The Cottage Around the Corner

Soria (Thief Liar Lady) delivers small-town mystery alongside spellbinding romantasy in this cozy outing. Witch Charlotte Isabel “Charlie” Sparrow devotes herself to her parents’ occult shop, the Chanterelle Cottage, in charming Owl’s Hallow. The family business manages to scrape by until a fierce competitor arrives in town: Maven Enterprises, operated by handsome mage Sterling “Fitz” Fitzgerald. Witches and mages are natural rivals, so Charlie and Fitz have every reason to hate each other, but they can’t help their intense chemistry. When a mysterious “magic pandemic” strikes Owl’s Hollow and causes spells to go haywire, their two businesses race against each other to find the culprit—and the solution. Fitz’s noble efforts draw even more attention to Maven Enterprises, leaving Chanterelle Cottage on the verge of bankruptcy. Charlie’s one hope is that the town council will refuse to extend Fitz’s temporary magic license. As the council prepares for a vote, both Charlie’s livelihood and her budding relationship with Fitz hang in the balance. Soria’s worldbuilding is sweet and inviting, brimming with magic, intrigue, and community. Fans of forbidden romance will be especially delighted. (Sept.)