The Keeper of Magical Things

In this delightfully cozy romantasy, Leong (The Teller of Small Fortunes) introduces mage-in-training Certainty “Cert” Bulrush, who has the ability to communicate with objects via touch to determine their purpose and alter them in minor ways. (“She could sweet-talk a cup of tea into being less bitter; she could shame a shirt into unwrinkling—but, unfortunately, that was about the extent of her powers.”) Her limited abilities make it unlikely she’ll ever be promoted to full mage—until the Mage Guild assigns her a small but vital task: to accompany a shipment of magical artifacts to the remote village of Shpelling for identification, cataloging, and storage. Do it well and she may earn that promotion. Unfortunately, accompanying her is the brilliant but frosty mage Aurelia Mirellan, and winning over the locals in desolate, unwelcoming Shpelling proves a challenge. Though Cert and Aurelia initially butt heads, the two find common ground—and unexpected love—as they work together. There’s a tongue-in-cheek playfulness to Leong’s magic system as Cert and Aurora reinvent simple pleasures like steam baths and tasty cuisine using enchanted objects. Themes of companionship and community undergird the sweet romance as the heroines discover what they truly value in life. The result is a quietly satisfying tale set in a world readers will be eager to return to. (Oct.)