Welcome to Litsy!

This is prequel to Legends & Lattes and it was just as wonderful. It has action, mystery, cozy vibes and good humor. Of course I loved the bookshop within and all that brought to it as well. This was such a well done story. Even though it comes before the 1st book I recommend reading them in the published order to get the full effect of the ending. (Which ties into L&L.) I look forward to any other books this author may put out.

we finally get the origin story!

Ok, I‘m going to have the #unpopular opinion here, but I thought this story was way too slow. I liked the characters, the beachy small town setting, even the premise. But it was just a little *too* cozy for me, and I liked the first book much better.

What an entertaining, lively, cozy, sweet, fun read! I had not heard of “cozy fantasy” before listening to the Reading Glasses podcast, where host Mallory has talked about her love of the book Legends & Lattes often. This is the prequel and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved the quirky characters and even got choked up a little at the end. I‘m listening to Legends & Lattes next, but suggest starting with that one as it was pub‘d first. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I wasn‘t sure I was in the right mood for BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST, but it quickly won me over with its community feel and love for the power of story. I‘m now a hundred pages deep.

It also cried out for a good beer, so I paired it with an Absent Landlord Kolsch Ale from Cowbell Brewing Co out of Blyth, ON. I had one a couple weeks back and liked it so much I bought another can right away. It was a great fit with this delightful read.

This is a very enjoyable read, with actual character development and a plot that makes sense.
Viv is stuck in a small town recovering and learns to love reading through the efforts of the local bookstore owner. Romance (no spice), magic, books and a love for pastry all make Viv‘s life more complicated while she learns to be where she is and not mourn a life she doesn‘t want yet.
5/5 stars excellent. Read for a fantasy that focuses on emotions

Another great book in the Legends and Lattes series. I really hope they continue on with Viv's adventures. Taking place before the events in the first book, Viv is just as loveable as before. She helps save a bookshop and battles a necromancer. The supporting characters are great, and I hope they make an appearance in future books. I love this cozy fantasy series.

Fact. 😄
📚💜📚

Started this one on audio this morning. Another podcast recommendation, sort of. The sequel to this book, Legends and Lattes, was recommended on one of my favorite bookish podcasts “Reading Glasses.” If I recall, they said you didn‘t have to read this first, but I‘m weird about reading series books in order, even if they can be standalone. 🤷‍♀️❤️📚🎧

You know what is nice about traveling for work with another reader! We are both tucked into bed and enjoying our books. No pressure to go out and entertain ourselves. All we need is some good take out, a comfy beds and our books!

@ShelleyBooksie is a great travel companion

Four of the latest books I finished this week: (27 for the year)

Miss Julia #15 (4 stars. Better than the last 2).
A ghostly gift (short story) 4 stars)
A skeleton in the closet 4 stars
Bookshops and bonedust 4 🌟

Here's my favorite quote from my #AuldLangSpine reads last month. I have always loved the idea that difficult experiences are just stops on the journey to something good. And the way it's so simply put here is lovely 💕

@sebrittainclark I'm excited to get to more of your list. Three holds just came in at the library finally!
@monalyisha thanks for all you do with this event each year! You're a star! ✨

4⭐️ I really quite enjoyed it. I haven‘t read Legends and Lattes, but I am definitely looking forward to reading it soon. I want to thank Kaytee of Currently Reading for recommending the series. #2024 #fiction #lgbtq #fantasy #ebook #audiobook

https://bookshop.org/p/books/bookshops-bonedust-travis-baldree/19546909?ean=9781...

This was a DELIGHT. I didn‘t think I could like it as much as legends and lattes but I think I liked it more. Also it was great timing, after a bunch of heavier stuff and during a heavy time in the world, this felt so soothing. Fantastic on audio too. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Viv is injured, her crew leaves her in the coastal town of Murk to recover while they continue the hunt for an evil necromancer. Bored and needing to stretch her legs, Viv wanders into a failing bookstore, only to discover a love of reading and a new group of friends.
Between helping at the bookstore and romancing a baker, Viv finds herself on the bad end of evil.

I finished this last week, alas I'm behind on reviews. I really enjoyed it!! Not quite as much as L&L but mostly because Viv was pretty annoying at the beginning and really needed that character growth 😅 But it was perfect as a prequel to see her journey! I really loved Fern and Satchel. Baldree is very good at writing a great cast of characters. And I loved the message that even short acquaintances can leave a lasting impression on you 🥰

This was such a lovely read! An ode to books and words, and finding yourself in the right pages. At the same time, a study of friendships and love, and being in the right place at the right time, even if it‘s a short time. Viv is charming and bold and a little clumsy, and totally endearing. There‘s just enough mystery to keep the story going, and a wistful sort of atmosphere that‘s hugely appealing. Loved it.

This was very entertaining, I liked this even more than Legends & Lattes.

Definitely not my normal fare, but I‘m glad I am venturing out of my comfort zone. Can‘t wait for Legends & Lattes.

A much cozier read since I didn‘t want to cart my Kindle to work — with what may be the funniest bookmark ever. Viv is as charming and funny as ever so far!

Absolutely adorable! #cozyfantasy

I put a hold on Legends & Lattes and Remarkably Bright creatures at the library. Unfortunately L&L is out of circulation for a few weeks but they had Bookshops and Bonedust. I don‘t really read fantasy but this is fun.

1. Nope! But it's not infrequent that I enjoy a glass of red wine, or a cup of coffee or tea with a book.
2. The tagged. :-)

@TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday

Care to play @tiedyedude?

