April Cozy Magical Book Club Pick!
Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills
TL;DR:
Our next book club book: Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills
Meeting: Tuesday, April 15, at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
Where: Zoom (link emailed an hour before the call)
Who: All Sleuth Hero Alien subscribers are welcome
Hi Cozy Readers,
I’m excited to announce our next cozy magical read of 2025: Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills
Here’s the official publisher’s description:
It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, under-appreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.
Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?
Our book club will meet on Tuesday, April 15, at 5:30 PM Pacific on Zoom. I’ll send out the meeting link about an hour before we begin. Join us as you are—whether you’ve read every word, just started, or simply want to connect with fellow cozy story lovers.
I’m excited to read this YA fantasy adventure and to discuss it with you. Until then, happy reading!
Warmly,
Emma
Hi there! I’m Emma Veritas, your cozy reading enthusiast. I delight in escaping to small towns filled with endearing characters—and a touch of mystery, dragons, or aliens! When I'm not sharing bookish musings here, you’ll find me crafting fictional tales in my notebooks, spending quality time with my adorable pet bunny, or savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
You might also enjoy my other newsletter, Soul Weaver’s Haven, where I write essays for seekers, dreamers, and magic-makers daring to create unconventional and wildly fulfilling lives.