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Muses of Esk
The Muse of Missing Pieces
When Harriet Finch, abandoned by the muses, is approached by her more successful rival to collaborate on a prestigious art commission, she must decide if her dreams are worth the risk of failing...again.
Artist Harriet Finch is done trying. Done failing. Done chasing dreams that always slip out of reach. After a previous commission fails catastrophically, she resigns herself to life as a shop clerk. It’s easier to let her hopes of becoming an artisan fade than to add another disappointment to her list of failures.
Artemisia Whitaker is everything Harriet once aspired to be—an artisan destined for the heights of Esk society. Nothing can keep her from her ascension, except, apparently, Harriet’s refusal to work with her. Artemisia needs Harriet's help. Harriet wants nothing to do with her.
As a flood threatens and the deadline looms, Harriet has one last chance to claim the life she’s always wanted. All she has to do is complete the commission. But her inspiration is thin, her muses missing, and this time, her failure won’t just end her dreams. It will destroy Artemisia’s, too.
The Muse of Missing Pieces is a short, sapphic novella set in a quietly magical fantasy world. It is the first standalone novella in the Muses of Esk series, a collection of low-stakes fantasy romances. Each novella can be read as a standalone.
Artist Harriet Finch is done trying. Done failing. Done chasing dreams that always slip out of reach. After a previous commission fails catastrophically, she resigns herself to life as a shop clerk. It’s easier to let her hopes of becoming an artisan fade than to add another disappointment to her list of failures.
Artemisia Whitaker is everything Harriet once aspired to be—an artisan destined for the heights of Esk society. Nothing can keep her from her ascension, except, apparently, Harriet’s refusal to work with her. Artemisia needs Harriet's help. Harriet wants nothing to do with her.
As a flood threatens and the deadline looms, Harriet has one last chance to claim the life she’s always wanted. All she has to do is complete the commission. But her inspiration is thin, her muses missing, and this time, her failure won’t just end her dreams. It will destroy Artemisia’s, too.
The Muse of Missing Pieces is a short, sapphic novella set in a quietly magical fantasy world. It is the first standalone novella in the Muses of Esk series, a collection of low-stakes fantasy romances. Each novella can be read as a standalone.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2025
15 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 25, 2025
i love it when lesbians are cozy and happy and get everything they want and more!!
May 15, 2025
this book felt like a cappuccino in autumn
May 18, 2025
it really does feel like i'm in a cafe during autumn while i sip my warm cappucino while i read this book. it's so so cute and low stakes and such an easy read
November 27, 2025
This is exactly what I needed rn 🙂↕️ short, sweet, and cozy!
May 7, 2025
3.5 Stars
The Muse of Missing Pieces by Thea Hawthorne is as it claims to be - short, cosy and low stakes. I did appreciate the straightforwardness of the story and the dialogue was on brand with the times it was in.
The Muse of Missing Pieces by Thea Hawthorne is as it claims to be - short, cosy and low stakes. I did appreciate the straightforwardness of the story and the dialogue was on brand with the times it was in.
December 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
“How can the artist show their true self if they do not know it themselves, yet?”
“Why else are we creating art other than to find out?”
romantic books are not my favourite genre so this novella was a pleasant surprise, i really liked it more than i thought i would!
i love books about art, the romantic part was enjoyable and the writing style was poetic, suitable to the world’s vibes, but still easily understandable.
i also loved the setting, i think i’ll read the other novellas just so that i can live in there some more time 🩷
“How can the artist show their true self if they do not know it themselves, yet?”
“Why else are we creating art other than to find out?”
romantic books are not my favourite genre so this novella was a pleasant surprise, i really liked it more than i thought i would!
i love books about art, the romantic part was enjoyable and the writing style was poetic, suitable to the world’s vibes, but still easily understandable.
i also loved the setting, i think i’ll read the other novellas just so that i can live in there some more time 🩷
July 2, 2025
3.5/5
Did not finish
January 10, 2026DNF @ 18%. Lesbians could not save me from my hatred of cozy romance/fantasy.
