The Unicorn Hunters: a historical fiction fantasy of one woman's determination to keep her country's future secure

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden is a historical fiction fantasy of one woman’s determination to keep her country’s future secure. Anne of Brittany is an orphaned duchess who decides to use the world of myth and magic in order to buy herself time. When she was a child, her country was invaded, her home surrounded and her father driven to his death. Now the country’s treasury is empty, the land is filled with enemies and she has been ordered to marry the King of France or risk a renewed war. Anne had promised her father that Brittany would never be conquered. In secret, she betroths herself to France’s greatest enemy and in order to formalize the union, Anne takes her court deep into a legendary forest under the guise of hunting an unicorn. However, it is all a ruse or so Anne thinks when a unicorn appears and she finds herself in a world of enchantment where she must find the power to change her own as well as her country’s destiny or be lost forever. 

I loved Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy with a mix of historical events and magical elements. When I had a chance to read The Unicorn Hunters, I looked forward to it as I was intrigued. I knew of Anne of Brittany, the historical figure, as well as the story depicted in the famous Unicorn Hunt tapestries. From the opening pages to the closing chapters, this story was engaging with a political strategy, historical figures and mystical intrigue. Anne is strong willed, fiercely loyal to the memory of her father and the people who depend on her. I enjoyed watching her strategize as she tried to avoid marriage with the King of France. I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of the country and the legendary forest. There is a romantic element to the story; however, I feel it did not overwhelm the story. Overall, I enjoyed this reimagined story of the historical Anne of Brittany and the magical myth of the elusive unicorn. If you enjoy historical fiction with magical elements, I highly recommend The Unicorn Hunters. 

The Unicorn Hunters will be available June 2, 2026 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Woke Up Like This: a magical romantic comedy as two high school seniors to enjoy the smaller moments

Woke Up Like This by Amy Lea is a seventeen going on thirty story in which two high school seniors find themselves waking up as their adult selves. Charlotte Wu is ultra-organized and trying to plan the perfect prom, the final hurrah before they graduate and enter the adult world. After falling off a ladder and landing atop her archnemesis, J.T. Renner, Charlotte wakes up at thirty years old and lying next to her fiancé, a bearded Renner. In the situation together, Charlotte and Renner discover what they have missed twelve years and must discover if there’s a way to get back. Charlotte also realizes there is more to Renner than just the irritation jock she thought she knew. As they navigate the situation and try to figure out how to get back to seventeen. How will life be different when or if they do? 

Woke Up Like This is described as a “magical romantic comedy about growing up too fast and living in the moment,” I was intrigued by the premise of waking up as your adult self and learning what really matters in life. In the beginning, I was annoyed by Charlotte. She was a hard character to like as she was bossy, judgmental and petty. As someone who does not see the big deal of prom and did not attend my senior prom, I could not connect with her desire with the perfect prom or the perfect milestones. However, I enjoyed her growth as she realizes that the milestones are not as important as the smaller moments that happen in between. Overall, I enjoyed the story as the character showed great growth throughout the story. If you enjoy young adult and magical romantic comedies, I recommend Woke Up Like This. 

Woke Up Like This is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Then Came You: a move to a small town for a fresh start and a possible new romance

Then Came You is the first book in the Compass Cove series by Jeannie Moon. After a series of family loss, Mia DeAngelis needed a change for herself and her nephew, Ben. They move in with her grandmother in the magical small town of Compass Cove. She takes a job as a librarian at a local college and settles into her new community. Adam Miller is a retired NFL quarterback who has returned to Compass Cove for a fresh start as he takes the coaching job at the college. When Ben shows up at practice one day, Adam meets his gorgeous aunt and there is an instant connection despite their resistance. Even though their family and friends see them together, Mia is hesitant as her mother’s expectations interfere. Can the magic of Compass Cove bring them together or will their doubts keep them apart? 

Then Came You is a fast paced, page turner filled with sweet moments and heart stopping drama. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I could not put this book down. I read well into the night as I wanted to see Mia and Adam together. The drama between Mia and her mother felt so real and raw. I cheered for Mia as she fights for her own life and decisions without interference from her mother. I loved Adam and knew he was the one for Mia. I also enjoyed Mia’s nephew Ben. I laughed at the scene when he reveals that he saw Adam kiss Mia and how grossed out he was. It was such a child thing to say. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to continuing the story. I highly recommend Then Came You. 

Then Came You is available in paperback and eBook

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses: when love is right before your eyes

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses by Barbara Hinske is the fifth book in The Wishing Tree series. In Linden Falls, wishes are tied to the branches of the linden tree in the town square. Wishes of hopes and dreams. Some believe in the magic of the tree and others do not. Can anything change their minds? Pam Olson and Steve Turner have been childhood friends who are now work colleagues at the local gym. They are perfect for each other except they do not see it. Fortunately, there are a few who do and are willing to bring these two together. After disastrous online dating, Pam joins Steve in a no-dating pact. What they don’t know is that there is a covert mission to bring these two together. Will they finally see the sparks between them? 

I love The Wishing Tree series and its magical town of Linden Falls. In this story, Pam and Steve have seen their share of heartbreak and are determined to never be hurt again. Reluctantly, Pam agrees to try online dating and it ends as horribly as she imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed Pam and Steve. They have a history and a friendship they don’t want to jeopardize in case their romance fizzles. I felt for Pam as each online date she goes on is worse than the one before. I enjoyed the involvement and the covert mission that those close to Pam and Steve put in action as they see these two belong together. I highly recommend Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses as well as the previous books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses is available in paperback and eBook

Secret Key of Mim: an exciting sequel with Charlie Kadabra

Secret Key of Mim by Nam McAdam is the second book in the Charlie Kadabra Last of the Magicians series. I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it. I was invited to read the second book and I accepted.

The story opens as Charlie is riding his trusted dragon along with his companion Fen. He senses something is wrong in the land of Mim. He discovers that his parents’ cottage is on fire and they’re gone! He finds a letter from his dad instructing him to seek out Atticus McBain. Charlie finds out that people are being kidnapped all over Mim. He learns that the Dark Elves were locked away in the Netherworld by a magical key. He must find it and keep it safe so the evil forces cannot release the Dark Elves again. Can Charlie find the key in time? Will he find out who is behind this evil plan? Will he be able to save those kidnapped?

Secret Key of Mim is a great continuation of the adventures in the first book, Saving Mim. Along his journey, Charlie meets all sorts of creatures, trolls, yetis and sasquatches. The story is fun and engaging which takes the reader on a magical adventure in the land of Mim. The lesson of not to judge others by their appearance as Charlie must learn that who he can trust may not look like they can be trusted. I highly recommend this book for a family or classroom library.

Secret Key of Mim

is available on Amazon

in paperback for $10.99

on the Kindle for $2.99

or free on KindleUnlimited