Lady Bergamot Recommends…
Need a steamy, sun-soaked read for your beach bag? Here are 8 romance picks to beat the heat this summer.
Clean Slate introduces Olive Hunt, a crime scene cleaner who’s seen every kind of death imaginable — until a string of staged murders starts leaving her strange, personal calling cards.
New to Zodiac Academy and not sure where to start? Here’s the full reading order for all nine books, plus a spoiler-free taste of what each one brings.
Finished A Court of Thorns and Roses and already missing the fae court drama? Here are 12 books to keep that ACOTAR feeling going.
My summer TBR looks a little different this year. No Emily Henry, no Ali Hazelwood… which means I finally have no excuse not to tackle the books that have been sitting on my shelves. Here's what I'm reading, listening to, and rereading this summer.
Confused about where to start with Sarah J. Maas? Here's the reading order that worked for me — ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City — plus a few paths depending on your reading style.
Join Jessica Jones for an in-depth interview with J.T. Ellison on her upcoming thriller, A Very Bad Thing. Discover Ellison's creative inspirations, the layered themes of fame and secrecy, and what readers can expect from this suspenseful journey. Don't miss A Very Bad Thing, releasing November 1st!
Join me for an exclusive interview with Amy Ewing as she unveils 'The Irish Goodbye,' a captivating romance set in Ireland. Perfect for your 2024 summer reading list. Discover the inspiration and passion behind the story.
Discover the creative process behind Ruth Ware's latest thriller, "One Perfect Couple," in this exclusive Q&A. Dive into the mind of one of today's top authors as she discusses settings, characters, and her journey in the thriller genre. A must-read for fans of suspense and psychological depth!
Discover the best books to dive into after finishing "House of Flame and Shadow" by Sarah J. Maas. Explore top picks for fantasy, romantasy, and historical fantasy novels that promise magic, adventure, and romance. Perfect for fans of Maas's enchanting narratives and anyone looking to lose themselves in new, vibrant worlds.
Join me for an exclusive Q&A with Mary Kubica, the acclaimed author of "She's Not Sorry," "Just the Nicest Couple," "Local Woman Missing," and "The Good Girl." Uncover the depth behind her characters, the intricacies of her plot twists, and her unique approach to writing that captivates and thrills readers.
Dive into this exclusive interview with Alexandra Kiley, debut author of 'Kilt Trip', exploring the blend of romance, the complexities of grief, and the vibrant setting of Scotland. Discover how Kiley weaves heartwarming moments with themes of family dynamics, grief, and self-discovery in her captivating narrative.
Captivated by Iron Flame and the Empyrean series? Here are 15 books to scratch the same itch — dragons, dark academia, and morally gray heroes included.
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Book Reviews
Two Twisted Crowns deepens the gothic world of The Shepherd King duology — but the Nightmare's grip on Elspeth is both the book's greatest strength and its source of tension in ways not all readers will find satisfying.
A promising romantasy debut with a genuinely original premise — botanical magic, dark academia, and a murder investigation wrapped in Bridgerton aesthetics. The ambition is real, even if the execution isn't quite there yet.
One Dark Window is the gothic fantasy I didn't know I needed — moody, original, and anchored by one of the most unsettling character dynamics I've read in years.
Kate Stewart closes out the Ravenhood Legacy with everything the series promised — big emotions, complex characters, and a romance that earns every complicated beat.
Carley Fortune has a gift for quiet devastation wrapped in gorgeous settings — Our Perfect Storm is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you, emotionally, like weather rolling in off the water.
Tiffany Crum's debut thriller is a sharp, propulsive read about fame, friendship, and the stories we tell to protect ourselves… and what happens when those stories collide.
Clean Slate introduces Olive Hunt, a crime scene cleaner who’s seen every kind of death imaginable — until a string of staged murders starts leaving her strange, personal calling cards.
Freida McFadden delivers another propulsive, twist-laden thriller — The Teacher moves fast, keeps its cards close, and earns its reveal, even if it's not her most emotionally resonant work.
