Book Review: The Convenience Store By the Sea By Sonoko Machida

 This book is probably the ultimate in cozy fiction.  I picked it up because it fit with my water theme.  I've not liked a lot of this cozy fiction- (DNF the Dallergut Dream department Store, DNF Dinner at the Night Library, Did not even start We'll Prescribe you a Cat, and Just barely made it through The Kamogawa Food Detectives) So, I'm a little unclear what possessed me to check this out of the library.  Did I think it would be different? 

  I didn't actually.  Yet, this one crept right into my heart, slowly and with a bit or stealth! 

I got to about 25% through and I honestly wasn't loving it. There were a lot of gentle vignettes coming along but I was not exactly finding myself wanting to read it. It became relegated to the car audio book- which is the audio I put on when driving. I can't easily switch to a new book, so it's likely to get finished.  

   An odd thing happened about at the 55%-65% mark. I started to really enjoy the way the stories connected. I started to love how some lovely, and lonely people were finding meaning in their lives through a convenience store that was run with thoughtfulness and obvious care.  I gobbled up the rest of this book with some joy. I especially loved the story of the girl who wanted to create the delicious treats sold in these stores, and the story of the retired businessman who became a substitute Grandfather - finding himself, rekindling a relationship with his wife and supporting a lonely child all in one fell swoop. 

  For me, I didn't really love that there wasn't exactly an overarching story, instead it being kind of a jumble of interactions and slices of life with an overall theme of kindness and care.  That said, I do see the appeal and see why it has sold so so well! 

I admit also... I am a little sad that this store - being by the sea- really says nothing about the sea in general! 

Overall more enjoyable than expected, would make an excellent gift book- nothing very controversial. What it lacks in propulsion, it makes up for in tenderness. 

STATS

First Published :  2023 in Japanese/ English version July 2025

Pages: 228

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings: lonely people, medical situations, bullying, parental death (not a complete list- be responsible!)

Book Review: A Pack for Winter by Eilana Lee

 Sometimes,  a reader needs a bit of a cozy read.  Life has been really tough for me in the past 2 months, and when I saw this adorable cover peeking out among all the thrillers and tell-alls on Net Galley, I decided to request it! I just could not with another piece of yearning speculative fiction. 

It may be the ridiculous piece of enjoyment that got me through that last two weeks. 

This cover is adorable. I couldn't ferret out who exactly designed it, so I hope there is an actual designer behind it. 

    This is classic Omegaverse.  If you aren't sure what that is, the linked post on reddit explains it well.  I personally, can only really tolerate so much omegaverse at a time.  It's an interesting concept and the fact that is started as fanfic, and evolved is super interesting to me. 

   Our story is one of Ivy, a dedicated teacher and omega finding her pack.  One day she's lugging a fish tank around for her students, and then next she's basically being courted by 2 alphas and a very special beta male. So special, she names her beta fish after her beta male.  (ok folks, that may be considered a spoiler, my huge apologies) 

 There is nothing entirely stressful in this novel. Ivy and her pack go through some adjustment issues, and issues with her Ex. and some jealous co-workers, but overall... it is a delightful progression of a relationship pack.   I admit I was hoping for more Christmas, but this book isn't really a Christmas novel even though Christmas happens in the novel. 

   I especially loved that many of the characters were from different backgrounds- this enriched the story without being the main focus. 

So, if you are looking for something that is VERY spicy (4+ chili peppers!) and very low stress, this is a read you'll want to pick up.  Recommended with a cup of hot cocoa, and a cozy warm blanket!

Many Thanks to NetGalley, Eliana Lee, and Putnam for the advanced copy. 

First Published : 12/17/2024

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: mental health, jealousy, sexual content, emotional manipulation, bullying.

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.