Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
Published by September 17, 2024 on Ace
Age/Genres: Adult, Paranormal
Goodreads
Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either.
Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.
But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . .
With found family, slow burn romance and an uplifting message about self-love, this is the cosy, autumnal read that you've been waiting for.
As her thirtieth birthday approached, Belle found herself in a bit of trouble. It seemed it was time for her to prove to her coven that she was worthy of her powers. Would Belle be able to tap into those powers and show her worth, or will she be forced to relinquish her powers forever?
I had seen readers calling this a cozy fantasy, and that alone made me want to read Rewitched. I wouldn't say I am much of a fantasy reader, but I adore these books that are fun and give me the warm fuzzies. Early on, I knew I was going to love this book, and I grew more and more invested in this tale as the plot thickened.
This story had so much to offer. There was lots of magic and lore as well as family drama, a touch of romance, and a fierce female friendship. As if I wasn't already fully engrossed in every facet of this story, a nefarious plot emerged. That led to some high drama and some big moments for a few characters.
But what I really loved was Belle's personal journey. She was so excited when she first came into her powers at fifteen, but she let doubt and other people's opinions creep in and rob her of that joy. She stopped trying to improve and develop her magic and settled into a rather non-wiccan life. This trial challenged her and made her remember the role magic played in her life as well as helping restore her belief in herself.
Overall, this was a warm and wonderful tale that was filled with action, humor, and lots of magic.
The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi
Published by Grand Central Publishing on September 17, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction
Goodreads
From acclaimed Japanese author Sanaka Hiigari comes a heartwarming, life-affirming novel about a magical photo studio, where people go after they die to view key moments from their life—and relive one precious memory before they pass into the afterlife.
The hands and pendulum of the old wooden clock on the wall were motionless. Hirasaka cocked his head to listen, but the silence inside the photo studio was almost deafening. His leather shoes sank softly into the aging red carpet as he strode over to the arrangement of flowers on the counter and carefully adjusted the angle of the petals...
This is the story of the peculiar and magical photo studio owned by Mr. Hirasaki, a collector of antique cameras. In the dimly lit interior, a paper background is pulled down in front of a wall, and in front of it stands a single, luxurious chair with an armrest on one side. On a stand is a large bellows camera. On the left is the main studio; photos can also be taken in the courtyard.
Beyond its straightforward interior, however, is a secret. The studio is, in fact, the door to the afterlife, the place between life and death where those who have departed have a chance—one last time—to see their entire life flash before their eyes via Mr. Hirasaki's "spinning lantern of memories."
We meet Hatsue, a ninety-two year old woman who worked as a nursery teacher, the rowdy Waniguchi, a yakuza overseer in his life who is also capable of great compassion, and finally Mitsuru, a young girl who has died tragically young at the hands of abusive parents.
Sorting through the many photos of their lives, Mr. Hirasaki also offers guests one guests a second a chance to travel back in time to take a photo of one particular moment in their lives that they wish to cherish in a special way.
Full of charm and whimsy, The Lantern of Lost Memories will sweep you away to a world of nostalgia, laughter, and love.
Hirasaki's photo studio is a place that exists between life and death where the recently "departed" come to select pictures which capture important moments of their personal history. These images, once finalized, would allow them to see their lives flash before their eyes as they move on to the after-life.
In this book, Mr. Hirasaki helped guide three people as they selected photos and reflected on their lives. As the characters embarked on their journeys, many questions arose which were thought-provoking for both me and the characters. What makes a life? What memories defined my life? Would I come to my end content or would I be full of regret? What was important to me and what would I want to remember?
The story was told in parts with each vignette focusing on isolated characters. When I reached the final story, which was the most heartbreaking of the three, it all came together. The big picture emerged, and I enjoyed where Hiiragi went with this tale.
Overall, I delighted in this magical yarn which delivered in an unexpected way. Though I many not have identified with any of the character's personal struggles, I connected with their humanity as I pondered the idea of life, its meaning, and our time on this earth.
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