Another new feature being introduced today: Bookish Delights! Somewhat different from a Friday Ramble, this will be for spotlighting cover reveals and upcoming releases; mini reviews of books I've read and loved and various fun things I'd like to share with y'all.

Today, I've got a few mini reviews to share, but who knows what will be in the next post ...

Love & Saffron (Kim Fay)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was a lovely read: decadent and comforting and wholesome and so very like a hearty, rustic country dinner. It's not as "light and fluffy" as you might think, but it is infused with hope and heart and flavor. It feels both cozy and somehow true - I savored it, but read it in a day. It is, quite simply, a lovely treat of a read.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Taylor Jenkins Reid) 
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whenever a book has so much buzz surrounding it, I'm always a bit skeptical. But I finally gave in and read this one - to see what the fuss was about - and I can understand why people are talking. It's a quick read: I could barely put it down when real life interrupted my reading time! It is also ... Unusual. Engrossing. Salacious. Riveting. And a bit more complex than anticipated. Evelyn's story is messy and convoluted, and completely Hollywood-dazzle. She made decisions that make me cringe and shake me head, but I had to know what she would do next. It reads like a tell-all, but also a late night sleepover gossip session. It may not be for everyone, but I can definitely understand the buzz.

Miss Eliza's English Kitchen (Annabel Abbs)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an intriguing read. There's secrets and hints of things lurking in the shadows. There's struggle and quiet joy in the simple things. There's friendship - unexpected but real. It's a quiet, comfort-sort of read, with a true homage to the act of cooking and the delight of eating good food.

The Siren of Sussex (Mimi Matthews)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can't help but fangirl a bit over this one. A gorgeous cover? ✔ An equally gorgeous story? ✔ Victorian fashion? ✔ Horses? ✔ Social drama? ✔ Brainy women who don't wish to be pigeonholed? ✔ A dazzling love story with a kind and respectful hero? ✔ This one checked all the boxes for me, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released (in October).

Once Upon a Fairytale

I'm introducing a new post series today: Once Upon a Fairytale! As a huge fan of fairy tales, I'm always on the look-out for new variations and retellings - and perhaps you are too. Or maybe you've never read one, and would like to try. That's where this series will come into play: each post will feature variations, novelizations, and/or retellings of a particular fairy tale. My hope is that you discover something wonderful, whether you've explored fairy tales in depth or are diving in for the first time.

The first fairy tale feature is The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
All of the books in this list are adaptations, expansions, novelizations, variations or reimaginings of the original tale, and there's a wide variety so hopefully everyone can find their perfect match.
Note: The "target audience" for these also range from elementary to adult. Brief summaries from Goodreads/Amazon/Publishers.

Entwined (Heather Dixon) 

In this retelling of the classic tale, the eldest princess must fight to save her family - and her heart - from an ancient dark magic within the palace walls.

Wildwood Dancing (Juliet Marillier)

This detailed and mood-rich story covers much territory, both mundane and magical. Adult fantasy writer Marillier has uniquely reimagined and blended an assortment of well-known tales and characters -- including fairies, dwarves, witches, vampires, and a frog who is more than he seems -- into a compelling whole in her first book for teens. By the end, all are cleverly bound together, and a mystery is solved. With much to say about human nature and choice, not unlike the moral in fairy tales of old...

the Girls at the Kingfisher Club (Genevieve Valentine)

This reimagining of "the Twelve Dancing Princesses" traces the story of a family of flappers who work in a 1920s speakeasy until their suspicious father decides to marry them off, prompting a confrontation with a bootlegger from the eldest sister's past.

the Thirteenth Princess (Diane Zahler)

A classic fairy tale with a bold twist, The Thirteenth Princess tells the unforgettable story of a magical castle, true love, spellbound princesses -- and the young girl determined to save them all.

Princess of the Midnight Ball (Jessica Day George)

Captivating from start to finish, George's take on the Grimms' tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.

the Restless Girls (Jessie Burton)

A sparkling whirl of a fairy tale -- one that doesn't need a prince to save the day, and instead is full of brave, resourceful, clever young women.

the Princess Curse (Marie Haskell)

An imaginative retelling of the fairy tales The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Beauty and the Beast [...] The Princess Curse combines magic, suspense, humor, and adventure into a story perfect for fans of Gail Carson Levine.

the Midnight Dance (Nikki Katz)

Set against the fascinating and moody backdrop of a mysterious boarding school, this intricately crafted novel is filled with magical realism, gothic settings, and the perfect hint of romance.