The book that launched a thousand "just one more chapter" nights ‘round the world. The Deal is exactly the kind of romance that makes you remember why you fell in love with the genre in the first place.
The Last Letter is the kind of romance that leaves a mark. Tender and devastating in equal measure, built on a premise that should wreck you, and does.
A swoony, slow-burn romance with humor, heart, and a strong sense of place. Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers stories set in cozy, scenic villages.
An extraordinary addition to the Hunger Games universe—tense, emotional, and devastatingly human. Haymitch finally gets the story he deserves.
A dark, fascinating return to Panem that dives into ambition, morality, and the making of a villain. While not as gripping as the original trilogy, it offers chilling insight into the early Hunger Games.
Read my review of Brooke Shields’ thoughtful memoir on aging, motherhood, and female identity. A powerful take on what it means to grow older in a youth-obsessed world.
Last Seen might be my favorite J.T. Ellison standalone yet. Gritty, chilling, and brilliantly paced, this thriller had me wide-eyed at 2 AM. Halley James is a knockout of a protagonist, and the twists? Absolutely brutal—in the best way. Thriller fans, don’t walk—run.
Read my 4-star review of One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle—an emotional, transportive story of grief, identity, and the magic of second chances in Positano, Italy.
Discover my review of Matthew McConaughey’s bestselling memoir Greenlights, packed with wild adventures, life lessons, and his signature Southern charm.
Read my five-star review of Cher: The Memoir, Part 1. From her childhood to superstardom, Cher tells her story with humor, grit, and undeniable flair.
Matthew Perry’s Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is a deeply personal memoir exploring his struggles with addiction, fame, and resilience. With unflinching honesty and signature wit, Perry delivers a powerful story. Read our review to see why this emotional and eye-opening memoir is a must-read.
Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm continues The Empyrean series with intense battles, deepening alliances, and fiery romance. With expanded world-building, political intrigue, and high emotional stakes, this installment keeps readers hooked. Read our review to see why fans of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame won’t want to miss it!
R.F. Kuang’s Babel is a thought-provoking blend of historical fiction, dark academia, and linguistic magic. Set in an alternate 19th-century Oxford, this novel explores empire, translation, and resistance through Robin Swift’s journey. Read our review to see why this ambitious book is a modern speculative fiction standout!
Kate Stewart’s The Sleight Before Christmas is a heartwarming holiday romance filled with humor, fate, and festive charm. With witty banter, endearing characters, and just the right touch of magic, this cozy read is perfect for the season. Read our review to see why it’s a must-read holiday romance!
Tessa Bailey’s Window Shopping is a heartwarming holiday romance featuring a grumpy-sunshine dynamic, sizzling chemistry, and second chances. When Stella, fresh out of prison, gets a job designing a Christmas window display, sparks fly with her charming boss. Read our review to see why this feel-good romance is a must-read!
Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Happens blends personal stories with practical life and culinary wisdom. More than just a cookbook, it’s an inspiring reflection on perseverance, passion, and success. A must-read for fans of the Barefoot Contessa! Read our review to learn more.
Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is a masterful locked-room mystery filled with family secrets, red herrings, and clever twists. When a wealthy patriarch is murdered on Christmas Eve, Poirot must uncover the killer. A must-read holiday whodunit! Read our review for more.
Kate Stewart’s Bittersweet Melody offers a touching continuation of Natalie and Easton’s love story post-marriage. Set in Mexico, this emotional novella explores their struggles, reconnection, and enduring love. A must-read for fans of the Bittersweet Symphony Duet! Read our review for more.
Tessa Bailey’s Dream Girl Drama is a sizzling, fast-paced romance packed with forbidden love, sports drama, and intense chemistry. Featuring a swoon-worthy hockey star and an ambitious musician, this Big Shots installment delivers all the angst and heat fans crave. Read our review to see why it’s a must-read!
Stanley Tucci’s What I Ate in One Year is a charming food memoir filled with personal stories, travel, and mouthwatering meals. With wit and warmth, Tucci explores the connections between food and memory. A must-read for food lovers and fans of Taste. Read our review to learn more!
