Blog Tour: Haworth's Enchanted Chronicles by Charlotte Waters

Haworth's Enchanted Chronicles by Charlotte Waters 
Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
Publication Date:  January 28, 2025

 

Purchase Link

About the Book:

In the heart of Haworth lies a secret—one that spans centuries and bridges worlds. When a group of time-travelling children stumble upon an ancient, shimmering key, they are thrust into an enchanting adventure that takes them far beyond the moors and into magical lands filled with wonder, danger, and creatures beyond imagination.

Guided by mysterious forces and shadowy guardians, the children must unlock the truth hidden in the past and navigate a future that holds the fate of both realms. With each discovery, they find that magic is not just in the world around them—but within themselves.

Step into the enchanted, where history and magic collide, and nothing is as it seems.

Rating:

This charming adventure has all the ingredients for a magical tale—time-traveling children, ancient keys, magical books and trinkets, and whimsical realms filled with wonder. The short, easy-to-read chapters make it a great pick for younger readers, and the episodic nature of the story allows each adventure to feel like its own little journey.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is its whimsical world-building. The magical realms are brimming with enchantment, and the creatures the children encounter will surely captivate young readers. From mystical guardians to fantastical landscapes, there’s plenty of imagination at play, making each new setting feel fresh and exciting.

While the book is full of enchanting moments, it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. The historical elements hinted at in the synopsis are barely explored, and the magic, while fun, lacks deeper meaning or explanation. There’s also little character development, and the role of the guardians remains unclear, making the story feel a bit light on substance.

That said, for readers who enjoy simple, magical adventures without too much complexity, this book offers a delightful escape. It may not leave a lasting impact, but it provides an enjoyable, easy read for those looking for a bit of wonder. 

About the Author:

Charlotte has always found joy in storytelling, a passion that began in school and blossomed further as her nephews and niece grew up. Storytime became an exciting ritual, filled with imagination and wonder, sparking her drive to create magical worlds of her own.

Growing up near Haworth, Charlotte spent countless hours immersed in the history and atmosphere of the Brontë sisters’ legacy. Her deep love for the Brontës and the literary magic of Haworth inspired much of her writing. In fact, she was named after Charlotte Brontë, who has always felt like a guiding force in her creative journey.

Her debut series, “Haworth’s Enchanted Chronicles,” seamlessly blends her love for history and fantasy, bringing together time travel, magical creatures, and the rich backdrop of the Brontë era. The series showcases her ability to craft stories that enchant readers of all ages.

Charlotte is now continuing her literary journey, drawing on her experiences and love for storytelling to create captivating adventures that capture the hearts of her audience.

Find the Author

Facebook | Instagram

Early Reader Review: Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk 

Publisher: Storyside
Publication Date:  February 25, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan, this debut romantasy stand-alone novel blends an immersive world, unique magic system, and swoon-worthy romance to create an unputdownable read that explores the great and terrible lengths to which love compels us to go.

Elia Tallis’s key conjuring abilities, when used with her father’s magic, allow her to open a path to any location. But Papa is dying, and Elia has been forced to painfully tether him to life so she can siphon his magic to provide for her siblings. The god of death, angry to be denied his due, punishes her by claiming her youngest brother as a servant.

Desperate to save her brother, Elia accepts a potentially deadly commission from Trys, a kindhearted prince with his nose stuck in a book. Trys wants Elia to help him find a legendary scroll. In exchange, he’ll give her his hand in marriage, securing her and her siblings’ futures and allowing her to release Papa to the afterlife.

Despite the danger of their quest, Elia and Trys find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But when Trys finally reads the scroll, it transforms him into a monster beyond comprehension. Elia will have to wield her power in ways she never thought possible, braving a world of endless darkness and the nightmares dwelling within it to bring home the prince she’s growing to love.

