Category: New To Me Author

The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

On By TracyIn Audiobook, Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Charmed LibraryThe Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Stella Parker has not been lucky in love, after an especially painful breakup, she has been suffering in silence, sharing her deepest feelings in a journal. But today, Stella has decided enough is enough, she sneaks down to the furnace in the basement of the Blue Sky Valley Library and burns her journal. Never in a million years could she imagine what she had unleashed by that simple act, but Stella’s life is about to change forever.

Stella has always had a way with words but took the safe road in college and earned a master’s degree in accounting, then moved to Memphis to work at an accounting firm. But when her father passed away, she returned to Blue Sky Valley, NC and took a job at the library. She was content with her life, until the man she loved broke her heart. She burned her journal hoping to get a fresh start, and things do change, but not like she expected when she starts seeing more magical words than ever and even learns to call the words. But it isn’t until her boss and surrogate father, Artie suffers a heart attack that Stella really feels the magic of the library and learns secrets that will change everything she has ever known!

I loved the book; I was hooked from the start and held captivated to the very last word. Jennifer Moorman was a new to me author and I didn’t know what to expect, but this book exceeded any expectations I had. I loved the writing style, and the author was able to turn Stella into a very relatable character, clearly making readers feel the pain of losing mother as a young girl and her need to protect her heart ever since. She also wants to make everyone happy, even if doing so doesn’t make her happy. But I love that she finally took control of her own life and learned to say no. The story is full of emotion, found family, dear friends, magic, some drama, secrets, surprising revelations, a swoon worthy book boyfriend and an unexpected happy ending. I highly recommend this book – I read the print version and listened to the audiobook – if you can, I would suggest the audiobook – the narrator was amazing and gave life and personality to every character and read at a steady pace. I will definitely be checking out Ms. Moorman’s backlist and looking forward to future titles!

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

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Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle

On By TracyIn Debut Novel, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Undead GodsUndead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Undead Gods #1

Release Date: September 18, 2024

In Kava, magic is dead and forbidden, and the land is dark and gray, its inhabitants trapped in a soot filled land, with so many ill and dying from a disease that seems tied to the soot. Elysia Parker, born with magic, hides her abilities and secretly helps her father, who works for the Crown, tracking down other magic users. She also keeps her secret from Topp Blatz, the Crown Prince, her lover and the man it is assumed she will marry. But as the story unfolds it becomes clear that Elysia’s magic is changing and she needs help – but that help will come with a price that may be more than she can pay.

I appreciated that this book was written in third person and found the blurb compelling, promising a magical, forbidden world. However, the first half was wordy and slow, making it feel like a slog to get through and making staying interested difficult, as little seemed to happen for a long stretch. The premise of a world where magic is lost is intriguing, and while the characters have potential. Elysia is a morally -gray, mysterious, with a lot of secrets. Secrets, the author holds onto for much of the book—almost too long, making it hard to connect with Elysia. The world-building shows promise, and there are moments of excitement as the plot builds, and the cliffhanger sets up the next book. Overall, the author has a great story, but the overly descriptive style and slow pace made the early chapters a challenge that I found overwhelming and confusing at times.