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Tales from the Tavern #2

Sorcery, Swords and Scones

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When you're running from your past, there's no better place to hide than a small village tavern—until your past walks through the front door.

Sass Thornshield has finally found happiness as co-owner of The Tusk & Tail in sleepy Wayside, with her half-elf business partner, a mischievous flutter-stoat, and the striking guardswoman Val making each day brighter than the last.

Then a stern dwarf warrior arrives demanding the return of something he claims Sass stole—and Sass herself. Suddenly forced to reveal her noble heritage and the truth about her flight from an arranged marriage, Sass must decide whether to run once more or trust her newfound family with her deepest secrets.

As the warmth of the hearth battles the chill of unwanted obligations, Sass finds herself caught between duty to her bloodline and loyalty to the family she's chosen. With Val offering unexpected strength and friends willing to risk it all for her sake, Sass discovers that a dwarf’s legacy doesn’t have to be forged with an axe.

Return to the enchanting village of Wayside in this heartwarming tale of friendship, found family, and the courage to face your past. Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy who crave gentle adventure with a side of romance, a sprinkle of baking, and the simple magic of finally finding where you belong.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

102 people are currently reading
5036 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Stone

4 books81 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for hols_reads ✨.
66 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2025
This was a super cosy, fun read!

I loved learning the backstory of the characters more and more 💖 I will say this book did make me exceptionally hungry and craving Chai even though I’m not a fan of it 🤣 Wayside is absolutely somewhere I wish was real so I could visit and meet some of the amazing characters we learn so much about!

I loved this story and the stakes felt high enough to keep me reading but not too high that it took away from the cosiness of the book 🫶🏻

Overall I’d absolutely recommend this for a cosy fantasy lover! ✨
Profile Image for Kelsie.
138 reviews42 followers
August 27, 2025
Return once again to the village of Wayside, where the baked goods are fresh, the friends feel more like family, and there’s just a little bit of magic in the air.

All our beloved characters return for book two, but this time the focus is on Sass, whose time at the Tusk and Tail may have to come to an end sooner than anyone thought. With her past catching up to her, Sass has to learn to depend on her growing crew more than ever. Any maybe find love along the way.

I absolutely loved this book. With its cozy vibes, mouth-watering treats, and closely knit found family, this book wrapped me up in a warm blanket for an afternoon of feet kicking giggles and heartfelt moments. This is the perfect read heading into autumn, and has all the recipes you could want for yummy baked goods to enjoy with your chai!

Thank you so much to the author for the EARC!
Profile Image for Kali Hecate .
45 reviews7 followers
August 25, 2025
Back in March, I had the pleasure of reading Tusks, Tails & Teacakes, the first book in the Tales from the Tavern series by T.L. Stone. Since then, I have been eagerly awaiting the day I could read book two, Sorcery, Swords & Scones. Well, the day finally arrived, and let me just say Stone has outdone herself with this book. Sorcery, Swords & Scones takes everything that made book one so wonderful —found family, a charming village (Wayside) full of unique characters, slow-burn love, and magical creatures — and builds upon them in the best ways possible.

This time, we follow Sass, a friend of Lira the FMC from Tusk, Tails & Teacakes. While Sass was in the first book, we didn’t learn a lot about her. In this book, we learn her backstory and discover her motivation for being in Wayside. As Sass’s story unfolds, we are treated to mystery, friendship, and magical high jinks.

It’s all written in such a sweet, intimate way that you feel like you are right there with the characters, and by the end of the book, they’ve become your cherished friends. Stone’s writing is like a warm cup of chai. It’s perfect for when you are craving something cozy, sweet, and comforting. So, grab your copy, a cozy blanket, and your favorite warm drink (bonus points if it’s chai) and enter the magical world of Wayside. I promise you’ll be glad you did.

Thank you to T.L. Stone for the gifted eARC.
Profile Image for Ed.
130 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2025
Another masterful cozy fantasy by T. L. Stone. This is the follow-up to Tusks, Tails and Teacakes and gives us insight into Sass and what she was really up to when she and Lira met.

