Fiction Five: Bookstores, Coffee & Romance
Are we in our cozy bookstores and coffee era? The publishers seem to think so. This month sees a barrage of new novels with page-turning baristas and latte-sipping shop owners. Step through the front door of these quaint establishments and discover spells, romance and maybe a cat or two.
Blue Moon Café & 24-Hour Occult Emporium by Lexie Sharabianlou
"Sharabianlou debuts with a cozy, queer fantasy that combines small-town romance tropes with a magical coming-of-age story. Half-sorceress, half-human Talula Smith has a passion and talent for cooking, but her powerful magical mother, Sara, insists they keep the ratings low for the Pine Hollow café they co-run, since the business is largely a cover for a portal Sara uses to help magical beings escape dangerous situations and reset in a new place.
"But when cute aspiring writer Dahlia Jones wanders into the café, Talula can't resist making her the perfect cup of cocoa, leaving the shop with its first regular costumer and Talula with a secret crush. When Sara heads out to deal with a group of hunters targeting magical beings, Talula is left in charge as a visiting ancient wizard currently in the body of a small dog unsuccessfully attempts to teach her magic.
"Meanwhile, naysayers in town work to get the café's annual Samhain celebration shut down, and Dahlia brings her promotional and organizational skills to help convince the town that Talula and her mother belong. Sharabianlou brings heaps of sweetness and playfulness to this story, building a world that's easy to dive into and full of wonder. Cottagecore fantasy readers will be delighted to cuddle up with this one." –Publishers Weekly
The Cozy Nook Bookshop by Jeannie Chin
“This is a bingeable read with a few steamy moments, great for readers who want a quick, and seasonal, heartfelt romance, gentle emotional growth, and small-town charm.”―Library Journal
Emma Rogers-Li is ready for a fresh start away from the big city. When she gets the opportunity to run a bookshop in the quirky small town of Heart’s Hope Crossing, Vermont, she takes it. Emma is going to take control of her life and make good choices. Then she runs into Hunter Hall, literally, at a street corner downtown.
According to town legend, couples who meet (or collide) at that corner are meant to be. While Emma refuses to believe this, the tall, gruff forest ranger does stir something. Will she take a chance on love?
“The quirky, warmhearted inhabitants of Heart’s Hope Crossing add to the appeal. Readers who like their romance on the sweet, fluffy, and occasionally sappy side will eat this up.” ― Publishers Weekly
Autumn at the Cat Café by Kathleen Fuller
If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, this book is for you! First, we have the hard-working small town woman, Via, who wants to save the town's cozy bookshop after it's beloved owner dies. Then enters the handsome, big city man, Leo, who has inherited a bookstore he doesn't want in a small town he's not interested in. The will unfortunately stipulates Leo must stay in town for at least a month.
Via's mission is to prove to Leo the bookstore is worth saving, the town of Pecan Corner, Ohio, is charming, and maybe she could be the love neither of them knew they needed. To add even more autumn coziness the pair take you on a journey through corn mazes, pumpkin patches and fall festivals.
“With lovable characters, autumn traditions, charming cats, and a bookstore worth fighting for, Kathleen Fuller delivers a story that feels like a warm mug of cider on a crisp October day.” ―Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Candy Apple Kisses
How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop by Poppy Alexander
"There's no comfier escape than a Poppy Alexander book, and How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop is perfection! If you've ever dreamed of running a gorgeous little bookshop in a picture-perfect UK village, this book is for you. Every tiny detail comes to life in a way that makes me feel truly bundled up and swept away. So, if you like chocolate biscuits, bookish flirting, reading in a window seat, farmer's markets, conversations by the fire, handsome Scottish authors and book clubs with cake, do yourself a favor and curl up with this absolute charmer!" ― Kat Mackenzie, author of Work in Progress
A bitter former literary agent, Petra, lands temporarily in an English village bookshop. An award-winning debut novelist, Ross, is in hiding in this village because he can't finish his second novel.
We follow Petra and Ross as they form a friendship and both work to rediscover their love of books while overcoming their fears. Will they give their careers and love a second chance?
"'I adored the Cornish setting – so real you can almost feel the dash of the sea spray – where Petra and Ross have each come to escape the mistakes of their pasts. An enchanting romance that explores the healing power of books and community, which is also sprinkled with insider insights into the publishing world." –Jo Leevers, bestselling author of Tell Me How This Ends
Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore by Brittanée Nicole
“Laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and seriously spicy. I devoured this book.” —Valerie Bowman, author of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn
Penny is a romance bookstore owner who's sworn off love. Monty was her high school best friend and is now a struggling author. They decide to work together to write the perfect romance. By fake dating while they secretly write together, Penny quiets the town busybodies who witnessed her engagement implode. Monty gets to save his career and learn how to be a romantic.
Will fake dating lead to real feelings? Is Penny doomed to another broken heart or could her former best friend be the love of her life?
“Bonfire & Bliss Bookstore has everything an autumn romcom lover could ever wish for. I absolutely loved the plus-size representation, the fall vibes, the small-town setting, and all the spice!” —Lyra Parish, USA Today bestselling author of Fall I Want
