A dash of magic, a spoonful of fate, and a love story waiting to steep.
Amaya Singh is a struggling writer, facing grief, doubt, and a stalled career. When she inherits an antique teapot from her eccentric grandmother, she expects nothing more than a quirky memento. But the teapot has a each time Amaya pours a cup, it shows her glimpses of the future. And what she sees changes everything.
As the visions grow clearer, Amaya is shocked to discover that the man she's destined to fall for is none other than her reserved, broody neighbor, Matthew Graves—someone she’s always believed disliked her.
Amaya’s tangled heart doesn’t stop there—she also meets Irfan, the owner of a new bookshop in town, whose genuine interest in her and her work stirs something Amaya wasn’t expecting. As the connections between the men in her life deepen, Amaya must navigate her complicated feelings and figure out who truly belongs in her future.
Caught between the mysterious future revealed by the teapot, and a blossoming connection with Irfan, Amaya must decide whether to trust the magic of fate or take control of her own love story.
As she navigates the tangled threads of her career, her heart, and the teapot’s strange visions, Amaya learns that some things in life—like love—are meant to be steeped, not rushed. But can she trust the teapot’s magic, or is there a deeper truth waiting to be discovered?
A heartwarming, magical romance filled with cozy moments, magical realism, and a love story brewing over time.
I just finished the ARC for this book and absolutely loved it! It’s such a beautiful story of self-discovery, following Amaya as she grows into her own. I really appreciated how she started out so full of self-doubt, questioning her choices, but gradually became more confident, self-aware, and willing to take risks — especially when it came to love.
The story felt incredibly relatable, and the writing was fantastic. I even caught myself kicking my feet during the adorable meet-cute between Amaya and Matthew!
Overall, this was an amazing read. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt journeys of growth and romance. Five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
"A seance with carbs." "Tea Witch." "Soggy ghost with coffee breath." "Flower shop goblin." These are just a few examples of the delightful turns of phrase that you will find in Alanis Winters' new cozy romance novella, "Brewing Destiny."
Amaya is a young writer who is struggling. She's struggling to finish her novel. She's struggling to overcome her grief at the loss of her beloved grandmother. And she's struggling to trust again after a bad breakup that ended not only a romantic relationship but also a business one. With the help of her friends, an adorable puppy named Teddy, and an enchanted teapot that she inherits from her grandmother's estate, Amaya goes on a journey of self discovery where she must decide who is in charge of her destiny: fate or herself?
I really enjoyed this story for several reasons. First, it was clean. There is no explicit sex, there is no profanity; it was entirely sweet and innocent. This is so rare in literature these days, and I found it such a refreshing change of pace to find someone who can write a competent and engaging story without having to resort to "spice" or innuendo on every other page.
Second, the characters were well written, fully realized, and the dialog was funny and believable. These characters felt like real people, and I could imagine them doing and saying everything that they did in the book. Even Teddy the puppy was treated like a real dog (and after coming off another book with a random talking dog, this was again refreshing).
Lastly, I just really enjoyed the story. Amaya's friends were supportive, her male love interests were generally good guys with no major character flaws, and the setting was soft and dreamy. It was a real joy to spend a few hours in this world, and I find myself wishing it was real so I could actually be a part of this community.
If you are looking for a quick, fun, cozy romance with a touch of magic, then look no further!
*Thanks to Alanis for sending me an ARC of this novella in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a cosy romance journey, following Amaya, a somewhat reluctant writer who fears for the future and who is suffering from the loss of her grandma. She is left a mysterious teapot and note from her grandma, and soon discovers the teapot has unique abilities to show visions of love. When she tests it with her friends and their encounters come true it confuses her about the mystery man she sees in her vision. As she navigates the tension with her grumpy neighbour, and the chemistry with a local bookshop owner, she's torn between what she wants. I loved her supportive friends and Zara's sassyness, and how Amaya learns to choose her own destiny and pursue her dreams.
ARC Review • ⭐⭐⭐ Spice: Closed Door 🚪 Language: None
I went into this ARC read with the idea that it would give Disney.vibes tbh. A magic teapot that tells you who you fall in love with? Sounds like a fairytale. I also thought this was grumpy x sunshine.
unfortunately, it didn't really live up to my expectations on those two notes.
There was almost a weird mix of childhood best friend ▶️ intolerant neighbors ▶️ one night stand ▶️ enemies ▶️ lovers..
This is a short novela, so I understand that storylines are rushed in order to fit it all in. But it didn't really make sense to me *personally* that this teapot 🫖 from her grandmother showed her who she would fall in love with (Spoiler: she has already been in love with him + had a one night stand with him) and YET she still decided to deny her feelings and see other people for the majority of the book.
I understand that the meaning behind it all was to make your own choices in life, and not let fate or magic decide your path.... but it didn't hit just right with me.
the story was cute and a fun short read. I loved the diverse representation. I'm a chai girly so this was right up my alley.
I'm glad the author reached out to have me ARC read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This novella is pure cozy magic! Brewing Destiny feels like curling up with a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. Amaya’s story pulled me in right away—she’s a struggling writer facing heartbreak and doubt, and just when she’s about to give up, she inherits her grandmother’s enchanted teapot. (Yes, enchanted! And yes, I want one.) The story shines in its tender portrayal of grief, hope, and second chances. Between the glimpses of the future and two very different but equally swoony love interests—a broody neighbor and a book store owner—Amaya’s journey is full of heart, hope, and tough choices. I loved how the magic wasn’t over-the-top; it felt like just the right sprinkle to make everything glow a little brighter. This novella is a celebration of the courage it takes to believe in yourself again, to love again, and to let life surprise you. If you believe in second chances, slow-burn romance, and a little bit of destiny with a whole lot of heart I highly recommend Brewing Destiny⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brewing Destiny is just the right mix of cozy, magical, short, and sweet! I loved the diversity of characters and the pacing of the book. The adorable puppy gives bonus points for sure! The FMC felt like a fully rounded person with insecurities, hopes, goals, interests, friends, and family. I really appreciated her growth and flashbacks. I am personally a coffee fanatic, but this book made me actually want to cozy up with a cup of tea and give Chai a try! 😅 I love that it also has a Spotify Playlist the author made to accompany the vibes. The romance was full of butterflies, just the right amount of tension, and clean!
I would love to read the other novellas set in this world and see what other magic is in store!
Thank you for the Free E-ARC, Alanis. I appreciate your work and flexibility in collaborating with me!
Alanis just took my heart and cloaked it in pure love, strength and cute vibes. Brewing Destiny follows Amaya while she is feeling lost, a feeling everyone can relate to, the feeling you don't know what you were made for, what future you want or need. Her grandmother leaves her a tea pot which allows her to really see what future she wants, Two love interests, amazing bestie Zara who is the FMC side kick you need in a cute, always been there, finding yourself cosy love story with a twist. I read this book in a day and I fell in love with Amara she is such a beautiful character, flawed but loveable. If you want a book that makes you happy from the first page then settle down, make a brew and enjoy the warm hug you get with every word Alanis writes .
Where do I start? I started reading romance books last year because my girlfriend, Mia, is really into them, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting to like them as much as I do.
She got me to buddy read this ARC with her and I have to admit it really pleasantly surprised me. The writing is funny and emotional without being over-the-top, and the characters actually feel like real people dealing with real stuff—grief, love, uncertainty, growth.
There’s a bit of a speculative twist that added something unique, and I found myself invested not just in the romance, but in Amaya’s journey overall. The banter is great, the emotional beats land, and it handles vulnerability in a way that doesn’t feel forced. 10/10 would recommend, even if you’re newer to the genre like me.
‘And for a moment, time held still, caught between memory and something quietly blooming’
A quote from the book and very apt for how I felt reading it. I was absorbed straight away.
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC and I am so glad I did. 🫶🏻 This is such a feel good romance, with just a touch of magical enchantment✨
Loved the character development and the relationship Amaya had with both Matthew and Irfan. ( thou I was always secretly rooting for Matthew) (I do love a friends to lovers trope.) ♥️
This had everything, love, friendship, indecision and the cutest puppy ever. 🐶
Definitely one I would recommend. So grab your blanket and a cuppa, but ‘pour carefully my darling girl, the future is fragile’ ☕️ ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This novella was just the coziest and magical romance to read in about two sittings. I am a sucker for a cozy romance book and this one had all of the vibes with a magical teapot and I ate it up.