The perfect book for a fall day (or any other day), as the Harvest Festival will have your mouth watering for some pumpkin spice sweet rolls or brown butter pumpkin cookies, and your heart yearning for friends who are as much family as family is.

A perfect blend of found family and romance to lift your spirits as you devour the book like Sass devours Pip's lemon sweet rolls.
168 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2025
this book was so cute. I loved it . I loved every aspect of the book. the only thing I didn't like was I read it to fast . I couldnt put it down.
Profile Image for claire wilband.
44 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2025
Perfect cost autumn vibes.
This book is beautifully written and the characters are loveable. It proves that not all fantasy needs to have a tragic storyline or epic battles. This was a perfect example of dwarves, elves, orks and everything in between making true friendships and supporting each other… while enjoying delicious pastries!
Side note….Where can I get my own flutterstote??

❤️ I received an advanced review copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily ❤️
Profile Image for Stephi.
56 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2025
Books 1 & 2 out now!!!

**No spice, except for pumpkin spice ☕️

Hells and cinders! Sorcery, Swords, & Scones is a delightfully cozy sequel to the Tales of the Tavern series.

Picking up where we were last left off, this story follows Sass, a runaway dwarf who helped Lira restore the Tusk & Tail in the first installment.

With the Harvest Festival around the corner and Lira's wedding planning underway, Sass was starting to finally feel like she belonged.

But just as she was working up the courage to tell Val (the cute, blonde guards-woman of Wayside) how she felt, Sass's best friend from her past, Thrain, walked into the Tusk & Tail Tavern.

Thrain came all the way down from the mountains in the Ice Lands to warn Sass that her jilted ex was looking for her.

Now she must decide if she is going to return home and accept the life she ran away from, or fight for the new life (and love) she's started to build with her ragtag group of friends.

I absolutely could not get enough of this story. The world-building was pure autumnal perfection. It was almost as if I could smell and taste all the delicious foods and beverages found within these pages.

Stone's writing was incredible. It was not only an easy read, but in less than 300 pages, I was entirely immersed in this fantastical realm of whimsy.

However, it was the characters (yet again) that really drew me in. I was so happy that we got to know about Sass and her story. I absolutely love Sapphic romance, and this was just the sweetest one I think I've ever read.

I loved how while this was ultimately Sass's story, this book continued the main story as well. I already can't wait for the third book that was teased in the epilogue and am excited to learn more about Vaskel's story.

This is a must-read for cozy fantasy and D&D lovers. 4.5⭐️

A massive thank you to T. L. Stone for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Mollified.Moments.
464 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2025
This is the second book in the series and honestly it gave me exactly what I was hoping for. It had the same warm and cozy feel as the first one and it was so nice getting to spend more time with the characters I already loved while also meeting a few new faces.

I really liked getting more of Sass’s backstory in this one. She opened up in ways she hadn’t before and it made her feel even more real. Her relationship with Val was so sweet… I was grinning through their scenes together. I also loved that even though the focus was on Sass, we got to see a little bit more about Lira and her family too, which makes the whole world feel even richer.

The found family vibes were still so strong and that’s honestly one of my favorite things about this series. I just love how all these different characters come together and create something that feels like home. Add in the food, the drinks, the bits of baking, and of course the little touches of magic and adventure, and it’s basically everything I want in a cozy fantasy.

And I can’t not mention Crumpet. I said it in my review of the first book and I’ll say it again here… I adore that mischievous little creature and could easily read an entire book just about Crumpet’s antics.

Even though this is definitely a cozy read, it’s not only cozy… there’s a bit of tension and adventure woven in, which I think makes it even better. It’s comforting and heartwarming but still keeps you turning the pages. And I absolutely love that the author includes recipes at the end. I cannot wait to try making the crumpets myself.

All in all, it’s a perfect book to curl up with, especially in autumn, and I already can’t wait for the next visit back to Wayside. Huge thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy… it was such a treat to be able to read this early.
Profile Image for Aura C.
112 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
Sorcery, Swords, and Scones by T.L. Stone is pure comfort from start to finish. The story pulls you into a tavern that feels alive with warmth. You can almost hear the fire crackling, smell the fresh scones on the table, and feel the sense of safety the main character is creating for herself as she tries to begin again.

