A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner

✦ BLURB ✦

She doesn't need to have magic in order to be magic.

In the heart of Adenashire, where elvish enchantments and dwarven delights rule, human baker Arleta Starstone works twice as hard at perfecting her unique blend of baking with apothecary herbs.

So, when her orc neighbour (and biggest fan) secretly enters her creations into the prestigious Langheim Baking Battle, Arleta faces a dilemma.

Being magicless, her participation in the competition could draw more scowls than smiles. And if Arleta wants to prove her talent and establish her culinary reputation, she'll need more than just her pastry craft to sweeten the odds.

Though Arleta may not yet believe in herself, she makes her way to Langheim - with the help of a very attractive woodland elf - and competes.

On this journey of mouthwatering pastries, self-discovery, heartwarming friendships and potential romance, Arleta will have to decide whether winning the Baking Battle is the true prize after all. But win or lose: her adventure is only beginning...

Escape to Adenashire for a charming cosy fantasy where every twist is a treat and every turn a step closer to home.

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✶ PRE-READING ✶

A baking competition in a cozy fantasy world? Yes, please. I was hoping for pastries, potion-ish flourishes, and maybe a sprinkling of found family on top. I expected this to be a low-stakes, warm-hearted read with a hint of cinnamon and a dash of gentle romance.

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✶ POST-READING ✶

As I thought...
This book delivered exactly what it promised: Arleta’s world is the kind of place you want to move into immediately. The baking is rich and sensory—honestly, I could smell the honeyed breads—and the friendships were strong enough to soften even the crustiest loaf. I also adored the quiet confidence that builds as Arleta starts believing in herself, even when the world tells her she doesn't belong. Classic cozy arc, executed beautifully.

It surprised me by...
…how deeply it leaned into emotional support and mutual care. This isn't just a baking book with elves. It's a book about being seen - by neighbours, friends, and maybe even a pointy-eared crush. And while the baking battle is fun and well-paced, it’s the little domestic moments and personal victories that feel like the true wins. Also: the orc neighbour? MVP. Give that gentle giant a spinoff.

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✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦

📚 Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
📺 The Great British Bake Off if it were judged by woodland creatures

✦ MUSIC PAIRING ✦

Because sometimes, the heart of a story plays out like a song.

Featured Song: “Home” by Gabrielle Aplin – warm, soft, and just the right kind of soul-hug.
Vibe Album: Begin to Look Around by Gretta Ray – introspective, gently empowering, with some whimsical swells.
Artist Recommendation: dodie – for those tender, sweet-but-smart feels.

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✧ VIBE CHECK ✧

Colour Palette: Honey gold, sage green, lavender grey

Soundtrack: The clink of teacups, a crackling hearth, distant market chatter

Season: Late autumn – the sort with misty mornings and warm hands around mugs

Mood: Quiet courage

Scent: Fresh bread with herbal infusions (rosemary, thyme, maybe a little fennel)

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★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

3 of Cups - Unfolding Path Tarot

There's nothing like the power of a group. They can lift you when you're down and help uncover a secret conspiracy to - I mean party! Nothing to see here!