Paladin’s Grace is a cozy, comforting read—perfect for when you want to disappear into a story and keep your heart rate steady. The premise is intriguing without feeling like cookie-cutter fantasy, and the plot moves along at a steady pace without high-stakes urgency.

The story follows Grace, a master perfumer running from a past life, and Stephen, a paladin whose god is dead, leaving him struggling to find his place in the world. Their chance encounter at the beginning is a comical, somewhat untoward meet-cute, and their connection blossoms from there. I can’t stress enough how refreshing it was to read a fantasy novel where the main characters are fully grown adults in their 30s.

Stephen’s knitting is absolutely to die for, though I have to admit the berserker element felt a bit overplayed by the end. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will likely continue the series when I’m in the mood for another light, whimsical escape.