Review by: @litwithlarashleyyyyy

The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

The rundown: This book is written from the perspectives of their mother-in-law, Diana, and her daughter-in-law, Lucy. Diana is a strict, no-hands-out mother-in-law and wishes her family would follow her orders, especially her daughter-in-law, Lucy. Lucy doesn’t get much help from her sister-in-law, Nettie or her husband, Ollie on the strained relationship. Only Nettie’s husband, Patrick, understands the difficulty of being under the careful eyes of Diana. However, when Diana ends up dying with a suicide note the detective believes is forged, Lucy finds herself in the middle of the murder investigation, and everyone is diving deep into their complicated relationship. 

The review: This fast-paced book was an easy read. Readers will get sucked into Diana's past and Lucy's temperament and life with her husband and kids. Diana is a misunderstood woman who built walls around herself to be successful and be the family's matriarch. Lucy seeks motherly affection since her mom passed away and leans on Diana for love. The two women are opposites yet find common ground around family, desperation, and acceptance. The book plays into the past when Diana was a young college student, showing readers how Diana and Lucy's relationship became strained and the present of who killed Diana and what led to her death. The "who-dun-it" factor plays well throughout the story, and many readers will be shocked when the killer is revealed. And then the end is happy for no one.

Goes well with: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, and Just the Nice Couple by Mary Kubica

Review by: @litwithlarashleyyyyy

Gilded by Marissa Meyer

The rundown: A dark fairytale, Gilded, tells the story of sinister magic erupting in the human world as dark creatures steal humans and children at night. The main character, Serilda, tries to save herself and her town from these creatures by tricking the king of the evil realm. However, her lies come with a price, and the king demands Serilda to spin straw into gold or die. Before Serilda knows it, she’s in the middle of her fairytale and wishes for a miracle to save her. But instead, it’s another creature who grants her wish, but once again, for a price. She and the creature uncover the mystery of the evil realm and the castle where Serilda is held captive. Will she escape?

The review: 5 stars! I could not put this book down! A dark retelling of the classic Rumblestkin story will leave readers guessing who the TRUE enemy is and swoon over Serilda and her love interest! This book is perfect for people who’ve ever felt alone and who listened to what others tell them they are without looking into themselves. The mystery of the dark castle, Serilda’s daring love for her father and the townspeople’s children, and her determination will make you run and grab the sequel to the series.

Goes well with: A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber, The Stolen Heir by Holly Black and Cursed by Marissa Meyer.

Review by: @litwithlarashleyyyyy

The Tea Dragon Festival by Kay O’Neill

The rundown: In this continuation of the cozy fantasy graphic novel The Tea Dragon Society, we come back to the sweet town that has Tea Dragons, yummy food, and adventure. The inclusive, diverse book introduces Aedhan, a dragon put to sleep and woken by a local townsperson, Rinn. Together, they start a journey to discover who put Aedhan to sleep and learn more about each other. Rinn and Aedhan get help from Rinn’s uncle Erik and his partner, Hesekel, to uncover the mystery of the sleeping dragon and how to help them face their biggest fears.

The review: This is the perfect LGBTQ+ book to read for Pride Month! The fantastical characters explore their sexualities and their feelings with the townspeople. Aedhan and Rinn grow a special bond that children of all ages will appreciate and enjoy.

Goes well with: Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, The Sprite and the Gardner by Rii Abrego, and Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen

Review by: @litwithlarashleyyyyy

The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night by Steven Banbury

The rundown: Orphaned Eve runs away from the orphanage, only to be caught by the creepy and mysterious Pumpkin King, who decides to adopt her. Now hailing as the Pumpkin Princess, Eve arrives at the mysterious town of Hallowell, where ghouls roam the town and the undead never sleep. Eve, being the only human in the town has to convince everyone why she’s the perfect candidate as the Pumpkin Princess while getting used to her new role: as daughter.

The review: This is an early edition of the book. It won’t be available to the public until September 3, 2024. The book gives the classic Disney Channel movie Halloweentown a scarier yet wholesome vibe. The main character, Eve, is a courageous young girl being adopted by a night terror, the Pumpkin King. It was beautiful to see the mystery of the town, Hallowell, through Eve’s eyes. A vampire that doesn’t drink blood, troublesome werewolves, witches who struggle with magic, and ghosts that turn into a banshee or a poltergeist makes anyone question if they want to visit the town, especially on Halloween night! Eve’s wild adventures in her new town will keep the reader guessing until the very end of what she and her friends will get into next! Also, the bond between Eve and her adopted dad, the Pumpkin King, is sugary sweet (perfect with Halloween candy!). I’m excited to revisit Hallowell!

Goes well with: The Wizards of Once: Never and Forever by Cressida Cowell, The Beast, the Queen, and the Lost Knight by Alexandria Rogers, and What Happens After Midnight by K.L. Walther