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amandas_reading_nook 's review for:
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic
by J. Penner
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was so entertained by this book I read it in one sitting!
Our FMC, Arleta, is a magicless human in a world full of magical creatures. She spends her days struggling to earn enough to keep her market booth open. Unbeknownst to her, her well-meaning, and father-figure of a neighbor has sent in her application for Baking Battle, a competition for amateur bakers with a grand prize that is more than enough to allow her to buy her own bakery. When a handsome elf, Theo, shows up with Arleta's invitation to the Baking Battle, she is in disbelief as no human has ever competed before. Despite believing that she won't be able to keep up with her magical competitors, Arleta sets out for the Battle with Theo nervous, but excited to show everyone that she has her own "little dash of magic."
I really loved both the physical and emotional journey that Arleta had to go on to be able to compete in the Baking Battle. The physical because can a romance really get any better than having both Only One Bed and Only One Horse? The emotional because I found Arleta's character extremely relatable as she worked to push past her imposter syndrome and go outside her comfort zone. Plus, the friendships she makes really made the story for me. I loved all of the side characters and found their unwavering support of Arleta incredibly endearing.
While there isn't anything that I disliked about this book, I did feel like the ending wrapped up a little quickly, with most of the action happening off-page. I also wish that the romance had been developed more. For example, I would have liked to see a few more on-page interactions between Arleta and Theo as they adjusted to life after the Baking Battle.
I would recommend this to lovers of cozy fantasies, The Great British Bake Off, found family, and sweet romances!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.
Our FMC, Arleta, is a magicless human in a world full of magical creatures. She spends her days struggling to earn enough to keep her market booth open. Unbeknownst to her, her well-meaning, and father-figure of a neighbor has sent in her application for Baking Battle, a competition for amateur bakers with a grand prize that is more than enough to allow her to buy her own bakery. When a handsome elf, Theo, shows up with Arleta's invitation to the Baking Battle, she is in disbelief as no human has ever competed before. Despite believing that she won't be able to keep up with her magical competitors, Arleta sets out for the Battle with Theo nervous, but excited to show everyone that she has her own "little dash of magic."
I really loved both the physical and emotional journey that Arleta had to go on to be able to compete in the Baking Battle. The physical because can a romance really get any better than having both Only One Bed and Only One Horse? The emotional because I found Arleta's character extremely relatable as she worked to push past her imposter syndrome and go outside her comfort zone. Plus, the friendships she makes really made the story for me. I loved all of the side characters and found their unwavering support of Arleta incredibly endearing.
While there isn't anything that I disliked about this book, I did feel like the ending wrapped up a little quickly, with most of the action happening off-page. I also wish that the romance had been developed more. For example, I would have liked to see a few more on-page interactions between Arleta and Theo as they adjusted to life after the Baking Battle.
I would recommend this to lovers of cozy fantasies, The Great British Bake Off, found family, and sweet romances!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.