December 28, 2025
I love a good lesbian media
March 25, 2026
a cozy story about artsy lesbians.what can you ask for more?(^o^;)
April 18, 2025
It was a nice short novel.
I appreciated reading Harriet and Artemisia's story, they have quite different personalities but they match nicely together. They are very sweet and always make the other their priority.
It's heavy in Australian slang for sure, which made me lost sometimes at what some words meant but never to a point where i'm not appreciating the book anymore.
Overall, i do recommend this book. If you love a story between 2 artists having to work together on a project, you'll enjoy this one.
I appreciated reading Harriet and Artemisia's story, they have quite different personalities but they match nicely together. They are very sweet and always make the other their priority.
It's heavy in Australian slang for sure, which made me lost sometimes at what some words meant but never to a point where i'm not appreciating the book anymore.
Overall, i do recommend this book. If you love a story between 2 artists having to work together on a project, you'll enjoy this one.
March 2, 2025
sapphic longing at its finest
January 17, 2025
4.5 🌟
"perhaps, but there's a layer of facades, isn't there? You aren't telling your own story if you've been getting distracted telling someone else's"
First of all I want to thank the author Thea Hawthorne for gifting me this eArc.
This was a short, cute read and I'm carving for more. I normally don't really read novella's but I really enjoyed this one. The world building, description, and the plot were definitely the star of the book.
And I'll definitely be on the look out for more from this author.
ps. The acknowledgement!!!!!! The piece she wrote to her partner was absolutely heart melting.
I hope your tea is always the perfect temperature, and you never lose a biscuit when you dip it
"perhaps, but there's a layer of facades, isn't there? You aren't telling your own story if you've been getting distracted telling someone else's"
First of all I want to thank the author Thea Hawthorne for gifting me this eArc.
This was a short, cute read and I'm carving for more. I normally don't really read novella's but I really enjoyed this one. The world building, description, and the plot were definitely the star of the book.
And I'll definitely be on the look out for more from this author.
ps. The acknowledgement!!!!!! The piece she wrote to her partner was absolutely heart melting.
I hope your tea is always the perfect temperature, and you never lose a biscuit when you dip it
September 14, 2025
A perfectly cozy story, with an amazing description of ambiance and atmosphere, making it light and sweet on the eyes of whomever reads it.
September 23, 2025
I so wish this would’ve been a bit longer and I could’ve gotten to know the world better, but the atmosphere was impeccable!
November 18, 2025
yet another beautifully written esk novella that is so warm and cozy and atmospheric 🥹 I'm loving this world and all its characters so much!!
August 20, 2025
This book found me at the very moment I needed it most. A tender and beautiful sapphic short story about two artists creating side by side. As an artist myself, I felt deeply seen in the way it captures the emotions and struggles we carry through our creative lives. I can’t wait to dive into books 2 and 3!
January 26, 2025
3.5 stars
This sapphic fantasy was such a cute and quick read, I loved the characters and learning more about the world its set in. I just wish it was a couple of hundred pages longer, as the romance as well as the process of designing the commission felt rushed and I honestly just wanted to spend more time in that world. If you want a quick cozy sapphic fantasy I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Thea Hawthorne for the arc
This sapphic fantasy was such a cute and quick read, I loved the characters and learning more about the world its set in. I just wish it was a couple of hundred pages longer, as the romance as well as the process of designing the commission felt rushed and I honestly just wanted to spend more time in that world. If you want a quick cozy sapphic fantasy I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Thea Hawthorne for the arc
January 24, 2025
A Beautifully Crafted Gem [eArc review]
The Muse of Missing Pieces by Thea Hawthorne is an enchanting romance that offers readers a heartwarming and evocative tale that brims with creativity and emotion. Thea's charm and sense of humor shines through this book brilliantly, and I had a smile on my face for the entire time.
Even though the book is described as being low stakes, I think Harriet and Artemisia had a lot on the line in their endeavors, and I found myself cheering for their achievement. Hawthorne captures the successes and struggles of an artist so beautifully, no doubt from personal experience, as other reviews have mentioned, she illustrated the cover herself and describes so many parts of the creative process (Art block!) with stinging accuracy.
