The Curse of Chalion

 The Curse of Chalion My Rating: 4.8

A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served as page and is named secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule. It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it must ultimately lead him to the place he most fears: the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies who once placed him in chains now occupy lofty positions.

But it is more than the traitorous intrigues of villains that threaten Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle here, for a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge -- an act that will mark him as a tool of the miraculous . . . and trap him in a lethal maze of demonic paradox.

If you're someone who typically shies away from fantasy, The Curse of Chalion might just surprise you. Other than the fictional setting, the first three-quarters of the book feels more like rich historical fiction than fantasy. The magical elements don’t truly take center stage until the final quarter—and by then, you're already deeply invested in the characters and the world.

The strength of this book lies in its rich character development. Cazaril, the main character, is a refreshing departure from the typical young, brash fantasy hero. Instead, we follow a deeply wounded, middle-aged man navigating politics, trauma, and purpose. His inner journey is slow at times, but that’s also what makes the emotional payoff so satisfying.

This is a book that rewards patience. The plot builds gradually, giving room for its themes of faith, loyalty, sacrifice, and healing to fully bloom. And once the spiritual and magical threads do begin to weave in, they’re as thought-provoking as they are surprising.

I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but by the end, I was eager to continue on to the next book in the series. The Curse of Chalion is a thoughtful, beautifully written story that I think even non-fantasy readers could appreciate—and maybe even love.

The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman

 The Matchmaker's Gift My Rating: 4.6

Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves. 

Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. 

After reading The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, I knew I wanted more of Lynda Cohen Loigman's storytelling in my life. She has a gift for crafting stories that feel both timeless and refreshing—filled with warmth, rich tradition, and a gentle thread of magic that ties generations together. The Matchmaker’s Gift did not disappoint. Like The Love Elixir, it masterfully blends the old world with the new, creating a narrative that feels rooted in heritage while also exploring modern questions about purpose, identity, and legacy. The characters are lovable and layered, and the sense of place—whether it's the bustling streets of early 20th-century New York or the quiet reflections of a modern-day protagonist—draws you in completely. What I especially loved was how wholesome and heartwarming the story felt without being overly sweet. There’s depth here—of emotion, of culture, and of storytelling. Lynda’s writing continues to remind me of the power of intuition, tradition, and the beautiful mystery of love that transcends generations. If you enjoy books that honor the past while gently tugging at the heartstrings in the present, this one is a must-read. I will continue to read more by this author.

The Will Of The Many by James Islington

The Will Of The Many My Rating: 4.6

I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing my strength, my drive, and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do. I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.

If you enjoy stories with layered world-building, moral ambiguity, and a dash of school-based intrigue, The Will of the Many might be your next favorite read. I went into it not knowing exactly what to expect and came out fully invested—and now I’m counting down the days until the sequel releases in November. The story follows Vis, a sympathetic and intelligent orphan who's easy to root for. He’s navigating a brutal, hierarchical society and ends up at a prestigious school where competition is fierce, alliances are murky, and secrets are everywhere. In many ways, it gave me Harry Potter vibes—think of Hogwarts, but darker and much more political. There’s the familiar feel of getting to know classmates, uncovering hidden truths, and facing dangerous forces, but the themes here are far more adult. What I loved most was the grayness of the characters. You’re constantly asking yourself: Can I trust this person? What are their true motives? James Islington does a masterful job of keeping you guessing without making the plot feel convoluted. And while Vis is clearly the emotional heart of the story, the surrounding cast adds depth and complexity. This book delivers not just in plot and pacing, but in emotional weight and philosophical questions—especially around power, loyalty, and free will. Highly recommend for fans of dark academia, adult fantasy, and character-driven stories with a punch.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

The Love Elixir of August Stern  My Rating: 4.8

On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.

I loved this book. It’s the perfect blend of heart and charm—wholesome without feeling sappy. Augusta Stern is a quietly magical character whose love elixirs may or may not work, but her impact on the people around her is undeniable.

Lynda Cohen Loigman delivers a story that feels comforting and uplifting, with just enough depth to keep it grounded. The writing is gentle, warm, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that’s both smart and satisfying, this is it.

The Charm School by Nelson DeMille

The Charm School My Rating: 4.9

On a dark road deep inside the Russian woods at Borodino, a young American tourist picks up an unusual passenger with an explosive secret: an U.S. POW on the run from "The Charm School," a sinister operation where American POWs teach young KBG agents how to be model U.S. citizens. Their goal? To infiltrate the United States undetected. With this horrifying conspiracy revealed, the CIA sets an investigation in motion, and three Americans--an Air Force officer, an embassy liaison, a CIA chief--pit themselves against the country's enemies in a high-powered game of international intrigue.

The Charm School is an absolutely gripping thriller that had me hooked from page one. Nelson DeMille masterfully blends suspense and realism in this Cold War-era story about a secret Soviet facility training Russian spies to pass as Americans.

It reminded me of The Americans—but with an even scarier, more realistic twist. I’d never considered how spies like that were trained, and the way DeMille presents it feels terrifyingly possible. The pacing is sharp, the characters are compelling, and the story sticks with you long after you finish.

If you enjoy smart, chilling espionage thrillers, this one’s a must-read!

The Hidden Girl by Lucinda Riley

The Hidden Girl My Rating: 4.2

In a small village on the Yorkshire moors, Leah Thompson grows more beautiful with each passing day. When she catches the attention of the influential, troubled Delancey family, she knows her life will never be the same again.

Years later, Leah takes the modelling world by storm, travelling from Milan to London and New York and living life in the lap of luxury. But her past follows her like a dark shadow, mysteriously intertwined with the tragic tale of two young siblings in Poland during the Second World War.

As two generations of secrets threaten to explode, Leah is haunted by a fatal, forgotten prophecy from her past, and must fight to challenge the destiny that has been mapped out for her in the stars . . .

I really enjoyed this book and found myself pulled into the story from the very beginning. Lucinda Riley has a way of writing that makes her characters feel vivid and real, and I was quickly invested in their lives. While some plot points were a bit predictable, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment—in fact, it added a comforting familiarity to the unfolding drama.

That said, the ending stretched believability a little too far for me. It felt a bit over the top compared to the rest of the book, which was otherwise grounded and emotionally resonant. Still, it didn’t ruin the experience, and I would definitely recommend The Hidden Girl to anyone who enjoys layered family mysteries, strong emotional undercurrents, and atmospheric storytelling.