Review: 

This YA novel is pitched as a fantasy romance, but I’d say it leans much more toward fantasy than romance. The focus of the love in the beginning is primarily familial—Elias, the eldest sibling, is deeply devoted to her family. As a Conjurista, she has the ability to unlock doors and craft keys, skills she uses to earn money while keeping her ailing father alive long enough for her to become an adult and legally care for her younger siblings. When a prince named Trys offers her a wild bargain to get him through a door to a magical floating library, she takes the risk in order to save herself, her brother, and her whole family really. They set off on an adventure filled with magic, danger, and duty.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its depiction of family. The dynamics feel authentic—the love, the obligation, and the banter all hit home, especially for someone from a larger family like me. The pacing starts off strong, drawing me in with its worldbuilding and magic system, but the second half felt rushed, leaving me wanting more depth, particularly when it came to the magic, growth of the characters, and building romance.

The romance didn’t quite work for me, mostly because it leaned into insta-love, and Trys as a character felt underdeveloped. While Elias undergoes some growth, Trys remains largely static, making their relationship feel flat. Also, I have to mention Cuddles—the creature was fantastic, and I was incredibly disappointed with how his story wrapped up. You will see, I think he deserved better after all they had been through. It felt like a large build up to be cast aside. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for those who love rich family dynamics and inventive magic. I just wish the second half had been fleshed out more, the romance had been given more development, and, most importantly, that we learned more about Cuddles and how he is living in the end.

Building the Book Pile #476

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Good morning! Happy Sunday!

I appreciate all the well-wishes and hope you are all in good health! The universe has finally decided I can be healthy again... aside from normal ailments like allergies to everything, but certainly something to be happy about.

This week I started some of my seeds, onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Now the endless battle of keeping my cat out of the pots begins. He is cute but gets into everything.

I have read a fair amount this week. I am trying to get through the Ali Hazelwood books I have not read yet before reading Deep End. I know they aren't linked but I owned a few already and needed to be able to justify that purchase somehow I guess. 

Otherwise, this week has been pretty basic - work, chores, and trying to stay warm. NH has been so cold! How was your week?

Wishing you comfortable weather, a good book, and the hot drink of your choice. Have a great week!

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week 

Early Reader Review: Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk (YA)

Blog Tour: Review - Haworth's Enchanted Chronicles by Charlotte Waters (MG)

Books Received Recently...  

  

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood - Bought

Deep End by Ali  Hazelwood - Bought

Can't Spell Treason without Tea by Rebecca Thorne  - Bought

Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood - Picked up from Kindle Unlimited

Most Valuable Playboy by Lauren Blakely - Picked up from Kindle Unlimited

Shadow Legacy by Colleen Mitchell - Picked up from Kindle Unlimited

Have you missed anything lately?

Early Reader Review: The History of Everything by Victoria Evans (GN, YA) -5 stars

Recent Reads: Dead Woman Walking by Diana Corbitt (Adult) -4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Recent Reads: Dead Woman Walking by Diana Corbitt

Source: From the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Dead Woman Walking by Diana Corbitt  

Series: An Izzy Santos Mystery Book 1
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Publication Date:  October 2, 2023 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Nothing much happens in the small coastal town of Rocky Harbor, and rookie officer Izzy Santos wishes her job was a little more exciting than handing out speeding tickets and removing an azaleas-eating turtle from an old lady's yard. Then she gets a call to follow up on a report about a missing young woman. The town's senior investigator is out sick and Izzy finds herself not only tracking down leads about the missing young woman, but is called to investigate a second missing person.

With the clues piling on top of each other, Izzy has to overcome her law enforcement inexperience fast. Fortunately, she has a secret weapon up her sleeve—her Aunt Maggie, a closet psychic who reluctantly agrees to help with the investigation.

Dead Woman Walking takes Officer Izzy and the readers on a journey through a tangle of disconnected clues that Izzy has to somehow tie together before the perpetrator strikes again.

Review: 

Dead Woman Walking is a gripping mystery set in the quiet coastal town of Rocky Harbor, where rookie officer Izzy Santos unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a high-stakes investigation. When a young woman vanishes without a trace and the town’s senior detective is out sick, Izzy must step up and follow the trail—only to discover that another person has also gone missing.

From the start, the book maintains an engaging pace, keeping the suspense alive as Izzy navigates the tangled web of clues and multiple disappearances. The story presents multiple possible outcomes, adding to the intrigue and making it difficult to predict where things are headed. The small-town setting adds charm and tension in equal measure, and Izzy proves to be a compelling protagonist—determined, resourceful, and easy to root for.

One of the unique and memorable aspects within this novel is the addition of Izzy’s Aunt Maggie, a reluctant psychic whose unconventional insights bring a fresh twist to the investigation. This unique dynamic between logic-driven police work and intuitive hunches makes for an interesting contrast and adds depth. I appreciated the nod to the supernatural here and it is a fun addition. 

Overall, Dead Woman Walking is a captivating thriller that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. With its well-paced narrative, intriguing plot twists, and a likable main character, it’s a must-read for mystery lovers who enjoy small-town crime stories with a supernatural edge.

Early Reader Review: The History of Everything by Victoria Evans

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The History of Everything by Victoria Evans  

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperAlley
Publication Date:  February 18, 2025

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Best friends Agnes and Daisy must learn to say goodbye in this coming-of-age YA graphic novel perfect for fans of Booksmart and Pumpkinheads from debut creator Victoria Evans.

Daisy and Agnes have always had each other.

And that’s all they’ve ever needed—or wanted, at least. So when Agnes’s mom drops the bombshell that she and Agnes are moving at the end of the summer, the girls are crushed.

All seems lost until the pair unearth "The History of Everything," an old friendship scrapbook with the ultimate bucket list to make their last summer together unforgettable. But when Daisy starts dating a charming drummer, her social calendar suddenly has less room for her best friend. Insecurities bubble to the surface, and Daisy and Agnes begin to question if their friendship is meant to last the summer, much less forever.

In this tender graphic novel debut, Victoria Evans delves into the heart of a best friendship and explores what it means to grow up without growing apart.

Review: 

The History of Everything is a graphic novel about best friends Agnes and Daisy. Both punk, emo, goth besties that have grown up together and can't wait for an amazing summer. Sadly, Agnes gets the news that her mother got a new job and they are moving and this is her last summer with Daisy. She is angsty, depressed and just overall in a bad mood so they decide to make a summer bucket list like when they were younger, scrapbook and all. The problem is - Daisy isn't taking it seriously.

This is a book about saying goodbyes, growing up, and friendship. It was full of hard lessons, emotions raging, and a heartbreaking story of dashed expectations and jealousy. 

Agnes fills these pages with her emotionally charged outlook on how things are going and should be going, while depressed, angry, and jealous that Daisy is seemingly moving on. 

Daisy is falling in love, completely smitten with a guy but feeling guilt and some forms of resentment for/around Agnes.

This plot was so well done. It was engaging, intense, and wistful at times. It was lovely.  I loved the illustration, they were on-theme with a darker palette for our emo/goth MCs. The details around their rooms and overall settings were easily recognized and fun. The overall feel of the story was so good; the tensions and angst felt so accurate to the teenage plight/ crisis. I really enjoyed this one so much. It was such a great representation of growing up and how friendships evolve over time and how you and others change. If you are looking for a good coming-of-age graphic novel, this would be a fun one to grab.

Building the Book Pile #475

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

I had been a wild month for snowfall. We got about a foot last weekend, some more and ice on Thursday and overnight got a few more inches. It is pretty normal for February but I guess with all the warmer weather we had in December I didn't expect this. 

This week I spent my time at work/ working from home. I am still getting over this head-cold. I was told it takes 17-20 days to shake all the symptoms and the cough/ congestion have certainly lingered. Lucky for me my reading hasn't suffered too much - feeling very motivated at the beginning of this year to pre-plan things, have reviews ready to go, and trying to read my review copies a bit earlier than normal so that I have time to get things done. I think it is working.

In other news, February marks the beginning of garden season here in NH. While nothing can go outside yet, I will be starting seeds indoors here very soon in order to have the longest growing season possible. Do you garden? What is something you always plant? For us it is tomatoes and peppers. 

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day if you celebrate and have a lovely week ahead!

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week 

Early Reader Review: The History of Everything by Victoria Evans (GN, YA)

Recent Reads: Dead Woman Walking by Diana Corbitt (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

  

  

 Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox - From the publisher for review

The Best Wrong Move by Lily Parker - From ZooLoos Book Tours, for a tour/ review.

Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes - From ZooLoos Book Tours, for a tour/ review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Review: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Adult) -4 stars

Review: From Megabat with Love by Anna Humphrey (MG) -4 stars

Review: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (Adult) -2 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading! Happy Holidays!

Recent Reads: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date:  October 6, 2020

 

Format: Kindle Ebook
Source: Bought/ Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners..

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

Review: 

I know it is a bit late to be posting about a holiday romance... and also an older one at that but I felt the need to share...

This holiday romance had such a fun premise—a woman time-lopping through her Christmas holidays—but unfortunately, it didn’t quite deliver on all fronts. While the festive atmosphere was charming, and the setup promised a heartwarming journey, the execution left me wanting more.

Mae is headed to the cabin, the place her family and their long-time family friends all go to celebrate the holidays. This year Mae is especially down on herself and asked the universe to help her see what will make her happy, and seeming it does giving her a Groundhog day-esq time looping opportunity to make it for herself. Sadly, it is this sci-fi element and some others that fell so short for me. 

One of my biggest issues was the character development. Mae, the main character, never really grows, she just adapts to the time loops and then starts to get bossy when she becomes frustrated with the outcomes. There are also so many characters but none of them really get the attention that they deserve to really highlight their differences.  Then, the romance itself felt rushed, making it hard to truly invest in Mae and Andrew's connection. It seemed like the author was explaining things away with 'they have known each other forever' that's great, but the readers haven't known them and we were all left wanted more. The time loop/sci-fi element could have added more depth but instead felt repetitive or underutilized to build on these relationships or as part of the plot overall.

There were some moments of warmth and humor that made it enjoyable in parts. The holiday setting was cozy, and I did appreciated the charming traditions that the families have together. However, I wish the story had spent more time fleshing out the relationships and making the emotional pieces hit harder.

Overall, while this book had potential and some enjoyable moments, it ultimately fell flat in execution. If you’re looking for a light, holiday read and don’t mind a romance that feels a bit surface-level, this might still be worth picking up.

Recent Reads: From Megabat with Love by Anna Humphrey

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers Program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

From Megabat with Love by Anna Humphrey, Illustrated by Kris Easler 

Series: Megabat #6

Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  December 10, 2024 

 

Format: Paperback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

It's Valentine's Day, and Megabat wants to show Bird Girl that he loves her. But how? Easy! Or is it? The next laugh-out-loud book in this sweet and funny illustrated chapter book series featuring a talking bat.

Megabat loves Bird Girl, but he's having trouble coming up with a Valentine's surprise that she actually likes.

Daniel is trying to earn his Caring and Sharing Bird Scout badge by bringing valentines to residents at a retirement home.

Megabat keeps trying to impress Bird Girl with his marvelous gifts that are things HE loves, but it's not working. And she seems to be obsessed with a majestic eagle.

Daniel and his fellow Bird Scouts create chaos at the retirement home and learn a lesson in how NOT to get a Caring and Sharing badge.

Megabat finally learns about smushy love stuff from his new friends at the retirement home, but is it too late? Has he lost Bird Girl forever? And will Daniel ever earn his Caring and Sharing badge? Kris Easler's adorable illustrations paired with Anna Humphrey's hilarious text make for another unforgettable Megabat adventure, one that will appeal to Megabat fans and newcomers!

Review:

The Megabat series continues its adorable and chaotic adventures in this Valentine’s Day-themed installment. While each book can be read as a standalone, longtime fans will recognize Megabat’s well-meaning but often misguided attempts to navigate the human (and animal) world.

This time, Megabat is determined to win the heart of his beloved Pigeongirl, a pigeon who lives in the family shed. Unfortunately, in his eagerness to impress her—especially since he believes she only has eyes for the mighty Eagle statue she saw at the Winter Carnival—he tries too hard and ends up scaring her instead. His antics lead to plenty of messy, funny, and sweet moments that young readers will enjoy.

The book features large, easy-to-read font and charming illustrations that highlight Megabat’s lovable chaos. However, one aspect that may be polarizing is Megabat’s baby-talk style of speech. While it is meant to be endearing and humorous, it can feel a bit off-putting, especially for children who are still learning to read. That said, the story itself is fun and engaging, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy silly, heartwarming adventures.

Perfect for early chapter book readers, this is another delightful entry in the Megabat series that captures the joys and challenges of friendship, misunderstandings, and trying a little too hard.

Recent Reads: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey 

Publisher: Crown

Publication Date:  October 20, 2020

 

Format: Audioboon
Source: Bought/Own from Audible

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

From the Academy Award®–winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.

I’ve been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me.

Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at the time, and still: If you know how, and when, to deal with life’s challenges - how to get relative with the inevitable - you can enjoy a state of success I call “catching greenlights.”

So I took a one-way ticket to the desert and wrote this book: an album, a record, a story of my life so far. This is fifty years of my sights and seens, felts and figured-outs, cools and shamefuls. Graces, truths, and beauties of brutality. Getting away withs, getting caughts, and getting wets while trying to dance between the raindrops.

Hopefully, it’s medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot’s license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears.

It’s a love letter. To life.

It’s also a guide to catching more greenlights - and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.

Good luck.

Review: 

This was Matthew McConaughey's book about his life so far. I listened to it with my partner on the way to work. It is read by the author, which made it more enjoyable. 

He seems so human from this book, it was refreshing but he is also well-off now so some of his 'bumper-sticker' moments and 'proclamations' were a bit meh for those of us in the non-well off categories. 

Overall, this was a fun listen though. Matthew talks about his life, growing up, what he learned along the way and his adventure to becoming who he is as an actor. I found him funny and relatable at times, and you can really sense that he loves life and lives it to the fullest at every opportunity. He is an interesting man, a pro bull-shitter, and so passionate.  "Greenlights" were his move forward moments in life, leading him and guiding him along. I loved that this was the view point he had. 

I loved that he told his story. I appreciate that some of his best lines were improved and that he tried to be the characters wholeheartedly, even to his detriment at times. He found his dream in more ways that one and that was a fun journey to go on him with.

All that said, I would have liked less proclamation and bumper sticker moments. 1. because he often yelled them in the audio and it was a lot and 2. because sometimes they were just not obtainable things for 'normal' non-famous people. If you already like Matthew in movies and his weird vibe, I think you will enjoy this one and I do recommend the audio version.

Building the Book Pile #474

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

...still sickly. Starting to feel better but the amount of gunk is just nasty. 

I have been trying to rest and worked from home all week, I did take a sick day and work wasn't super busy so that was a win. 

I did a fair amount of reading while I was up at night trying to breath, so I have a fair amount of reviews written and planned now. I am really hoping to keep up this momentum this year.

 

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week 

Review: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Adult)

Review: From Megabat with Love by Anna Humphrey (MG)

Review: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

  

 Heir of the Beast by FR Black - For a Blog Tour/ Review.

Feather and Famine by Mariah Rosewood - For Blog Tour/ Review.

All- Nighter by Cecilia Vinesse - From the publisher for review.

Dead Woman Walking by Diana Corbitt - From the Author for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Blog Tour: Frog Fish & Worm by Christina Bianco (Youth) -3 stars

Early Reader Review: The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith (YA)-5 stars

Reading Re-Cap: January 2025

Review: Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose (Adult) -3 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading! Happy Holidays!