What truly sets this novel apart is Hawthorne's ability to craft beautifully nuanced characters who are pursuing their own ambitions in a way that overlaps more than initially realized. The thoughtful exploration of their relationship, as it develops through their shared goals, punctuated with moments of tender vulnerability, honesty and artistic passion, makes for a captivating and memorable read. It is a book that you may read over a lazy breakfast and continue to think about for the rest of the day, and perhaps well into the evening. It is a satisfying tale that gives the reader a glimpse into the world of Esk, where I can feel so much potential for future stories, and I am excited to read what Thea publishes in the future.
Thank you very much Thea Hawthorne for sending me an advanced reader copy of The Muse of Missing Pieces.
The Muse of Missing Pieces by Thea Hawthorne is an enchanting romance that offers readers a heartwarming and evocative tale that brims with creativity and emotion. Thea's charm and sense of humor shines through this book brilliantly, and I had a smile on my face for the entire time.
Even though the book is described as being low stakes, I think Harriet and Artemisia had a lot on the line in their endeavors, and I found myself cheering for their achievement. Hawthorne captures the successes and struggles of an artist so beautifully, no doubt from personal experience, as other reviews have mentioned, she illustrated the cover herself and describes so many parts of the creative process (Art block!) with stinging accuracy.
What truly sets this novel apart is Hawthorne's ability to craft beautifully nuanced characters who are pursuing their own ambitions in a way that overlaps more than initially realized. The thoughtful exploration of their relationship, as it develops through their shared goals, punctuated with moments of tender vulnerability, honesty and artistic passion, makes for a captivating and memorable read. It is a book that you may read over a lazy breakfast and continue to think about for the rest of the day, and perhaps well into the evening. It is a satisfying tale that gives the reader a glimpse into the world of Esk, where I can feel so much potential for future stories, and I am excited to read what Thea publishes in the future.
Thank you very much Thea Hawthorne for sending me an advanced reader copy of The Muse of Missing Pieces.
March 21, 2026
If the author isn’t an artist I would be shocked, the romanticization of everyday imagery and clear love for art in this book makes you want to pick up an old hobby. I enjoyed Harriet’s journey more than I did her relationship with Artemisia, not enough time was spent on it for their feelings to be believable. I’m looking forward to seeing how this author grows though!
FF, artistic commission partners, grumpy grumpy, enemy’s sister, cozy rainy day reading, steampunk vibes
“If I open an atelier, I’d have to take on assistants in time. An apprentice, eventually. I don’t work with others. I’m not any good at it.”
“I’d disagree.”
Artemisia levels her with a severe look. “That this has worked at all, Harry, is entirely down to how pleasant and obliging you are, and how much time I have spent thinking about kissing you and wondering if you’d be as obliging underneath me. That’s hardly a model for future colleagues, is it?”
FF, artistic commission partners, grumpy grumpy, enemy’s sister, cozy rainy day reading, steampunk vibes
“If I open an atelier, I’d have to take on assistants in time. An apprentice, eventually. I don’t work with others. I’m not any good at it.”
“I’d disagree.”
Artemisia levels her with a severe look. “That this has worked at all, Harry, is entirely down to how pleasant and obliging you are, and how much time I have spent thinking about kissing you and wondering if you’d be as obliging underneath me. That’s hardly a model for future colleagues, is it?”
December 20, 2025
⁀➷ 3.5 ★ ´ˎ˗
this was the second book that i’ve read by thea hawthorne and while i absolutely adore her writing style and the imagery that she evokes through her writing, this novella fell short for me. maybe i was in a cynical headspace when i was reading this, but it felt as if there was absolutely zero chemistry between artemisia and harriet. i was hoping that there would be the same aspects of yearning that made me love a lantern left burning so much, but it was lacking in that department for me personally. i would still recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and cozy sapphic read that feels whimsical!
this was the second book that i’ve read by thea hawthorne and while i absolutely adore her writing style and the imagery that she evokes through her writing, this novella fell short for me. maybe i was in a cynical headspace when i was reading this, but it felt as if there was absolutely zero chemistry between artemisia and harriet. i was hoping that there would be the same aspects of yearning that made me love a lantern left burning so much, but it was lacking in that department for me personally. i would still recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and cozy sapphic read that feels whimsical!
