Dragon Kin: The Final Two - Audrey Faye & Shae Geary

Title: Dragon Kin: The Final Two
Author: Audrey Faye & Shae Geary
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4.5/5
# pages: 180
Date read: December 2018, October 2021

There are only four. The prophecy speaks of five. They have time yet... until the Dragon Star sends visions of doom for the dragons across the waters and even those not called must be ready.

A small elf who has waited so very long for a dragon of her own prepares to do what she can to help her friends pack their bags and meet their destinies, and hides the terrible sadness in her own heart. She has not been chosen.

Then the dragon queen looks into Kellan's eyes and says the three words that will change everything.

It is time.


I've been looking eagerly forward to this last book in the Dragon Kin series, and it was every bit as good as I had expected it to be. As always, with book involving time travel, there was the odd plothole here and there, but while I noticed them, I didn't mind, because the book itself was so delightful.

I was thrilled to finally see Kellan get to shine, and while I missed the every day life of the village, I loved seeing how the chosen 7 befriended and charmed the dragons of old.

Lovely completion to the series, and I finished it in just two sittings -- would still REALLY have liked a 6th book though, to describe life in the village afterwards.

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland - Heidi Swain

Title: Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland
Author: Heidi Swain
Genre: Christmas, Chick-lit
Rating: 4/5
# pages: 400
Date read: December, 2018

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?


Honestly? I bought this because I couldn't resist the title :-D

A really sweet Christmas story. At times it was perhaps just a tad too twee, but for Christmas stories, that's allowed (even if I might roll my eyes at it at other times of the year). I liked that the story was all Christmas instead of just having a few chapters focus on it, and would have loved to visit the Winter Wonderland they set up.

I did feel like hitting Anna and Molly from time to time... for best friends, they were awfully pushy! I probably would have responded much like Hayley did, but still - as an outside reader, it bugged me. On the other hand, I'm really glad Hayley didn't allow Gabe's assumptions to fester. That could have been REALLY frustrating, but was nipped in the bud, which I appreciated.

All in all, a charming read, and I'll definitely check out more of Heidi Swain's books.... especially as many of them seem to revolve around the same characters :-D