Stanley Tucci’s Taste: My Life Through Food is a charming blend of memoir and culinary reflection, filled with humor, warmth, and mouthwatering stories. From childhood meals to his love of Italian cuisine, Tucci’s storytelling is as engaging as his on-screen presence. Read our review to see why food lovers will savor this delightful book!
Lauren Graham’s Someday, Someday, Maybe follows aspiring actress Franny Banks as she navigates New York’s theater scene in the 1990s. With humor, heart, and authenticity, this novel captures the ups and downs of chasing dreams. Read our review to see why this witty debut is a must-read for fans of Graham and contemporary fiction!
Hey there, I’m Jessica!
Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet, where books are sacred, tea is always steeping, and the seasons guide the rhythm of life. I’m the voice behind Lady Bergamot’s Library. Part bookish haven, part cottagecore daydream.
Here you’ll find me:
Curled up with a new read (or five)
Brewing herbal tea blends from the garden
Tending to thyme, mint, and a thousand other green things
Whipping up something sweet in the kitchen
Crocheting by the light of my great-grandmas milk glass lamp
Writing stories and living slowly
If you're craving calm, creativity, and connection, you're in the right place. So come in, pour a cup, and stay awhile. 💐
The Lost Letters of Lady Bergamot…
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The Lost Letters of Lady Bergamot… *
At Lady Elowen’s autumn lantern gathering, Lady Bergamot is drawn into a pairing with Yates Everett — and into a confrontation she has long avoided. Beneath flickering lights and half-truths, two hearts wrestle with the weight of what cannot be said.
In this tender epistle set in early September 1912, Lady Bergamot reflects on her lifeless marriage and the quiet, haunting presence of Yates Everett. Through a visit from Lady Ameline and memories that won't fade, she confronts what remains unnamed — and undeniable.
I was in fourth grade when I found A Series of Unfortunate Events. I talked about them on AIM with my best friend, devoured each new hardcover, and felt like someone finally trusted me with something strange and brilliant.
"Not all music is meant to be danced to," I told him.
"Some is meant only to be endured."
We did not touch. But the heat between us said everything. And I wonder — how long can one pretend not to burn?
We chased lightnin’ bugs barefoot with jars in our hands. Not to keep them, just to hold the magic long enough to remember. That hour between dusk and dark still feels magical.
"I wake each day knowing he will never be mine, and yet every breath I take is shaped by the thought of him."
The note was passed hand to hand like fiction. No one guessed the truth. Except him. And he looked at me, like it was not a secret, but a vow.
When no one needs me, I remember there is still a woman here. One who hums, notices, creates. And in the silence, she has something to say.
A mossy little birdhouse hung on the porch for years, mostly for show. Then, one spring morning, a pair of bluebirds arrived. This Curio Cabinet post is a soft reflection on what happens when something unexpected decides to belong.
We picked over 32 quarts of black raspberries in one week, racing the rain from a hurricane on the way. It was hot, it was tedious, and my little brother mostly just snacked, but we got it done.
In the heat of a summer evening, Lady Bergamot asks her husband to dance. When he refuses, another man watches. What follows is not a love story, but the ache of almost.
No cake. No big party. Just French fries, rain, and joy in the shape of him. Five years ago, he changed everything.
Honeybees do not ask your permission. They arrive when the thyme is blooming, map the morning by sunlight, and carry sweetness not for themselves but for the hive. This Curio Cabinet essay is a quiet observation of their rhythm and the things we learn when we stand still beside them.
“Because the truth was, I had never been sure if he was ever mine to long for. Only that I had once stood close enough to the fire to feel its heat.”
I’ve always lived under a metal roof. Rainy days don’t rush me anymore. They bring me home to myself.
Bartholomew Badger likes knowing where things are, and how to get back to them. But one spring morning, the path doesn’t lead home, and he begins to learn the quiet joy of not knowing. A Widdershins Wood tale about direction, discovery, and adaptability.
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
― C.S. Lewis
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Six books that feel like a coastal New England summer, hydrangeas and family secrets included.