The heart of this book lies in the characters. The heroine feels real because her strength shows through resilience and her choice to build a new life. The male lead has a charm that is steady and inviting, the kind that makes you trust him without question. Their connection grows slowly and naturally, which makes the chemistry feel genuine and deeply rewarding to read.

One of the most memorable moments is when her past shows up at the tavern door. Small spoiler alert. The tavern has been her safe place, the one part of her life she can control and nurture. When the past arrives, the room feels colder, her safety feels uncertain, and you can sense the weight pressing in on her. It is not loud or dramatic, but it lingers because it captures the truth of how fragile peace can be and how much courage it takes to stand and face what once broke you.

The beauty of this book is in the little details. The food, the quiet friendships, the tender bits of magic, and the humor that lightens the mood all weave together into a story that feels like an escape. It is cozy without being simple, soft without losing depth.

This is not a tale about epic quests or sprawling kingdoms. It is a story about belonging, about choosing community, and about opening yourself up to love and healing. It is the kind of book you reach for when you want your heart to feel full and your spirit to be lifted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lacrima Mundi.
199 reviews40 followers
December 12, 2025
The story itself is quite wonderful and charming; unfortunately, from some point on, the suspicion arose that the author is using AI for her books. I'm not 100% certain if it's for generating the whole book or "just" for "editing", but either way I'm not going to read this series any longer.

Which is a shame, as the first book was quite good and, as far as I could tell, free from any AI garbage. I wish T. L. Stone would have kept it that way.

The use of AI in this one isn't as glaringly obvious yet as it will be in book #2.5 - which reeks of AI-speak -, but it was, on occasion, quite noticeable.

I'm fed up of getting the same AI-phrases shoved down my throat over, and over, and over again. I don't care if it's down to people outright generating their whole "books" via genAI or if it's down to people using AI for "editing". It is tedious and annoying either way.

Initially I did not rate or review this book as I wasn't entirely certain if AI has been used or not, as the first book read fine to me, and it was in this case only on occasion that it read like genAI "writing" - which could have been down to some "editor" or "beta reader" using AI and the author not always paying 100% attention (we're all only human) when going over whatever might have been "edited" or "suggested" by them -, but as book #2.5 now has made it quite clear that AI is involved on purpose - and with determination and resolve (to use some AI-isms) - I am rectifying this now.

I'm still not saying this is entirely AI generated, but it's pretty clear that AI already got used to some degree in this. Which is why I'm generous and give it 2-stars instead of the usual 1-star (as 0-stars sadly isn't an option, yet) for obvious AI slop.
Profile Image for cshellz.
74 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2025
“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚝, 𝚊 𝚋𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚡𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚗𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚠𝚞𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚎.” 🏔️🪓⛏️💎👑🧝🏼‍♂️🧶

*This book was gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

When it comes to cozy, tavern, fantasy, romance T.L Stone never fails to deliver.
In this book you enter back into the cozy village of wayside where you will meet back up with our favorite crew at the Tusk & Tail tavern, however this time through the P.O.V of Sass our favorite local Dwarf. You will get to learn all about why Sass actually left home all those months ago, you’ll meet new members to our ever growing crew of found family, learn more of the secrets of wayside and see if Sass will ever confess her feelings to Val.
Now onto my many thoughts while reading this book 😭💖
💖From the start I was already kicking my feet and giddy at getting to see Lira and Korl together again.
💖I FREAKING adore Vaskel I can’t wait to see his P.O.V and learn more about him
💖Lira and Sass are the cutest besties ever. I dream of having a friendship like theirs.
💖I wish Bookwyrms existed it would save me a lot of dusting and cleaning
Next one is a bit of a *SPOILER* so warning
💖I want my own Crumpet. He is the best furry sidekick. When he and the raccoon were in the kitchen just working away I was losing it man. Tell me that’s not the cutest thing ever 😭Gran unintentionally made sure Lira had a bestie who would always be there to lend a helping paw.
💖THE TEARS I CRIED OVER ERINDIL OMFG!!!!!!
Overall this book was just as cute and cozy as I knew it would be. I was laughing, awwing, kicking my feet, giddy, and crying the whole book. It was a roller coaster of emotions in the best way possible.
If you need a cozy book/series for the upcoming fall season then look no further cause T.L. Stone has you covered. I can’t recommend her work enough. Her work is seriously chicken soup for the soul. No one knows found family like T.L Stone.
Profile Image for Natasha  Leighton .
754 reviews442 followers
August 26, 2025
The second novel in the Tales From The Tavern series was just as cosy, magical and unputdownable as the first!

It follows on after the events of Tusks, Tales and Teacakes, from the POV our favourite dwarf, Sass. As we finally uncover the secrets that led her to the town of Wayside, and the community that has embraced her as one of their own.

The cosy, slice of life vibes were still wonderfully strong, as were the found family dynamics (which I loved.) I loved the humour and slightly higher stakes too, which added just enough tension and excitement to keep things interesting (without losing any of the cosy atmosphere.)

Exploring Sass’s backstory was also pretty amazing! And gave us a glimpse into a deeper, more emotionally vulnerable side of Sass that we haven’t previously seen. Especially when it came to the heartwarming friendships and supportive, found family-esque community that rally’s behind her!

Though I will say, the gentle, adorably sweet relationship that blooms (between Sass and a certain golden haired guard👀) was probably what I loved the most. They made the cutest pair and their rooftop heart to hearts gave us plenty of insight that made me want to hug them both.

And I can’t forget about our pastry loving Flutterstoat, Crumpet, who was even more adorable in this. (And even has a raccoon friend now!😍)

Overall, this was a satisfyingly magical read about being true to yourself, finding comfort in kindness and the healing power of friendship (and good food)

Also a huge thank you to the author for the e-arc.
Profile Image for hollie reads it all.
102 reviews12 followers
August 31, 2025
Thank you, T.L. Stone, for the gifted eARC, as part of your street team. I absolutely adored getting to read this, before it hit the world!

“Home isn’t where your axe hangs, but where your heart feels light enough to set it down.” - Sorcery, Swords, and Scones, by T.L. Stone.

As we return to Wayside, the blanket of familiar names, faces, and places trickles back in - along with a lovely cup of chai. As sequels go, this one was spectacular. First things first, the writing is fantastic. It’s intelligent and cohesive, while also being creative and engaging. The story is unique and adorable. The genre of cozy fantasy is incredibly popular, at this moment, and T.L. Stone should be lauded for how well she’s crafted this world.

This book follows Sass, and we get more of her background, her thoughts, feelings, and glimpses into her future. And her past is fascinating! I won’t spoil anything, but this sequel was as good as, or better than the first (and I adored the first). Sass is like the fierce and feisty best friend we all want in life, but she’s just as warm and comforting as one of Lira’s scones.

Speaking of Lira, not only do we get more of Sass, we get more of Lira & Korl, Val, and the rest of the Wayside crew. It’s lovely to see Korl come into his own, and be more confident, in this book. I want a book from his perspective! We obviously love Val, and getting to learn more of such a strong character’s insecurities humanizes her to readers.

What I really want now is to talk about that epilogue, but I’ll save that for the next book ;)

Profile Image for Mariasreadingjourney.
48 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
It felt a bit like stepping into a whirlwind when I first started Sorcery, Swords and Scones — part cozy, part chaotic, and definitely magical. Very quickly though, the mix of humor and atmosphere won me over, and I found myself doing that “just one more chapter” thing until it was suddenly far too late at night.

The characters are what made the story for me. Each of them has their own quirks and spark, and I really enjoyed how their personalities played off one another. Sass is a strong and stubborn lead, her half-elf business partner brings a grounding balance, Val adds this striking energy that instantly shifts the dynamic, and the flutter-stoat is pure, delightful chaos. I kept changing my mind about who my favorite was — which I think is always a good sign.

The setting was another highlight. The Tusk & Tail tavern felt so cozy and inviting, the kind of place you’d happily curl up in with a drink and (of course) a plate of scones. That warm atmosphere, mixed in with sword fights and sorcery, gave the book both comfort and adventure, which is a combination I really love.

What stood out most, though, is that beneath all the banter and witty dialogue there’s a surprising amount of heart. Those little moments of loyalty and vulnerability tucked between the chaos are what stayed with me the most.

All in all, Sorcery, Swords and Scones is lighthearted, clever, and character-driven, with just the right dose of coziness. A story that made me smile, and one I’d recommend if you’re looking for fantasy that feels both fun and warm.

8 out of 10
Profile Image for Sarah Blakeley.
133 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2025
I was ready to love this because I already love Sass from book one! I didn’t expect to be obsessed with it!

They say it takes a village and honestly Wayside is that village!! Every character is perfect! I wish this was a real place I could visit and snack my way through! Every treat mentioned made me want to get in the kitchen, but I couldn’t put the kindle down long enough to bake!

Sass and her crew welcome new members in this story some who were mentioned in book one some we meet along the way, all of them lovable and make you wish you were part of their crew!

The way they all care about each other in their own ways and constantly show up for one another is so special! I feel like found or chosen family isn’t even strong enough for their connection! They step up without being asked, they protect their own no matter how long they’ve known them. They mention love between the couples but they show love through all the friendships without even calling it out, like it’s just natural, how the best friendships really are.

I still very much want my own Bookwyrm and Crumpet can hang out in my kitchen any time! It was a very nice surprise to meet more magical creatures!!

Favorite quote of the book:
“I’m here to be brave and foolish with you.”
Profile Image for Sarah (TheLibrarysKeeper).
594 reviews13 followers
August 27, 2025
As someone who loves a good cozy fantasy, Sorcery, Swords & Scones hit everything I crave in the sweetest way possible. Book two in the Tales from the Tavern series is spiced with subtle magic, found family, and a helping of romance (and maybe a scone or two).

From the opening pages, I was drawn right back into the gentle rhythms of village life in Wayside, where Sass Thornshield has built a life among friends at The Tusk & Tail tavern. Just as I was settling into that cozy warmth, a stern dwarf with a grave warning brings her past—and noble heritage—clamoring back, challenging the balance she’s wrought so tenderly.

Sass's book is all about found family and a sense of belonging. What truly sold me was the tone—it’s the perfect read when you want something soothing yet meaningful. There's so many little lessons throughout the book to hold onto. My favorite one was easily "Every misstep is still a step forward, and possibly even in a better direction."

This book is perfect for readers who love cozy fantasies with romance, found family, and just enough magic to make things feel enchanting. If you’ve ever longed to curl up by a fire with a cup of something warm, this one’s for you. Thank you for including me as an ARC Reader, it was an absolute delight!
Profile Image for Mott (Foxandcatspress).
106 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2025
Sorcery, swords & scones
By T. L. Stone

This book, much like the first book in the series, was a pleasure to read. It felt like the perfect cup of of tea on a rainy day, a gentle adventure story, low stakes, cozy atmosphere, delightful characters and a sweet romance. It is about how fond family and friends can help heal things from your past.

~~~~~

We return to the Tusk & Tail tavern once again this time with Sass, Lira’s dwarven friend, as our heroine who is tracked down by an old friend with a warning and a shadow from a past Sass ran away from is once more being to loom. Sass must decide if her life in the town of Wayside and the future she wants here is strong enough to keep or if it would be better for everyone if she just left…
I love this story and seeing the characters of book one again and meet the new characters. Sass and Val’s relationship was such a delight to see progress in this book, it made me so happy to read.
Highly recommend this book if you need a gentle read with Autumn vibes and DnD elements.
Profile Image for Books, Bites, and Brews.
3 reviews
August 31, 2025
Cozy, fun, and full of heart!

I actually enjoyed *Sorcery, Swords, and Scones* even without reading book on, it stands well on its own. At first, I was just happily wandering around town with the “NPC” characters, enjoying their little lives… and then boom, the first twist hit, and suddenly I *needed* to know what would happen with the friend group and the town. The ending? A little predictable, but honestly, I kind of loved that.

Some pacing felt off here and there, and a few scenes seemed a bit rushed, probably because it’s a shorter book, but overall it’s an easy, cozy weekend read. Val, Sass, and Iris are delightful, though my favorite was the tiefling Vaskel (he steals the show). And the recipes at the end? Genius. I may just have to cook my way through the book.

I got an ARC and loved reading it early. I might come back in a month or so for a reread, which could mean a little update to this review.

116 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2025
Sass’s past comes back to haunt her in this charming follow-up, and things get even more interesting when an unexpected elvish guest drops into the tavern.

I read the first book in this series, Tusk, Tails, and Teacakes, and absolutely loved it. So of course, I had to dive into the next installment! What really pulled me in this time was the cozy little town, the strong sense of found family, and the camaraderie between the characters.

Stone’s writing continues to shine — it’s smooth, heartfelt, and effortlessly engaging. Reading this book felt like wrapping myself in a warm blanket with a cup of tea on a rainy day.

The characters are, hands down, one of my favorite parts of this series. Lira and Sass are wonderful, but the whole crew adds so much life and personality to the story. I especially love how the entire community comes together to stand up for one another — it really gives that heartwarming, small-town vibe.

One of my favorite scenes was when Sass walks into the kitchen to find Crumpet, the mischievous little flutterstoat, rolling out dough while a raccoon casually sits in the windowsill, showing off the pears it foraged. It was such a whimsical, cozy moment that perfectly captures the tone of the series.

If you enjoyed The Spellshop or Tusk, Tails, and Teacakes, this book will be right up your alley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for A Novel Approach.
244 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2025
⭐️ 4.5/5. This cozy fantasy story gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings perfect for the beginning of fall!

Sorcery, Swords, and Scones is book 2 in the Tales from the Tavern series and it follows our FMC, Sass, as her past comes back to haunt her. When she ran away from The Ice Lands a year ago and built herself a thriving new life in Wayside, she never thought that her old fiancée would turn up and insist on carting her back off to the dwarvish lands. Sass has to decide how much to divulge to her new friends about her predicament, and whether or not to trust them to have her back. Throw a budding relationship into the mix, and Sass has a lot to contend with. Not to mention serving scones and chai at the tavern every day!

I really enjoyed this story and it was the perfect balance of romance, friendship, loyalty, and the magical coziness of a quaint little town.

Also, if you’ve made it this far in my review, I’m just going to say two more words: Battle Ostrich.
Profile Image for Ben Savage.
393 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2025
4.3 to 4.5
A great second book! It does feel like wrapping your hands around a nice cup of tea. Warm, sensual without being sexy or erotic, found family, improvised war parties, this book has it all.

I do like the realization of a group of trained combat personnels first instinct is to fight or turn the tables or to be warriors. And it takes a brave person to speak up and say, maybe we just talk to them. Maybe we just work it out in peace without fighting.

I did think the ... I don't even want to say villain but the antagonists rationale was a little underbaked, to steal a baking pun. All we got was " it didnt feel right and so I made a home" but then no explanation of the power dynamics, the potential for hurt in a homosexual relationship, or the power of coercion and control. But, if it had that, it wouldn't be cozy fantasy.

I meant to say I loved the contrast between a dwarf and a half giantess!

Eagerly awaiting the next book in January!
Profile Image for Kate Brasington.
330 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!

“You can’t become a master of anything without being awful at it first.”

The second book to the Tales from the Tavern series is finally here! If you love a cozy fantasy that will get you in the mood for fall then break out the pumpkin spice and dive into this book!
I loved that we got Sass’ backstory in this book and got to see her be a little vulnerable!