I really enjoyed the romance aspect of the novella, however I think there was an even better aspect. I think this is about finding oneself and choosing your own story. Regardless of what Amaya was shown, she was able to choose her own path and her own destiny. I thought this was a beautiful message.
I have loved every book that I have read from Alanis Winters and this one was no different. I enjoyed it so much. Thank you so much to the author for an advance copy of this novella!
Brewing Destiny is a stunning cosy romance novel featuring magical realism. This book follows Amara through the feelings of grief and loss, of both her grandmother and her previous relationship.
She inherits an enchanted teapot from her grandmother which allows her a brief glimpse into the future. But is the future she sees the future she wants?
With two love interests, found family and the cutest little dog Teddy, this book is gorgeous.
If you are a fan of romance, magic and a good cup of tea then this is a book for you!
Brewing Destiny is a beautifully written. Amaya felt so real—flawed, guarded, and quietly strong. I saw so much of myself in her hesitation, her guilt, and her slow journey back to herself. The magical realism is subtle and really well done.
One small thing: I didn’t fully understand the purpose of Aiden’s character. He added some contrast, but I’m not sure the story would’ve lost much without him. Still, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the read and it’s definitely 5 stars for me. I need to read more cozy novellas!
This was a short cosy romance book! I’m not usually into romance but this was a nice soft slow burn sort.
I enjoyed the main character greatly! Amaya was relatable and when Amaya talked about her grief with her grandmother, I related and I really felt the exact same thing as Amaya did.
Zara her best friend was a lovely character and I think Irfan and Mathew were well written as well! But of course the best character was Teddy the little puppy!
I think personally the book was a bit too short and I would have liked more of a story! But otherwise it was a relaxing read.
4.5⭐️ Brewing Destiny is a lovely story following Amaya as she discovers herself. Amaya is a young writer who is struggling with writing again after not only the loss of her grandmother but the loss of her relationship. After inheriting a teapot after her grandmothers passing Amaya soon learns she need to decide between allowing fate or herself choose her destiny.
I really enjoyed reading about the relationship Amaya has not only with her friends but her suitors and how she navigated through different scenarios to help create her own path.
Brewing Destiny is the perfect read if you’re looking for some cosy romance vibes! The story touches on all different variations of love - family, friendship, romance you name it. A short novella capturing the inner turmoil of trying to decide what life you want.
Amaya’s journey in this story is one that we all can relate to in some way, which is why I see this being one that can resonate with any reader.
Okay, I’m obsessed. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed—soft, a little magical, and somehow comforting. Amaya is such a relatable FMC, and her dynamic with both Irfan and Matthew had me flipping pages like a maniac. I didn’t even know who to root for. I love that both MMCs were actually “nice” guys. Thank you so much for letting me read my first ever ARC!
One word to describe this book? SWEET!! This was a sweet, heartfelt read. I love this author’s writing but I still wasn’t expecting to love this novella this much. I need more wholesome romance books!! So tired of reading unnecessary drama lol I also finished this in one sitting. Thank you for yet another amazing ARC!! Can’t wait to read more of your books ❤️❤️❤️
From the very first page, this book wraps around you like a warm, familiar blanket. The writing is so vivid and immersive, it feels less like reading and more like living inside the story. Every detail is so carefully crafted that you forget you’re holding a book at all. Pair it with the recommended playlist and you won’t be able to put this book down!
Brewing Destiny is a quiet, emotional story about figuring life out after loss. The writing is beautiful, the characters feel real, and there's just the right touch of magic. I found myself really rooting for Amaya. If you like character-driven stories that take their time and make you feel things, this one’s worth picking up. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this ARC!
This book was incredible! So different to everything else I’ve read. I loved every moment. I absolutely loved Amaya, Zara and both the MMC’s. All characters were so loveable and the plot was really good. If you are looking for a warm, magical story you will love this book ❤️