2.19. Broomsticks, Books, and Bedroom Eyes

October Reads and a Deep Dive into "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe"Hey bookworms, it's Stacey and Rebecca from My Sister's TBR, back again with another episode recap! We've got a stack of October reads to chat about, some unexpected gems, and a few new favorites. But the highlight of today's episode is definitely our deep dive into our featured read, "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe" by Laurie Gilmore. This book was promised to be the perfect blend of cozy and heartwarming, with just a dash of mystery thrown in for good measure. We'll be discussing everything from the characters we loved (and maybe a few we didn't!), to the twists and turns that kept us guessing until the very end.  Our October ReadsWe had a pretty good reading month, with Stacey finishing an impressive (for her) eight books! Christina Lauren's "Something Wilder" provided an adventurous escape, while Jennifer Hartman's "Lotus" offered a dark romance with a surprisingly sweet male lead.  Rebecca finally broke out of her reading rut, thanks to a captivating Hermione and Draco fanfiction recommendation from Stacey. "Sex and Occlumency" offered a delicious dose of Dramione romance, proving that Draco Malfoy is the exception to every rule.  But the reading fun didn't stop there! Stacey also finished "Breath, Mints, and Battle Scars," another Dramione fanfiction that she rated 4.5 stars. This one had her hooked from beginning to end, and she can't wait to share all the juicy details with you.  And of course, we can't forget about Sarah J. Maas! Stacey also finished "House of Sky and Breath," the second book in the Crescent City series, and she's officially obsessed. This series has her in a chokehold, and she can't wait for you to read it so you can freak out over the ending together.  Featured Read: "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe"Our featured read for October was "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe" by Laurie Gilmore. This contemporary romance follows Jeannie, a city girl who inherits her aunt's beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe in the small town of Dream Harbor.  We both rated it a 3, and we're on the same wavelength with this one. The insta-love gave us the ick, and the mystery side of it was a bit unbelievable. We didn't really connect with the characters, and the plot felt a little too predictable.  Looking AheadWe're excited to announce that November is Harry Potter Fanfiction Month! In the spirit of "Manacled" getting published as "Alchemist," we've chosen another fanfiction that's also getting published: "The Auction" by LovesBitca8. This is another dark one, and we've got high hopes for it.  Join the ConversationThat's all for today's episode recap. We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our October reads and our discussion on "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe." Don't forget to tune in to the full episode for more bookish banter and laughs. And be sure to follow us on Instagram (@mysisterstbr) for updates on future episodes and reading recommendations.  My Sister's TBR is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to My Sister's TBR at www.mysisterstbr.com/subscribe