This book much like the first book has such well done descriptions of the delicacies being served at the tavern and had my mouth watering! I love that the author has the recipes for pastries made in the book, in the back of the book I think that’s a special touch!
If you love the trope found family you’re definitely going to enjoy this book! All the characters come together and help the FMC out with her conflict which was really nice to see!
Profile Image for Madi (madifett.reads).
70 reviews5 followers
September 2, 2025
“Home isn’t where your axe hangs, but where your heart feels light enough to set it down.”

Thank you T. L. Stone for the continued opportunity to be part of your Cozy Crew, and for the eARC of this lovely fantasy 🫶 Sorcery, Swords & Scones is book 2 of the Tales from the Tavern series.

T. L. Stone, you’ve done it again 🥹 I loved this book so much. Stone’s writing is lovely and full of heart. I adored Sass’s character in Tusks, Tails & Teacakes, so I was thrilled that she got her own book! Stone’s world building is fantastic, and her descriptions of the village of Wayside and its inhabitants leap off the pages. Some scenes had me in tears, and others had me laughing out loud. If you love cozy fantasy with brilliant characters, banter, and low stakes adventures, I highly recommend this series!
Profile Image for Amanda✨️.
178 reviews
August 28, 2025
I really enjoyed Sorcery, Swords & Scones! It’s another cozy, heartwarming trip back to Wayside, full of charm, friendship, and just enough adventure to keep things moving. I loved reconnecting with familiar faces from book one, and Sass made a fantastic lead, relatable, strong, and easy to root for. The flutter-stoat continues to steal scenes (as expected), and the gentle romance and baking touches were the cherry on top.

Since I read book one, it was fun to see how the stories connect, but this one still feels like its own complete arc. My only small wish was for a bit more depth in some parts of the worldbuilding, but overall, this is a cozy fantasy done right, perfect for curling up with when you need something comforting and a little magical.
Profile Image for AmyzBookNook.
94 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2025
Sorcery, Swords, and Scones is the perfect book to curl up with under a warm blanket, soft music playing in the background, and with a cup of chai. As the second installment in the Tales From The Tavern series, it carries the same heartwarming charm as the first—filled with sweetness, warmth, and all the cozy vibes you could hope for.

This one focuses more on Sass and the life she left behind. There is much more about her character and her life before she met Lira. Her past is revealed unexpectedly.

Overall, I love the characters and how Sass’s story comes alive. The book blends magical moments, enchanting characters, and baking delights. If you enjoy cozy fantasy filled with adventure and a touch of romance, this one is for you.

Thank you to the T.L. Stone for the e-arc copy.
Profile Image for Christine anxietyandsecondcoffee.
50 reviews
August 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the ending of this book, it wrapped everything up nicely, and had the perfect segue into what I assume will be book three!

That being said, I did admittedly struggle to really get into this story in the beginning. Once I got beyond the first couple of chapters it picked up, and by about half-way through I had really gotten into it!

I did not notice any significant plot holes, or any writing structure that was out of place for the story, and overall it was heartwarming and well written! Would recommend!
Profile Image for Yael.
219 reviews7 followers
August 26, 2025
If I could I would move to the village of Wayside - the warm atmosphere, the willingness to help, the food and merriment are just perfect. In this book we learn about Sass and how she ended up in Wayside, we join Wayside citizens to welcome autumn, get to taste new treats, while protecting this new found family from those trying to shatter the happiness.
This is a beautifully written cozy slice of life book, that you don't want to miss.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Annie Özdemir.
96 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2025
Another great read from T.L! I love that this series sweeps me away to a world filled with delicious food, a cosy atmosphere and a beautiful found family. Sass’ story was an interesting one, and I loved that it gave us a peek into what happened in her life for her to be who she is at the time of reading. It was lovely watching her and Val’s relationship blossom, and to get a little view at Lira and Korl’s comfort with each other as well.
A must-read for any day where you can curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea alongside.
Profile Image for MagicalBookShelbs.
70 reviews24 followers
August 27, 2025
another sweet cozy fantasy!

I loved Sass's character from the first book and was so excited that she was the MC of the next! I enjoyed the romance more in this one (I think because it started in book one so I got more time with Sass and Val!) and it was such a cute sapphic love story.

the pastries were once again the stars and my mouth was watering with every description! The pumpkin cinnamon rolls especially sound delish and I'm otw now to Starbies for a PSL and then making cinnamon rolls at home!
110 reviews
August 24, 2025
ARC REVIEW
5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to the author for ARC access!

As with the first book in this series, TL Stone has done it again with Sass' story in Sorcery, Swords, and Scones.

Do you love found family with hints of romance and a low stakes plot? Do you love a diverse set of characters with autumn season adornments and tasty baked goods? This one is for you.

Sass' story is captivating and wholesome, I cannot wait to see what happens next with the Wayside crew!
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