Quick Synopsis – In the tiny town of Pine Hollow, barista and fledging sorceress Talula Smith runs The Blue Moon Café & 24-Hour Occult Emporium, aka the worst coffee shop in town. The café’s horrible reputation hides its true purpose: providing new identities and safe passage to at-risk magical beings while keeping humans far, far away. That is, except for town local Dahlia. Dahlia’s devastating dimples, addiction to Talula’s cocoa recipe, and keen observation skills keeps the smitten barista scrambling to ensure that her magical abilities (or, lack thereof) stay a secret.

But when big game hunters start preying on magical beings, her powerful sorceress mother is called away to track them down, leaving Talula and her barely-there magic in charge of The Blue Moon. With the impending Samhain festival to organize, magical refugees to help, half of the town turning against her, and her ever-growing feelings for Dahlia, Talula’s magical destiny feels further away than ever. But as the hunters set their sights closer to home, it’ll be up to Talula to master her craft, trust her heart, and bring her magical and human communities together . . . before she loses everything she loves.

Song This Reminds Me Of – Witchy Woman by The Eagles

Publication Date – Aug. 18, 2026

Bookshop Link – The Blue Moon Café & 24-Hour Occult Emporium by Lexie Sharabianlou

Content Notes – There is some homophobia and bullying throughout the book. There is also the loss of a parent off page. There is protesting, spitting on people, abusive partners (past and off page), and violence.

Steamy Rating – 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5

Review – This book was so sweet and had some of the best on page flirting. I could feel the tension between Talula and Dahlia. There were times I was literally kicking my feet at how cute they were together. From the start of Dahlia coming to the cafe and throwing out her ideas for a novel. Their back and forth was just so cute. I also really liked that the characters were in their late 20s and still figuring out their lives. A lot of people don’t come into their own until later in life and I liked that this story honored still figuring yourself out.

I think this book was probably a little to action packed for it to truly be considered a cozy book, but it was cozy to me. You know when you read a blurb for a book and it compares it to Gilmore Girls? This was like witchy Gilmore Girls if the Gilmore Girls actually communicated with each other. Yes, I have some beef with the Gilmore Girls. Talula’s mom is a powerful ancient magical being and Talula feels like she can never live up to the legend. Part of the book is Talula figuring out herself and part of it is her having bi panic about Dahlia, which honestly, I get it.

Also, there is a talking corgi as a magical teacher. A talking corgi! I think one of the few things I didn’t love about this book is the negative self-talk. Talula spends a lot of time really talking herself down and I just didn’t love it. Obviously, she comes out of it, but I just felt like that portion dragged on. Also, this book had such gooey sweet moments that I did cry. I think if you’re looking for a queer witchy book, this is a great find.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Dell for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.