Book Review: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England

Title: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous

Author: Autumn K. England

Series/Standalone: Everyday Magic Series (Book #1)

Genre: Cozy Fantasy, Adult, LGBT, Romance

Pages: 368

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2026

Format: Ebook (Own on Kindle)

"STARDEW VALLEY meets STUDIO GHIBLI in a charming cozy fantasy about healing, redemption, and the subtle magic of simple living. Perfect for fans of Can't Speel Treason Without Tea and The Spellshop. Welcome home, weary traveler.

When Oaklin Nettlewood accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult, mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Years later, the realm's heroes have finally saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell... leaving destruction in their wake. And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma. Oaklin escapes to a small farm on the edge of Mossley's Rest and swears an oath: After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever.

The no-nonsense ghost granny who lives in Oaklin's house has other ideas. As she coaxes Oaklin ont of their shell and back into the world, they find companionship (a grumpy horse and a very good dog), friendship (a local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and tentative romance (a paladin-librarian who makes Oaklin's heart come alive for the first time in ages.) Magic even seems possible again- thought strictly for foraging magical mushrooms and protecting the farm from bugs.

Healing comes in gentle waves, and Oaklin doesn't have to do it alone. So what does it mean when an inquisitor comes to town to hunt former cultists just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?"

My Rating: 3/5

I love a cozy fantasy! This one was super fun. I really enjoyed the parallels that were drawn between Oaklin's trauma and the different phrases used to talk about healing. That being said, it was VERY heavy-handed. I also felt that there were moments where the writing seemed to change from cozy fantasy fantasy, to urban fantasy. It felt a little jarring. I look forward to reading more work from the author and seeing where this series takes us. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

Title: The Poet Empress

Author: Shen Tao

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 393

Publisher: Tor Publishing Group

Year Published: 2026

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles, and She Who Became the Sun.

In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.

Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.

Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.

But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center... at the side of a violent prince.

To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read- and compsing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death... and love.

The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was so much more than I anticipated. When I started this book, I loved the writing style, but I also wasn't sure if I was loving the plot. By the halfway point, I was completely hooked. I couldn't put it down. The use of mythology and the darker turns kept me intrigued. The characters also grew on me, and seeing how the author wrapped up the story while still maintaining that intrigue makes me excited to read the next book this author writes. 

Sidny

Book Review: Devout by David Archuleta

Title: Devout

Author: David Archuleta

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoirs, Nonfiction

Pages: 288

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Three years ago American Idol alum and pop star David Archuleta found himself on the floor of his apartment, suicidal, riddled with anxiety, and pleading to a god he was no longer sure even existed. It was a crisis of faith and identity, but it was also a turning point for a man who grew up queer in the Mormon church with severe anxiety and constantly under the pressure of his overbearing manager of a father. After that night, David vowed to be his authentic self.

Of course, the journey to authenticity is never easy, which is the story Archuleta shares in Devout. From his childhood growing up in the Mormon church, to allegations of sexual abuse against his father and step-grandfather, to his time on American Idol, and how the show runners and producers mistreated their young contestants. Archuleta's memoir is filled with earnest, revelatory anecdotes from his fascinating personal and public lives. 

Not just for Archuleta's myriad fans, Devout is a universal story of hope, told with sincerity and humility. It's a salve for anyone who's felt different, questioned their faith, felt they were living inauthentically. Most importantly, its a story for anyone who's had to break yourself down in order to rebuild yourself stronger than ever, and that's everyone."

My Rating: 4/5

This book really follows David Archuleta's changing faith, confusing childhood and how the industry really treats guardians and their children. It also showcases how the industry turns a blind eye to the abuse that may be going on behind the scenes. I read this book incredibly fast because I was curious about how long he remained with the church, how he came out ,etc. I would recommend if you are someone hoping to come out within the Mormon church, or if you're wondering how his life was before, after or during Idol. 

Sidny

Book Review: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Title: Yesteryear

Author: Caro Claire Burke

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Satire

Pages: 400

Publisher: Knopf

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"My name was Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive.

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle. Her charming farmhouse is rustic, her husband a handsome cowboy, her six children each more delightful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers behind the scenes, her kitchen hiding industrial-grade fridges and ovens, her husband the heir to a political dynasty? What Natalie's followers- all 8 million of them- don't know won't hurt them. And The Angry Women? The privileged, Ivy League, coastal elite haters who call her an antifeminist iconoclast? They're sick with jealousy. Because Natalie isn't simply living the good life, she's living the ideal- and just so happens to be building an empire from it. 

Until one morning she wakes up in a life that isn't hers. Her home, her husband, her children- they're all familiar, but something's off. Her kitchen is warmed by a sputtering fire rather than electricity, her children are dirty and strange, and her soft-handed husband is suddenly a competent farmer. Just yesterday Natalie was curating photos of homemade jam for her Instagram, and now she's expected to haul firewood and handwash clothes until her fingers bleed. Has she become the unwitting star of a ruthless reality show? Could it really be time travel? Is she being tested by God? By Satan? When Natalie suffers a brutal injury in the woods, she realizes two things: This is not her beautiful life, and she must escape by any means possible.

A gripping, electrifying novel that is as darkly funny as it is frightening. Yesteryear is a gimlet-eyed look at tradition, fame, faith, and the grand performance of womanhood."

