a sweet fun read 

This is the first book I've read in the Meant To Be series. If they are all this good, sign me up. 

They are all standalone books which is great because I prefer that.

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I received this book from NetGalley for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are  my own. 

Peasreads: I Am Not Jessica Chen -Ann Liang

I finished this in one day.  One. 

Are the MCs in highschool? Yes.  

Am I in my late forties? Yes. 

Was it still a great read for me? Absolutely yes.

 This book was sad and eye-opening not only as a parent but personally. So many times we try to live up to other people's expectations. We never can. We also try to live up to the strict expectations we put on ourselves. These expectations are impossible at any age. The MC Jenna had expectations put on her by her parents, but she also heaped on even more impossible expectations for herself. We so often do that. Not realizing that those who love us, truly love us as we are and that they too are imperfect.

As a parent reading this book broke my heart to hear about how these students feel in these situations where it's all about how your grades are, if you're in enough extracurriculars, are they the right extracurriculars, I just felt so bad for these kids. I wanted to scoop them up and comfort them. I also was angry at the environment that was made for some to succeed regardless of the effort they put in, while also being a place for others to potentially succeed if they don't rock the boat.

From the Publisher

Harlequin Teen, Jan 29, 2025 - Young Adult Fiction - 384 pages

Jenna Chen has spent her life in the shadow of her flawless cousin. Jessica Chen is so smart she gets the top score on every test. Jessica Chen is so beautiful people stop in the hallway to stare at her. Jessica Chen is so perfect she got into Harvard.

And Jenna Chen will only ever be a disappointment.

So when Jenna makes a desperate wish to become her cousin, the last thing she expects is for it to come true — literally. All of a sudden she gets to live the life she’s always dreamed of...but being the model student at cutthroat Havenwood Private Academy isn’t quite what she’d imagined. Worse, people seem to be forgetting that someone named Jenna Chen ever existed. But isn’t it worth trading it all away — her artistic talent, her childhood home, even the hope of golden boy Aaron Cai loving her back — to be Jessica Chen? 

HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins | Harlequin Teen

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I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this per the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Peasreads: The Enchanted Greenhouse- Sarah Beth Durst

 

I was enchanted by SarahBeth Durst's world and writing from The Spellshop. The Enchanted Greenhouse is a standalone book that takes place in the same world as. It tells the story of a librarian, named Terlu Perna. Terlu uses a spell to create a friend, a certain sentient spider plant named Caz from the first book. The spell is harmless but there is a problem. All magic is forbidden unless you're a sorcerer. The punishment was both swift and harsh as Terlu is transformed into a statue. The story picks up after a brief history of that incident to when Terlu awakens from her punishment in a strange place she's never been. There she meets the caretaker of enchanted greenhouses. He's the only person on the island and he doesn't really have any answers. Just questions of his own to a pretty big problem. The Enchanted Greenhouses are failing. One by one. He needs a sorcerer, but Terlu isn't one. Is there a way she can still help though? She is willing to take the risks as she and her new friends tackle the problem. 

I fell in love with The Enchanted Greenhouse and all its amazing rooms. I want to go back to this world. I hope we all get the chance to. This is the kind of cozy Cottagecore we all need for 2025.

From the publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges.

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.

This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.

But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.

This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.

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I received this book from NetGalley and Macmillan/Bramble publishers. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this per the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Peasreads: Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

 

Before We Forget Kindness written by Toshikazu Kawaguchi tells stories about people who have come to a mysterious cafe to travel back in time. I have not read any books by this author but will definitely look for the other four in this series. This book can be read as a standalone.  Each of the characters are introduced and developed within the corresponding stories. There are four stories within this book, four people who want to time travel.  Each for their own reasons. Each story is heartwarming and heartbreaking in many ways. This review does not do justice to this book. It is one of my favorite reads of 2024. One of the very few five-star reads this year. 

From the publisher:

In the fifth book in the sensational Before the Coffee Gets Cold series translated from Japanese, the mysterious café where customers arrive hoping to travel back in time welcomes four new guests:

- The father who could not allow his daughter to get married

- A woman who couldn't give Valentine's Day chocolates to her loved one

- A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents

- A wife holding a child with no name . . .

They must follow the café's strict rules, however, and come back to the present before their coffee goes cold. Another moving and heartwarming tale from Toshikazu Kawaguchi, in Before We Forget Kindness our new visitors wish to go back into their past to move on their present, finding closure and comfort so they can embark on a beautiful future.

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I received this book from NetGalley for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are  my own. I am disclosing this per the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Peasreads: Pride and Preston Lin by Christine Hwong Dudley

 

Pride and Preston Lin by Christine Hwong Dudley is available on

Paperback
Kindle

from Amazon and other book retailers.

Description:

Lissie is the middle of three sisters, orphaned and taken in by their aunt and uncle. Both she and her older sister, Jenny, work in the family restaurant while pursuing their education and career dreams. When Lissie accidentally serves a dish containing shellfish paste to an allergic customer, she runs afoul of the wealthy Lin family. Their golden boy, Preston, star swimmer and Stanford Ph.D. student, is as handsome as he is self-righteous. Lissie hates him and everything he stands for, but circumstances keep bringing them together. Can she overcome her pride and her initial misgivings about Preston Lin and his condescending mother? Will love prevail, and will these enemies turn into lovers?

Pride and Preston Lin by popular Regency romance writer Christina Hwang Dudley is a hilarious and earnest contemporary riff on Jane Austen’s classic work. And readers will undoubtedly root for Lissie Cheng, a sassy new Elizabeth Bennet for our times, to find lasting love and happiness.

My thoughts:

First of all, I am a Pride and Prejudice fan but you do NOT need to be to enjoy this book. It is set in modern times. There are nods to Chinese American culture both good and cringe that were all relatable to me being a first-generation Asian American. There is also the world of competitive swim culture that author Dudley seems knowledgeable about. I don't know anything about competitive swim. I didn't feel "left out" or confused because the descriptions (of both worlds) seamlessly flowed with the storyline. I appreciated the world she built.

All the characters in this book fit their personality, from genial to condescending. Charles Bing is a classic lovely Charles Bingley. I liked him a lot and he fit the kind caring character arc. He isn't a pushover and doesn't let people sway him easily. He is smart, kind, and reasonable. Lissie is smart, clever, bold, and witty. She just wants her family to be okay. Preston Lin was infuriating at first but once we truly got to know him it was easy to see why Lissie started falling for him. Dudley brings each character to life in a way that makes you either root for them or dislike them and rightly so! Despite being a riff on Pride and Prejudice this is a fresh take that is quirky and fun. I truly enjoyed this read.

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I received this book from Netgalley, Third State Books, and Christina Hwang Dudley. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads: The Silent Prince- CJ Brightley

 

The Silent Prince can be found on Amazon in

Paperback

on Kindle

My thoughts:

CJ Brightley writes a great retelling of The Little Mermaid. The prince is arrogant but not uncaring. He is also very much in a new to him world when he becomes a human. It is delightful seeing him discover new fun things. Sometimes it's downright funny. 

There is a fake relationship trope to this story but it isn't full of sexual tension like some of those tend to be. This is a clean read. 

If you like reimagined stories, fantasy, mermaids, magic, loyalty, and bravery, this book would be a great read for you. I really enjoyed it and it made me laugh out loud several times.

If you're looking for more noblebright clean reads check out the Phoenix Crate sub.

Peasreads: Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier

 

Dragonfruit

Dragonfruit is a Pacific Island mythology inspired tale. It has dragons, pirates, magic, and mystery. I absolutely enjoyed reading this story. The description says romance, it has a little romance which to me was not the focus and that made it great. It is so much more. This is such a great story about family, friendship, belonging, forgiveness, and strength.

The main characters were likeable. I wanted them to succeed.  The word building beautiful and lush 

It is a clean read. Great for YA and Teens also.

Description: 

From acclaimed author Makiia Lucier, a dazzling, romantic fantasy inspired by Pacific Island mythology.

In the old tales, it is written that the egg of a seadragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person's greatest sorrow. An unwanted marriage, a painful illness, and unpaid debt...gone. But as with all things that promise the moon and the stars and offer hope when hope has gone, the tale comes with a warning.

Every wish demands a price.

Hanalei of Tamarind is the cherished daughter of an old island family. But when her father steals a seadragon egg meant for an ailing princess, she is forced into a life of exile. In the years that follow, Hanalei finds solace in studying the majestic seadragons that roam the Nominomi Sea. Until, one day, an encounter with a female dragon offers her what she desires most. A chance to return home, and to right a terrible wrong.

Samahtitamahenele, Sam, is the last remaining prince of Tamarind. But he can never inherit the throne, for Tamarind is a matriarchal society. With his mother ill and his grandmother nearing the end of her reign, Sam is left with two choices: to marry, or to find a cure for the sickness that has plagued his mother for ten long years. When a childhood companion returns from exile, she brings with her something he has not felt in a very long time-hope.

But Hanalei and Sam are not the only ones searching for the dragonfruit. And as they battle enemies both near and far, there is another danger they cannot escape...that of the dragonfruit itself.

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I received this book from NetGalley and Clarion books. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this per the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thank you NetGalley and Clarion books for this galley. All opinions are my own, I was not expected to give a review. 

Peasreads: The Shield and the Thorn (The Wraith)

 

So. The final book in the duology of The Wraith. We're back in the midst of both the Fair Lands and Regency London. The Wraith, Theo has saved the Fair Lands. I almost think these two books could have just been one since it's all Theo mostly. I was hoping we could be done with Theo and Lily's story as sweet as it was. I hoped Shelby could shine in his very own adventure where Theo was a supporting character. To me, Theo is again the main character. 

I wanted more of Shelby, more of Miss Firethorn. As loyal as Shelby is to Theo, it's wonderful and amazing really. I also wanted HIM to just be the one. A great conclusion to the adventures of the Wraith. The Fair Lands will be safe, but now it's a matter of winning the trust of the Fair people so that there can be peace among them.

Peasreads: The Rose and the Wraith

A reimagining of Baroness Emmuska Orczy's A Scarlet Pimpernel. The Wraith and the Rose main characters, Theodore Overton and Lilybeth Rose Hathaway are in London for the season, so of course there is romance in the air. This isn't your everyday Regency romance, this has Fae, magic, and an unlikely hero in disguise!

I have never read A Scarlet Pimpernel. I think if I had I would have understood the character of Theo Overton much better. The unlikely hero is seen simply as a wealthy Englishman during the season. Kind, generous, and thoughtful Theo seems too gentle really to be all the things the Wraith is. The Wraith is bold, daring, amazing with disguises, a great swordsman, and has magical abilities above the normal amount humans have. While a great character Theo was too too perfect. He didn't seem to have a flaw in him, maybe that was his flaw. Sure there is miscommunication on both his and Lily's sides. So there was a misunderstanding, he was still too perfect.

Peasreads: Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (Song of the Last Kingdom Book 1)

 

Before you sit down to read this book, go ahead and preorder the second one. You won't want to wait to dive right into it. Trust me. I purchased this book as soon as I found out I was chosen to read and review the second one. I'm so glad I did. I want copies of both to be able to reread.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is the first in the Song of the Last Kingdom series. It is a fantasy inspired by ancient China and its mythology. I grew up watching Chinese kung fu movies set in ancient China. The characters dressed so beautifully, they would fly through the air with billowing sleeves and it was always so visually stunning. Amelie Wen Zhao has a way of word building that paints her characters, world, and the whole story so vividly in your mind. Just visually beautiful. 

But in rare moments like this, when the sun hung ripe and swollen as a mandarin over the glittering sea, there was still a shattered-glass beauty to be found in the remnants of a conquered land.- Song of Silver, Flame Like Night

I had just started reading, and when I got to the second paragraph I read a sentence that stopped me. The one above. I reread it and knew that I was going to love the richness of how the scenery and the characters were going to materialize in my mind. I came to find that this was consistent throughout the book. I could read the pain and desperation of people who were worn down from occupation. I could sense their pride as they also clung to whatever they had left of who they were at the core.

The story from the beginning grips you and you just want to keep reading to see what happens next. There are twists, turns, and surprises. The story flows well, and you'll fall in love with the characters. Not just the main ones, but many of them. 

Peasread: Carnegie's Maid

Carnegie's Maid

Marie Benedict

Pages 288

ISBN 9781492646617

Publisher SOURCEbooks

At 288 pages Carnegie's Maid is a quick read, perfect for a lazy afternoon. Once I started I couldn't put it down. This book is about Clara Kelley who is an Irish immigrant. She arrives in Pittsburgh to find work so she can send money back home to her family. Clara is mistaken for a girl who was experienced to come work as a lady's maid. Clara takes on the missing girls identity and takes on the job of lady's maid for Mrs. Carnegie, Andrew Carnegie's mother. 

Peasread: A Fairy King

Hello everyone! My 12/13 year old has agreed to reviews some great books for me. Here's one from C.J. Brightley called A Fairy King, it's a novella. My teen LOVES this series and is anxiously waiting for the next book. It is not a tween/teen/young adult book. It's a story that adults and teens will all enjoy.

It is summer here so less food blogging, no school lunches, but we'll try to get these book reviews up!

Here's the review:

Peasread: The Austen Escape

The Austen Escape
Katherine Reay

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 7, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0718078098

ISBN-13: 978-0718078096

Book description from publisher:

Falling into the past will change their futures forever.
Mary Davies finds safety in her ordered and productive life. Working as an engineer, she genuinely enjoys her job and her colleagues – particularly a certain adorable and intelligent consultant. But something is missing. When Mary’s estranged childhood friend, Isabel Dwyer offers her a two-week stay in a gorgeous manor house in England, she reluctantly agrees in hopes that the holiday will shake up her quiet life in just the right ways.
But Mary gets more than she bargained for when Isabel loses her memory and fully believes she lives in Jane Austen’s Bath. While Isabel rests and delights in the leisure of a Regency lady, attended by the other costume-clad guests, Mary uncovers startling truths about their shared past, who Isabel was, who she seems to be, and the man who now stands between them.
Outings are undertaken, misunderstandings play out, and dancing ensues as this company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation, work out their lives and hearts.

Peasread: A Name Unknown

A Name Unknown

Shadows Over England #1

Roseanna M. White

 434 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (July 4, 2017)

ISBN-10: 0764230417

ISBN-13: 978-0764230417

 Book description from publisher:

Edwardian Romance and History Gains a Twist of Suspense 

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?
Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.
But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

Peasread: Plain Retribution

Plain Retribution is a book a Christian romance with suspense. It's set in both a small town and Amish country. Ten years ago Rebecca Miller, a deaf Amish girl was kidnapped along with three other girls, after being rescued their testimony helps put the man in jail. After surviving that ordeal she has tried to move on with her life in the "English" world where she feels more at ease with the deaf community. Now Rebecca and the other girls who were abducted are being targeted.

Peasread: The Second Chance Brides Collection

This sweet collection of short stories about second chances for nine women set in history from 1776-1944 was a fun pool side read. Each story moves quickly and at first I felt rushed to get to know the characters and didn't like that things moved so unrealistically fast. Do people really fall in love so quickly? Is that real love or just initial attraction? But I supposed that's the nature of short stories. Once I put that into consideration I enjoyed each story more. I really liked that I could start a story and not feel like I had to devote whole night to it. I could read just one and get to bed, or read a few pool side while the kids swam. I like that the stories were about love and second chances, but also about faith. Both the hope and strength it gives people. Each of these stories is a clean read. Death is mentioned in some of the stories, there is some kissing.

Admittedly I liked some more than others. My favorites were The Widow of St. Charles Street, Fanned Embers, and From a Distance. You can see the summaries from authors below.

Peasread: Peace In The Valley

The last in the Double S Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne follows Trey Walker Stafford, the youngest of the Stafford boys. Trey was orphaned at a young age when is parents overdosed on drugs. He was adopted by his uncle Sam Stafford, patriarch of the family and owner of the Double S Ranch. Trey is a successful country music star returning home to help his dad, Sam, during a time of illness. 

All his life Trey has been a straight shooter, trying to prove to the world, himself, Sam, and his deceased parents that you can be in the spotlight and not succumb to drugs and alcohol. While Trey never struggled with addiction, his late wife did and she died from an overdose. Trey carries this guilt with him. He hates what drugs and alcohol do to people so much so that he has a hard time trusting anyone with a history of drug use. There is too much pain in his past from the effects of it. 

Peasread: Home On The Range

Another Double S Ranch book by Ruth Logan Herne. This one is called Home on the Range, in it we get to know more about Nick Stafford. Middle son to Sam Stafford. Nick is a single father trying to raise two little girls Cheyenne and Dakota. Along with the challenges of being a single father he has to deal with his past rejections, a father who was too busy on the ranch, and memories of a mother who walked out on him. Nick had always wanted to be a better man than his father in so many ways, but when his wife walks out on him he realizes that he is going down the same parenting path as Sam Stafford. Cheyenne is an 8 year old who is struggling to hold on to hope that her mother will return, she is defiant and angry at the world.