*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

In the style of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys (with even more drama and adventure), HENRY HALIFAX AND THE TUTORI’S CLOAK follows young Henry Halifax on the chase of a lifetime. After stumbling across a heist run by one of the world’s greatest villains, The Frenchman, Henry soon finds himself drawn into the secret world of the APA, Tutori, and Carabinieri– and what happens is a story you have to read to believe!

This book would be perfect for that adventure seeking kid in your life, the one who devours mysteries and loves animals with a ferocious passion!

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Miss Tiffany Woodall has a decision to make. She could either:

A) Call for help, have her deplorable half-brother buried by the church, and accept her fate as a penniless spinster at the mercy of the predatory rector.

B) Bury Uriah in the back garden and assume his identity-- thus allowing Tiffany to keep her home, work as a librarian, and (for the first time in her life) have the independence to make decisions for herself.

Thus begins Tiffany's new life as both her brother, and herself. However, when another servant in the Palace dies tragically, Tiffany begins to worry her brother's death may not have been as benign as she first thought. Throw in the issue of beginning to fall for the very man who could have her arrested, and Tiffany may have bitten off more than she could chew.

A NOVEL DISGUISE was a fantastic story. I loved the period (and modern day) appropriate commentary of social injustices including: women's rights, racism, and even treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. Rather than being awkwardly inserted into the plot in an attempt to modernize a historical fiction book, these issues were integral in character development and motivation, as well as the murder mystery itself. It was also very obvious the author did extensive research on the time period, but it never felt as though I was reading a history lesson.

This book is one of the best historical cozy mysteries I've read, and I can't wait for the next installment of the series!

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Wren is a little messed up, and she'll be the first to admit it. Finding solace in order and lists after her mother left, she has very little tolerance for anything outside the careful crafting plan she's created for herself. However, when visiting her best friend at a local coffee shop, Wren notices a boy being relentless teased by his friend for being stood up by a friend from the internet, Wren decides to do something decidedly un-Wren-like and pretend to be someone she's not (namely, the admittedly cute boy's online girlfriend).

However, as the fake-dating continues, Wren begins weaving a bigger and bigger web of lies-- and finds herself falling for Asher-- and soon, friends, the fate of a dog at the animal shelter, and their burgeoning relationship are all at risk.

This book deals with a lot-- parental abandonment (both in the past and present), the negative effects of social media, as well as the importance of open and honest communication (between family, friends, and partners). However, it never feels to heavy or overwhelming; which means my recommended reading audience would be on the younger end of the YA scope.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

First in Hannah Lynn's newest series, NEW BEGINNINGS AT WILDFLOWER LOCK is a sweet, introductory book to the life (and struggles) of Daisy May. After unexpectedly inheriting a canal boat, Daisy May begins to unlock new passions and parts of her past some in her life would rather keep hidden.

This is a very quick, very sweet read-- but be warned, it doesn't end with any true satisfaction on the readers part, just a bunch of loose ends and the hope of a sequel. The setting is picture (or painting?) perfect, and is such a beautiful part of England that doesn't seem to be explored much by romance writers. WILDFLOWER LOCK is utterly charming and perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Nicola May.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Jin Zhara should not be alive. In a kingdom where even knowing the language of Magic is forbidden and grounds for death, as a magician she should have suffered the same fate as her parents long ago. However, thanks to the quick thinking of her step-mother, Jin Zhara has been able to carve out a small existence for herself and her small family. But what is the point of living if your day-to-day does nothing to bring you joy? What is the point of moving forward if there is nothing to strive towards?

So, when a chance encounter at the bookseller brings Han (supposedly a local student) into her life, Jin Zhara's eyes are opened to what life could be and the world that awaits her if she's just brave enough to embrace her magic.

Marketed as a mix between Sailor Moon and Cinder, GUARDIANS OF THE DAWN: ZHARA is probably better left to stand on its own two feet. While it is very loose Cinderella retelling, ZHARA is a great choice for any young adult reader interested in stories with magical, mythological, or fantasy elements. The humor is juvenile, but the world building is extensive and the large cast opens the series up for lots of twists and turns.

The audiobook narrator did a great job of capturing a lot of the quirky humor and making each character feel differentiated and unique.

Overall, ZHARA was a fun read and a great first book for (what I'm guessing will be) the four book series.