Oooo my library hold came in early, can't wait to start this one! 😄

#AuldLangSpine @sebrittainclark @monalyisha

Here are my January #bookspin and #doublespin reads!

Basically read this one all day on New Year‘s Day and finished it yesterday. I might have liked this one more than the first. Not sure if that‘s a controversial opinion or not. I loved all the characters, the little town, the books and adventure.

I hope the author plans on writing more! Thanks to @wanderinglynn and #AuldLangSpine for putting on the top of my TBR for the year!

Well it turns out I read more in December than I realized. Helped by long audio-hours at work and a 17 hour audio-drive, I guess.

Quite a few of these are continuations of series by authors I like. Bookshops & Bonedust was my favorite, but I loved System Collapse too.

#LastFirst

The last book I picked up in 2023 was The Second Chance Year. I definitely didn‘t finish it, but I want my first book of the year to be the tagged. I‘ve been trying to hold off on reading it.

#Rushathon #OutWithTheOldAndInWithTheNew #readathon
#Naturalitsy #MidwinterSolace

I spent my NYE #HyggeHour finishing my last book of 2023 & thoroughly enjoying it (& gummy pineapples & colas) 😋 I💚Legends & Lattes & may love this even more. I‘ve been savoring it slowly this week since getting a copy for #Jolabokaflod from @fandom_hellspawn99 & I want to stay with these characters!

Now I‘m on to my #OUABC Up All Night box to ring in 2024. 🎉

This was my husband‘s and my road trip book and was a completely fun listen. It was interesting to see a younger Viv, her companions were fun, and the epilogue was just really nice and heartwarming. I‘ve got about 3 hours left with Faithful Unto Death. #audiowalk

I was one of the few who wasn't head over heels for Legends & Lattes, but I thought I wanted to try the prequel as well. Who knows how the style'll change? And I am so glad I did read this one!

Everything I thought lacked in L&L was improved. The characters were more fleshed out, the story has a real plot and the world building is deeper and more thought-out. So yes, I really enjoyed this book. Hooray!

“'Eighteen!' bellowed Viv, bringing her saber around in a flat curve that battered the wight's skull off its spine.“ #FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

Yay! Hope this is better than the last book I just read.

I'm intrigued that this is a prequel.

I‘m so happy to say I liked it just as much as the first one! Wonderful characters (Satchel was one of my favorites!) and adventures and coziness. I truly love this series. 💗

So very excited about my #AuldLangSpine list from @sebrittainclark 🥳
I've read and loved a few on here already (1, 2, 4, & 15) and a bunch more have been on my TBR so I'm glad for an excuse to finally get to them! I'm going to focus on the six pictured here for sure to start with. I've actually had Bookshops & Bonedust on my library holds since it came out and it should be available in the next month so perfect timing!

#Naturalitsy #MidwinterSolace

My #HyggeHour for Christmas Eve Sunday involves reading my new #JolabokaflodSwap book (tagged) & eating chocolate.

I just had a cozy dinner if Indian curry, rice & naan & I‘m snuggled into the couch with a mug of hot cocoa. I‘ve been listening to my mellow winter/holiday playlist today so tonight I‘m trying a couple of Bookshops & Bonedust playlists I found on Spotify.

Happy Holidays everyone! 💚❤️💚

Thank you so much @fandom_hellspawn99 for my #JolabokaflodSwap package! This is exactly what I hoped to be reading tonight (the number of times I wanted to cave & buy it the past month given how much I loved Legends & Lattes!) & I have already eaten some of the pb cups! Hope you have a Merry Christmas! ❤️📚🎄💚

#jolabokaflod #jolabokaflodswap23

Thank you @MaleficentBookDragon for hosting this annual event! 📚💚

It‘s Christmas Eve, which means time to open my #JolabokaflodSwap23 gift!

Thanks so much @CSeydel !! Can‘t wait to read this book and eat some chocolate.

I absolutely loved this book. Stayed up late to finish it. Everyone i know will be getting this series as a recommendation.

Really really enjoying this book. I have been trying to read before bed instead of doom scrolling. Its really kept my brain busy so i get sleepy. Plus it helps when i have to nurse. 🐻

⭐️⭐️⭐️It was fun to be back with Viv as a young fighter, 20 years before the Legends and Lattes story.This one didn‘t hit the cozy mark that the first book did-there was a consistent unease through the whole thing.This did have fun new characters, & Baldree is a good reader for the audiobook, though I think I would have enjoyed reading it more than solely listening.Overall, good not great, but could be setting us in for a really fun follow-up.

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/xVxIR-Xj7lc

Enjoy!

Taking advantage of 3yr old sleeping still and 2m old in the swing. Coffee is still hot and get to read a book i have been patiently waiting for.

Another great book from Baldree!

For me this one‘s less cozy, as there‘s a sense of unrest and menace through most of it. Though there are fewer battles than most fantasies, there are some still and some formidable enemies.

I did love it, and the ending felt very “right book, right time.” I‘ll say why ⬇️ but beware spoilers.

“Eighteen!” bellowed Viv, bringing her saber around in a flat curve that battered the wight‘s skull off its spine.

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

“The necromancer‘s eyes were as black as words could make them…”

What a great line!

Image found on Pinterest, artist credit to SarahMillerCreations.com. 🧟‍♀️

There's something about this book that just feels like a cozy Christmas read.

I appreciate when a book I'm enjoying supports my habits. 😆

My little orc-cat Venkman and I are spending a quiet Sunday morning with tea and the non-adventures of Viv. 🖤📚☕️