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October 7, 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“Her kiss is as gentle as the rain, and all around them, the mist sits tucked against the trees like a quilt around lovers in the cold of the night.”
Another lovely little cosy fantasy! This one is about an unexpected artistic collaboration to make a mural and, as usual with this author, it’s a gentle, low angst sapphic romance set in the magical gaslamp world of Esk. I enjoy learning more about the world with each book. The language is also so so beautiful, and old-fashioned in the best way.
“Her kiss is as gentle as the rain, and all around them, the mist sits tucked against the trees like a quilt around lovers in the cold of the night.”
Another lovely little cosy fantasy! This one is about an unexpected artistic collaboration to make a mural and, as usual with this author, it’s a gentle, low angst sapphic romance set in the magical gaslamp world of Esk. I enjoy learning more about the world with each book. The language is also so so beautiful, and old-fashioned in the best way.
August 11, 2025
4 stars ⭐️
Beautiful writing, beautiful art, and a beautiful story. What more do I have to say?
Harriet, while sorrowful, was a likeable character, and matched with Artemisia, they were such a lovely pairing. I loved Artemisia’s confidence and smug nature.
The romance that blossomed between them felt authentic, natural, and the two of them getting trapped in a house together, sharing kisses and apple buns? Wonderful.
Highly recommend for lovers of cosy fantasy!
Beautiful writing, beautiful art, and a beautiful story. What more do I have to say?
Harriet, while sorrowful, was a likeable character, and matched with Artemisia, they were such a lovely pairing. I loved Artemisia’s confidence and smug nature.
The romance that blossomed between them felt authentic, natural, and the two of them getting trapped in a house together, sharing kisses and apple buns? Wonderful.
Highly recommend for lovers of cosy fantasy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
this cozy little book feels like freshly brewed coffee, warm apple pie and a rainy evening as you're curled up under a fluffy blanket. tenderly written and played out in a setting that feels like autumn, it's a lovely introduction into the world of Esk and i'm excited to read more about it <3
November 2, 2025
cuties!!
November 26, 2025
el horror de Hollywood, lesbianas siendo felices.
January 31, 2026
short and sweet! i enjoyed reading harriet's character journey and the voices of both leads :)
January 4, 2026
This was a really cute novella, and I really liked learning about this form of artwork through the story. The relationship developed well and for such a short story, the character's personality's really stood out. I find that sometimes with short-form fiction that the characters don't get fleshed out enough, but I don't believe that happened in this one.
March 2, 2026
The deeper I get into this new venture of rating and reviewing the books I read the more I am feeling the need to start giving those in between ratings. This would be a low 3 star for me, 3.0 flat, maybe even a 2 rounded up.
I basically didn’t dislike anything about the story. I liked the characters, I liked the setting, and I liked the plot. If you handed this to me and told me this was an outline for a story I’d say “sounds great, 100% write that”….except that outline is this whole book and left the whole story feeling hollow. I love a novella. If I am going to read a longer book I want those pages to count, but nothing in this book was fleshed out enough to pull me in. I ultimately felt like I read an idea for a book I would probably like.
I basically didn’t dislike anything about the story. I liked the characters, I liked the setting, and I liked the plot. If you handed this to me and told me this was an outline for a story I’d say “sounds great, 100% write that”….except that outline is this whole book and left the whole story feeling hollow. I love a novella. If I am going to read a longer book I want those pages to count, but nothing in this book was fleshed out enough to pull me in. I ultimately felt like I read an idea for a book I would probably like.
January 20, 2025
I absolutely adored this novella ❤️ the imagery and descriptions that were used throughout this story were absolutely brilliant and made me feel so cozy! This was such a cute and comforting story and I will be watching for more from this author 💕 so thankful to be an ARC reader for The Muse of Missing Pieces!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews