The Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre

On By TracyIn OtherLeave a comment

The Hocus Pocus HandbookThe Hocus Pocus Handbook by Ann Aguirre

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 1, 2026

Thea Winter is a human changeling who was stolen from the mortal world at birth raised in the fae wildlands, shaped by both mortal origins and a lifetime among magical beings. She is independent, impulsive, and has a strong desire to protect the wild fae, which often places her at odds with the Winter Court. After Thea is forced into a political marriage meant to serve the interests of the Winter Court, only for the intended spouse and the Summer delegation to disappear. She is sent into the wilderness with Kerboros, the Winter Court’s hunter, to locate the missing party and avoid punishment from those in power.

Kerboros is Thea’s opposite, he thrives on restraint, duty, and is driven by the consequences of his family’s failed rebellion. Together, they fit a grumpy-and-sunshine dynamic, with Thea bringing warmth and chaos while Kerboros carries trauma, loyalty, and hidden vulnerability. Their journey moves through fae politics, magical dangers, folklore-inspired settings, and encounters with other creatures, while also building the foundation for a forbidden romance complicated by obligation, court expectations, and Thea’s unresolved marriage.

This was a cozy fantasy romance with an imaginative fae world, a clear magical atmosphere, and a central pairing that had the right ingredients for an appealing opposites-attract story. I appreciated the folklore elements and the way the book tried to balance whimsy with darker court politics, but the romance did not fully work for me. While there were charming pieces throughout, I wanted more depth from the romantic progression and a stronger connection to the characters that the first-person narrative failed to give me. So, while it wasn’t a hit for me, I am sure there are readers who would enjoy this story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

Miss Morton Takes The Waters by Catherine Lloyd

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Miss Morton Takes the Waters (A Miss Morton Mystery)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Miss Morton Mysteries #5
Publication Date: 8/25/26
Period: Early Victorian, 1841
Number of Pages: 272

Miss Morton has been quite concerned about her employer, Mrs. Frogerton, since Mrs. Frogerton was seriously injured during their last adventure. Mrs. Frogerton’s wound has healed, but her spirits have not. When the doctor agrees that a season in Bath might be just the thing to restore Mrs. Frogerton to her normal spritely self, they head out almost immediately.

Mrs. Frogerton wasn’t enamored of the baths and refused to try them a second time. Miss Morton despaired of Bath providing any help at all. However, they soon met their neighbors, and things began to perk up – especially after a murder, and then another. It wasn’t long before Mrs. Frogerton was up to her mischievous self while ‘helping’ the local police Inspector. With lots of suspects and motives, they had their work cut out for them.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the irrepressible Mrs. Frogerton return in full force and bowl right through both the police and the suspects. At the same time, the more level-headed Miss Morton tried to keep her steered in the correct direction. This book had a nice selection of new characters, and I wonder if we’ll have another book set in Bath before they return to London. If we are not going to have another book in Bath, there are a few loose ends I would have liked to see finished. What happened to Mrs. Walsh? What happened with Mr. and Miss Markham? Did Miss Markham and Mr. Pettigrew get together? I hate hanging chads 😊.

I would suggest that while this book can be read as a standalone, you would find far more enjoyment if you read the series from the beginning. The character growth and backgrounds throughout the series definitely enhance your reading pleasure.

This is a book I recommend and hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Happy Reading!!!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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