My Rating: 5/5

This is one of those books that has changed me. We follow our main character, Natalie, who is what most would describe as a Trad Wife Influencer. On her farm, which she definitely paid for by herself and runs only with her family (except for that she doesn't). One day she wakes up in a world she doesn't recognize. Things are similar, but not the same. Her house is hers but also not (all signs of modern technology/advancements). I had heard about this book everywhere: social media, bookstores, my friends on Goodreads. EVERYWHERE. I thought to myself, how good could it really be? It was great, one of those books that you know will change you. I'm gonna be thinking about all the messaging, the uncomfortable and obvious, the hidden and more. 

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #6)

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Cozy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 368

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Audiobook

"Life hasn't been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she's facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn't commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother's door, demanding Vero "turn over the money... or else."  And if she doesn't figure out who really stole her former sorority's treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing- one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast. 

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children's nanny be convicted for something she didn't do. She sets off on a mission to sus out the real thief and bring Vero home."

My Rating: 4.25/5

While reading this book, I found out that this series is being continued for at least another 4 books (at least, rumour has it). This made me concerned, but as I read the book, I enjoyed the cozy way it's written. The plot of this one was different in the sense that our main characters were solving a mystery, not covering themselves only. I also thought it was fun to have a book with newer characters (Vero's family, her past sorority crew, etc.). Some of the "twists" were pretty predictable, but that being said, isn't that why I'm reading this brand of mystery? That and for the characters whom I've grown to love (go Vero go). 

Sidny

Book Review: Just Between Us by Adeline Kon

Title: Just Between Us

Author: Adeline Kon

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Sports, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, Lydia tries to fall back in love with figure skating without falling for her competition.

Lydia Chen knows how good she is on the ice. Technically perfect, she's been the one to beat since her debut years ago.

Except now, something is missing in her performances- a spark that's been gone for a while. Between the constant training, appealing to sponsors to fund her, and the pressure to perform, Lydia's passion for skating has disappeared.

When her rival Elaine Yee starts training at the same rink, Lydia's struck by the emotion in Elaine's routines and unwillingly finds herself getting closer to her as they compete for a spot in the Olympics.

As the tension between them comes to a head, Lydia's about to find out how a competitor can become an ally and figure out how to feel alive on the ice again."

My Rating: 3/5

This was a fun YA take on sports romance, but it felt a little disjointed. The characters were very clearly stereotypes, and while we started to see growth and changes, I wish that it had been more direct. It was hard to like Lydia throughout, and while she made an effort to change by the end, it wasn't enough for me. The art was gorgeous but it was maybe just a bit young for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: RE: Trailer Trash Vol. 1

Title: RE: Trailer Trash Vol. 1

Author: Alyssa Villaire & Yishan Li

Series/Standalone: RE:Trailer Trash (Book #1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult Fiction

Publisher: Vault Comics

Pages: 256

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback Copy (Library) 

"DO OVER. DO BETTER.

Tabitah Moore has lived a miserable life and being treated as "Trailer Trash Tabitha." But, after a mishap with an MRI, her mind is sent back to 1998 and into her 16-year-old-body. With her life now in front of her, maybe this is the chance to redo her life!

But is it so easy to change what you already lived through?

From the bestselling Webtoon Original, RE: Trailer Trash!

Sometimes all you need is a second chance."

My Rating: 5/5

This was a really great graphic novel to read in one sitting. I didn't realize at first it was a webtoon comic at all but it makes alot of sense. I look forward to reading the next installment. I also enjoyed the art style, the premise, etc. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: This House Will Feed by Maria Tureaud

Title: This House Will Feed

Author: Maria Tureaud

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 368

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2026

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Amidst the devastation of Ireland's Great Famine, a young woman is salvaged from certain death when offered a mysterious position at a remote manor house haunted by a strang epower and the horror of her own memories in this chillingly evocative historical novel braided with gothic horror and supernatural suspense for readers of Katherine Arden's The Warm Hands of Ghosts and The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins.

County Clare, 1848: In the scant few years since the potato blight first cast its foul shadow over Ireland, Maggie O'Shaughnessy has lost everything- her entire family and the man she trusted with her heart. Tolling in the Ennis Workhouse for paltry rations, she can see no future either within or outside its walls- until the mysterious Lady Catherine arrives to whisk her away to an old mansion in the stark limestone landscape of the Burren.

Lady Catherine wants Maggie to impersonate her late daughter, Wilhelmina and hoodwink solicitors into releasing Wilhelmina's widow's pension so that Lady Catherine can continue to provide for the villagers in her care. In exchange, Maggie will receive freedom from the workhouse, land of her own, and the one thing she wants more than a chance to fulfill the promise she made to her brother on his deathbed- to live to spite them all.

Launching herself into the daunting task, Maggie plays the role of Wilhelmina as best she can while ignoring the villagers' tales of ghostly figures and curses. But more worrying are the whispers that come from within. Something in Lady Catherine's house is reawakening long-buried memories in Maggie- of a foe more terrifying than hunger or greed, of power that calls for blood and vengeance, and of her own role in a nightmare that demands the darkest sacrifice..."

My Rating: 4/5

In an already horrific time, imagine a horror movie takes place that includes cannibalism, spirits, folklore and more. While this story took a bit of time to warm up after about the 30% mark, I was in and couldn't wait to pick it up each time I had the opportunity. I look forward to reading more from the author, who does a wonderful job at setting the atmosphere and expanding on an already dark time in history. Characters were flawed, but understandable, and the twists were interesting and kept me hooked.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny