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The Messengers of Magic
1955. Pen Turner, long bound by responsibility, is finally given the chance to go on an adventure of his own when he inherits a bookshop in the Scottish town of Helensburgh. But nestled inside the ivy-covered walls, among hundreds of dusty old books, is something far rarer, an artifact once created by occultist John Dee. And with it, a mystery that begins to stir the edges of reality.
1989. Decades later, Adelaide Benson’s world unravels when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. With nowhere else to go, she returns to Scotland to the only family she has left, her eccentric great aunt Carolyn. Drawn to an old abandoned bookshop near her aunt’s apothecary, she begins uncovering secrets hidden within its walls.
Though separated by decades, Pen and Adelaide find themselves connected by an old typewriter hidden within the bookshop, one that allows them to communicate across time. What begins as curious correspondence soon deepens into something far more profound, as letters and stories passed through the keys begin to blur the boundaries between past and present, ink and emotion, until their lives and their hearts begin to intertwine.
But magic always comes at a cost, and the closer they get to one another, the more reality begins to crack.
The Messengers of Magic is a haunting story of love that transcends time and how fragile our reality truly is.
1989. Decades later, Adelaide Benson’s world unravels when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. With nowhere else to go, she returns to Scotland to the only family she has left, her eccentric great aunt Carolyn. Drawn to an old abandoned bookshop near her aunt’s apothecary, she begins uncovering secrets hidden within its walls.
Though separated by decades, Pen and Adelaide find themselves connected by an old typewriter hidden within the bookshop, one that allows them to communicate across time. What begins as curious correspondence soon deepens into something far more profound, as letters and stories passed through the keys begin to blur the boundaries between past and present, ink and emotion, until their lives and their hearts begin to intertwine.
But magic always comes at a cost, and the closer they get to one another, the more reality begins to crack.
The Messengers of Magic is a haunting story of love that transcends time and how fragile our reality truly is.
624 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2025
324 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 7, 2026
I've struggled with a review for this book and I'm not sure why. I see it has it's fan base and my rating is probably the lowest.
First, it's a beautifully designed book. The cover and the illustrated pages really pull you in. It's easy to see there has been a vast amount of research done for the story and the writing is lovely.
I felt it took too long to get going. I had at least half the book read before the typewriter element came into it. It was also a bit dragged out and I was starting to lose interest. When Adelaide and Pen started working together the story sped up and got going and I enjoyed this part.
I'm someone who loves a good epilogue and was glad to see one included, however, it was too brief for me. I don't need everything spelt out but I do like a certain amount of information.
It's probably a 3.5 rating and at 624 pages it's a hefty tome and a slow read.
I would recommend it though to anyone who enjoys this type of story.
First, it's a beautifully designed book. The cover and the illustrated pages really pull you in. It's easy to see there has been a vast amount of research done for the story and the writing is lovely.
I felt it took too long to get going. I had at least half the book read before the typewriter element came into it. It was also a bit dragged out and I was starting to lose interest. When Adelaide and Pen started working together the story sped up and got going and I enjoyed this part.
I'm someone who loves a good epilogue and was glad to see one included, however, it was too brief for me. I don't need everything spelt out but I do like a certain amount of information.
It's probably a 3.5 rating and at 624 pages it's a hefty tome and a slow read.
I would recommend it though to anyone who enjoys this type of story.
September 10, 2025
First of all I want to thank Jessica Dodge for this ARC,I am truly honored to have been chosen to read it. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a beautiful read! From the very beginning the story and the characters grab a hold of you. It kind of reminds me of the movie Lake house in some ways, but with a Divine Rivals feel. I thought the astrology talk would confuse me, but honestly it all tied together really well. I also have to say having a bookshop with an attached living area would be a dream come true!😍Closed door romance.
Highly recommend this book!
This was a beautiful read! From the very beginning the story and the characters grab a hold of you. It kind of reminds me of the movie Lake house in some ways, but with a Divine Rivals feel. I thought the astrology talk would confuse me, but honestly it all tied together really well. I also have to say having a bookshop with an attached living area would be a dream come true!😍Closed door romance.
Highly recommend this book!
July 15, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and this review is my honest opinion.
I thought this was a fantastic book! The characters were well developed, and the storyline kept my interest from start to finish. There was an unexpected mix of Christianity and occult arts in the story, with time travel and romance interspersed. At times the story almost had a sci-fi vibe. All in all an easy and enjoyable read.
Language: None
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ (fade to black/behind closed door)
Book overview:
1955. Pen Turner, long bound by responsibility, is finally given the chance to go on an adventure of his own when he inherits a bookshop in the Scottish town of Helensburgh. But nestled inside the ivy-covered walls, among hundreds of dusty old books, is something far rarer, an artifact once created by occultist John Dee. And with it, a mystery that begins to stir the edges of reality.
1989. Decades later, Adelaide Benson’s world unravels when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. With nowhere else to go, she returns to Scotland to the only family she has left, her eccentric great aunt Carolyn. Drawn to an old abandoned bookshop near her aunt’s apothecary, she begins uncovering secrets hidden within its walls.
Though separated by decades, Pen and Adelaide find themselves connected by an old typewriter hidden within the bookshop, one that allows them to communicate across time. What begins as curious correspondence soon deepens into something far more profound, as letters and stories passed through the keys begin to blur the boundaries between past and present, ink and emotion, until their lives and their hearts begin to intertwine.
But magic always comes at a cost, and the closer they get to one another, the more reality begins to crack.
The Messengers of Magic is a haunting story of love that transcends time and how fragile our reality truly is.
I thought this was a fantastic book! The characters were well developed, and the storyline kept my interest from start to finish. There was an unexpected mix of Christianity and occult arts in the story, with time travel and romance interspersed. At times the story almost had a sci-fi vibe. All in all an easy and enjoyable read.
Language: None
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ (fade to black/behind closed door)
Book overview:
1955. Pen Turner, long bound by responsibility, is finally given the chance to go on an adventure of his own when he inherits a bookshop in the Scottish town of Helensburgh. But nestled inside the ivy-covered walls, among hundreds of dusty old books, is something far rarer, an artifact once created by occultist John Dee. And with it, a mystery that begins to stir the edges of reality.
1989. Decades later, Adelaide Benson’s world unravels when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. With nowhere else to go, she returns to Scotland to the only family she has left, her eccentric great aunt Carolyn. Drawn to an old abandoned bookshop near her aunt’s apothecary, she begins uncovering secrets hidden within its walls.
Though separated by decades, Pen and Adelaide find themselves connected by an old typewriter hidden within the bookshop, one that allows them to communicate across time. What begins as curious correspondence soon deepens into something far more profound, as letters and stories passed through the keys begin to blur the boundaries between past and present, ink and emotion, until their lives and their hearts begin to intertwine.
But magic always comes at a cost, and the closer they get to one another, the more reality begins to crack.
The Messengers of Magic is a haunting story of love that transcends time and how fragile our reality truly is.
July 30, 2025
I was super lucky to receive an ARC from the author - despite, my opinions are my own.
I loved this story. I enjoyed the almost science fiction nature of the magical elements, but appreciated how approachable they were.
I felt strongly for the characters, and was rooting for them - or feeling their pain.
I enjoyed the unique way the characters interacted, and found the dual but overlapping timelines easy to follow once I understood the story structure.
There were a few side characters that I kept expecting to reappear, but didn't really (the inn keeper, for instance). I thought the epilogue was a great tie together of the story, and ended it on a comforting note.
All around an enjoyable and captivating read!
I loved this story. I enjoyed the almost science fiction nature of the magical elements, but appreciated how approachable they were.
I felt strongly for the characters, and was rooting for them - or feeling their pain.
I enjoyed the unique way the characters interacted, and found the dual but overlapping timelines easy to follow once I understood the story structure.
There were a few side characters that I kept expecting to reappear, but didn't really (the inn keeper, for instance). I thought the epilogue was a great tie together of the story, and ended it on a comforting note.
All around an enjoyable and captivating read!
December 8, 2025
This has got to be one of the most beautifully written books I have had the pleasure of reading.
This book was a masterpiece, and the story flowed so beautifully with good intricacy and details. It was truly a cozy read, having a village, a bakery, a bookshop ♥️♥️ and a quaint village in Scotland. I got hooked from the first chapter, and enjoyed the story so much that I immediately set an order for the rest of Jessica Dodge's books, which I hope follow the same beautiful structure as this one.
and I absolutely love happy endings <3 If this is a spoiler then I'm sorry but this book lifted my spirits up with it's beautiful ending,
Readers do note, this book is ssllooww and quite long, but I enjoyed every page immensely.
Characters:
Adelaide:
I found her quite obnoxious and didn't like the way she treated her great-aunt, although her great-aunt welcomed her with open arms and an open heart, allowing her to reside with her at her own home. She acted very rudely and aloof sometimes with her and it was really obnoxious. However, the way Adelaide's life took a turn when she settled down into Scotland was really something, and the journey through her emotional state and being really hit close to home... and I honestly understood her frustrations...
Moving halfway across the world to Scotland to stay with her Great suited the story greatly and I loved how the author brought the house and the village to life (of course I fell in love with the quaint village and with the bakery most of all). On one hand though, I wish Great Aunt’s house were portrayed in a more cottage chic manner rather than Hippie Lovin, I could feel how messy the place was as I continued reading.
I loved how there were recipes scattered throughout.
Why the fox was even mentioned in the story I have no idea, could have done without it. I honestly thought there was a back story to the fox ..
I really liked the chapter separators in the form of John Dee’s journal prompts, in which he beautifully writes about the Synchronum. I also appreciated that those chapters were really short but straight to the point.
What happened at the end though, was way too rushed and "convenient" if I may....
However, the story itself is beautifully written with a deep and compelling plot.
Pen:
A beautifully written character, I absolutely loved Pen's character, he was very well written and truly charming. I honestly felt bad that such an incident happened to him, because he truly didn’t deserve it after everything he had been through .. my heart ached for him and his family … that was an open ended incident in which I wish we had more assurances..
Great Aunt and Rowland:
Ummmm.. side characters much? Totally non-existent if I care to remember, although these should have been more developed characters because the story kind of centers around their experience moreso than Pen and Adelaide.
(You can really tell how nonexistent these characters were in that I completely forgot the Great Aunt’s name .. was it Carolyn?)
These were some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"She could read, and she did so in every spare moment, fleeing into worlds far beyond the one that confined her."
"Go explore, have adventures, fall in love. Believe in things beyond your reach. Be free."
"Or maybe she'd never been as strong as she thought. Somewhere along the way, she'd faded, piece by piece, until all that remained of who she once was were shadows and memories.
She stared at the broken mess of a person staring back..."
"Even when deep down we know something's off, we often let the easier, more palatable things mask it. It's human nature, my darling."
"She was shedding the skin of her old life now, breath by breath, step by step, unsure of where this new version of her would land, but more than willing to find out."
"The beginning of a love that burned like a star being born."
"The door remained open, a warm breeze drifting through, carrying the scent of spring, scones and something else: the beginning of something new."
This book was a masterpiece, and the story flowed so beautifully with good intricacy and details. It was truly a cozy read, having a village, a bakery, a bookshop ♥️♥️ and a quaint village in Scotland. I got hooked from the first chapter, and enjoyed the story so much that I immediately set an order for the rest of Jessica Dodge's books, which I hope follow the same beautiful structure as this one.
and I absolutely love happy endings <3 If this is a spoiler then I'm sorry but this book lifted my spirits up with it's beautiful ending,
Readers do note, this book is ssllooww and quite long, but I enjoyed every page immensely.
Characters:
Adelaide:
I found her quite obnoxious and didn't like the way she treated her great-aunt, although her great-aunt welcomed her with open arms and an open heart, allowing her to reside with her at her own home. She acted very rudely and aloof sometimes with her and it was really obnoxious. However, the way Adelaide's life took a turn when she settled down into Scotland was really something, and the journey through her emotional state and being really hit close to home... and I honestly understood her frustrations...
Moving halfway across the world to Scotland to stay with her Great suited the story greatly and I loved how the author brought the house and the village to life (of course I fell in love with the quaint village and with the bakery most of all). On one hand though, I wish Great Aunt’s house were portrayed in a more cottage chic manner rather than Hippie Lovin, I could feel how messy the place was as I continued reading.
I loved how there were recipes scattered throughout.
Why the fox was even mentioned in the story I have no idea, could have done without it. I honestly thought there was a back story to the fox ..
I really liked the chapter separators in the form of John Dee’s journal prompts, in which he beautifully writes about the Synchronum. I also appreciated that those chapters were really short but straight to the point.
What happened at the end though, was way too rushed and "convenient" if I may....
However, the story itself is beautifully written with a deep and compelling plot.
Pen:
A beautifully written character, I absolutely loved Pen's character, he was very well written and truly charming. I honestly felt bad that such an incident happened to him, because he truly didn’t deserve it after everything he had been through .. my heart ached for him and his family … that was an open ended incident in which I wish we had more assurances..
Great Aunt and Rowland:
Ummmm.. side characters much? Totally non-existent if I care to remember, although these should have been more developed characters because the story kind of centers around their experience moreso than Pen and Adelaide.
(You can really tell how nonexistent these characters were in that I completely forgot the Great Aunt’s name .. was it Carolyn?)
These were some of my favorite quotes from the book:
"She could read, and she did so in every spare moment, fleeing into worlds far beyond the one that confined her."
"Go explore, have adventures, fall in love. Believe in things beyond your reach. Be free."
"Or maybe she'd never been as strong as she thought. Somewhere along the way, she'd faded, piece by piece, until all that remained of who she once was were shadows and memories.
She stared at the broken mess of a person staring back..."
"Even when deep down we know something's off, we often let the easier, more palatable things mask it. It's human nature, my darling."
"She was shedding the skin of her old life now, breath by breath, step by step, unsure of where this new version of her would land, but more than willing to find out."
"The beginning of a love that burned like a star being born."
"The door remained open, a warm breeze drifting through, carrying the scent of spring, scones and something else: the beginning of something new."
August 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars
Book Review: The Messengers of Magic by Jessica Dodge
Thank you to Jessica for the arc for my honest review/opinion! I honestly think it was fate that I stumbled across Jessica’s Instagram post about The Messengers of Magic . The song Blinding Lights drew me in immediately (it was such a vibe), and when I read the blurb—MAGIC? YES. TIME TRAVEL? DOUBLE YES—I had to be part of her ARC team. And let me tell you… this book completely stole my heart.
This is hands-down one of my favorite reads of the year. It's a beautifully written story about love that transcends time and space. The writing is rich, the characters are unforgettable, and the emotions? All-consuming.
“Moths are the messengers of magic.”
The story starts in 1955 with Pen—our sweet, thoughtful main male character—who dreams of a life beyond his small town of Oak Ridge, West Virginia. He’s dealing with personal family struggles, but finds comfort and wisdom in Ward, his elderly neighbor and mentor. After a tragic family event ties Pen to his hometown, another loss leads to an unexpected inheritance: a mysterious bookstore in Scotland called Feather Thorn.
Enter Adelaide in 1989, whose life takes a turn when her husband leaves her. Heartbroken and at a crossroads, she impulsively drives and ends up in Helensburgh, Scotland, where her great-aunt Carolyn lives, whom she hasn’t seen since childhood. There, fate—and magic—begins to weave its threads.
“As if her path had already been laid out, written in the stars.”
Carolyn’s cottage is the cozy, bookish dream, and the moment Adelaide sees Feather Thorn, something clicks. But here’s the twist: it’s the same bookstore Pen inherited decades earlier. So… where is he now?
“The connection between them felt tangible, as if their energies were feeding off one another, opening a gateway, allowing him to cross the boundary between their worlds in small, unpredictable ways.”
Pen and Adelaide exist decades apart, yet they find a way to connect—and when they finally meet? Absolute magic. I was cheering, crying, swooning... all the emotions. Pen is the gentle, grounding presence Adelaide never thought she deserved. And Adelaide, after enduring heartbreak, learns to believe in herself again.
“If I disappear tomorrow, I wouldn’t change a thing. The watch may have been my prison, but it also brought me to you, and I would give up a thousand timelines just to see you and hear your voice here.”
I loved this story so much, I immediately went and bought Jessica’s other books. Her attention to historical detail, the way she brought the story to life, and the depth she gives to every character is truly special. The ending? It had me yelling “WAIT—WHAT?!” and then crying happy tears. It was perfect.
“A tear slipped down her cheek, and Pen’s whole being ached to reach across the space between them, to wipe it away, to hold her even for one second.”
“And even if this is all we ever get,” she whispered, “it’s better than anything I’ve ever had before.”
“If he could break time, he would, just to be with her for even a single moment.”
“Goodnight, my star.”
If you're a fan of books involving magical realism, emotional depth, and a love story that defies time—this one’s for you. ✨
Book Review: The Messengers of Magic by Jessica Dodge
Thank you to Jessica for the arc for my honest review/opinion! I honestly think it was fate that I stumbled across Jessica’s Instagram post about The Messengers of Magic . The song Blinding Lights drew me in immediately (it was such a vibe), and when I read the blurb—MAGIC? YES. TIME TRAVEL? DOUBLE YES—I had to be part of her ARC team. And let me tell you… this book completely stole my heart.
This is hands-down one of my favorite reads of the year. It's a beautifully written story about love that transcends time and space. The writing is rich, the characters are unforgettable, and the emotions? All-consuming.
“Moths are the messengers of magic.”
The story starts in 1955 with Pen—our sweet, thoughtful main male character—who dreams of a life beyond his small town of Oak Ridge, West Virginia. He’s dealing with personal family struggles, but finds comfort and wisdom in Ward, his elderly neighbor and mentor. After a tragic family event ties Pen to his hometown, another loss leads to an unexpected inheritance: a mysterious bookstore in Scotland called Feather Thorn.
Enter Adelaide in 1989, whose life takes a turn when her husband leaves her. Heartbroken and at a crossroads, she impulsively drives and ends up in Helensburgh, Scotland, where her great-aunt Carolyn lives, whom she hasn’t seen since childhood. There, fate—and magic—begins to weave its threads.
“As if her path had already been laid out, written in the stars.”
Carolyn’s cottage is the cozy, bookish dream, and the moment Adelaide sees Feather Thorn, something clicks. But here’s the twist: it’s the same bookstore Pen inherited decades earlier. So… where is he now?
“The connection between them felt tangible, as if their energies were feeding off one another, opening a gateway, allowing him to cross the boundary between their worlds in small, unpredictable ways.”
Pen and Adelaide exist decades apart, yet they find a way to connect—and when they finally meet? Absolute magic. I was cheering, crying, swooning... all the emotions. Pen is the gentle, grounding presence Adelaide never thought she deserved. And Adelaide, after enduring heartbreak, learns to believe in herself again.
“If I disappear tomorrow, I wouldn’t change a thing. The watch may have been my prison, but it also brought me to you, and I would give up a thousand timelines just to see you and hear your voice here.”
I loved this story so much, I immediately went and bought Jessica’s other books. Her attention to historical detail, the way she brought the story to life, and the depth she gives to every character is truly special. The ending? It had me yelling “WAIT—WHAT?!” and then crying happy tears. It was perfect.
“A tear slipped down her cheek, and Pen’s whole being ached to reach across the space between them, to wipe it away, to hold her even for one second.”
“And even if this is all we ever get,” she whispered, “it’s better than anything I’ve ever had before.”
“If he could break time, he would, just to be with her for even a single moment.”
“Goodnight, my star.”
If you're a fan of books involving magical realism, emotional depth, and a love story that defies time—this one’s for you. ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2025
I received an arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The character building of Pen and Adelaide is excellent. Great detail for each character’s life immediately pulls you into the story. All the events in the book bringing to two together and the multiple times lines makes for a real page turner!
I highly recommend Jessica Dodge’s latest novel The Messengers of Magic.
The character building of Pen and Adelaide is excellent. Great detail for each character’s life immediately pulls you into the story. All the events in the book bringing to two together and the multiple times lines makes for a real page turner!
I highly recommend Jessica Dodge’s latest novel The Messengers of Magic.
September 4, 2025
Two timelines. Two people. One thing in common-Featherthorn Books.
Jessica gives us a beautifully written story about a man named Pen, who moved to Scotland for a chance at a better life, and Adeline, a woman who is dealing with the end of her marriage and wants a fresh start. Both are drawn to the charming but run down building, fully stocked with books, and is begging for someone to give is another chance. But this bookstore has more than meets the eye, and our two MC’s are about to find out what.
Our author transports us seamlessly between three timelines-two merging into one, and one as a peek into a journal written long ago-and giving our two characters a chance to break barriers and laws of physics. A device invented centuries ago has created a rift in the timeline, and with each time used, the fracture gets worse. The tension comes as Pen and Adeline realize things are hitting their breaking point, and the timeline must be repaired before it is too late.
As our story progresses, our MC’s grow closer, and comes to truly care for and appreciate the other. Pen feels drawn to Adeline in a way he hasn’t experienced before. And Adeline comes to see Pen as a man who is kind, thoughtful, and loves her just as she is. She can be who she is and does not have to change anything about herself. And as the reader gets closer to the end of the book, their reality becomes uncertain, and hard choices must be made. It becomes bittersweet not just for them, but for us, the readers.
I’ll be the first to admit I am not a romance reader, Jessica’s writing makes it easy to be pulled in to a love story. It has a lot of heart, depth, and plenty of science fiction to go around. This is an easy recommendation from me. Read this book.
A big thank you to the author for my arc. My opinion is my own.
Jessica gives us a beautifully written story about a man named Pen, who moved to Scotland for a chance at a better life, and Adeline, a woman who is dealing with the end of her marriage and wants a fresh start. Both are drawn to the charming but run down building, fully stocked with books, and is begging for someone to give is another chance. But this bookstore has more than meets the eye, and our two MC’s are about to find out what.
Our author transports us seamlessly between three timelines-two merging into one, and one as a peek into a journal written long ago-and giving our two characters a chance to break barriers and laws of physics. A device invented centuries ago has created a rift in the timeline, and with each time used, the fracture gets worse. The tension comes as Pen and Adeline realize things are hitting their breaking point, and the timeline must be repaired before it is too late.
As our story progresses, our MC’s grow closer, and comes to truly care for and appreciate the other. Pen feels drawn to Adeline in a way he hasn’t experienced before. And Adeline comes to see Pen as a man who is kind, thoughtful, and loves her just as she is. She can be who she is and does not have to change anything about herself. And as the reader gets closer to the end of the book, their reality becomes uncertain, and hard choices must be made. It becomes bittersweet not just for them, but for us, the readers.
I’ll be the first to admit I am not a romance reader, Jessica’s writing makes it easy to be pulled in to a love story. It has a lot of heart, depth, and plenty of science fiction to go around. This is an easy recommendation from me. Read this book.
A big thank you to the author for my arc. My opinion is my own.
July 15, 2025
The Messengers of Magic. ByJessica Dodge
A bookstore in Scotland holds a very special secret. Pen Turner was left the Feather Thorn bookstore in a will from a dear friend in 1955. No one knew what secrets were hidden there.
Adelaide McGregor purchased the Feather Thorn after her marriage fell apart, in 1988, also unaware of the secret.
Two men have disappeared completely from the store without word or warning. What magic is this? Will Adelaide be next?
This story is full of questions,twists, and turns. The characters are developed so well and I quickly fell in love with them. Follow Adelaide and Pen on a journey of love between two worlds. Pacing is perfect and keeps you reading page after page.
You will find science and magic in this story. Five stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A bookstore in Scotland holds a very special secret. Pen Turner was left the Feather Thorn bookstore in a will from a dear friend in 1955. No one knew what secrets were hidden there.
Adelaide McGregor purchased the Feather Thorn after her marriage fell apart, in 1988, also unaware of the secret.
Two men have disappeared completely from the store without word or warning. What magic is this? Will Adelaide be next?
This story is full of questions,twists, and turns. The characters are developed so well and I quickly fell in love with them. Follow Adelaide and Pen on a journey of love between two worlds. Pacing is perfect and keeps you reading page after page.
You will find science and magic in this story. Five stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 12, 2025
Haunting, Mysterious, and Beautifully Told
The Messengers of Magic by Jessica Dodge
Release Date: September 8, 2025 | Indie Published
Why I Recommend This Book:
This story gave me everything I love in a read: a touch of magic, a strong emotional pull, and a setting that feels alive. The heart of the book is a Scottish bookshop full of secrets, where Pen in 1955 and Adelaide in 1989 begin exchanging letters through an old typewriter. Their connection is tender and haunting, and the artwork woven throughout the ebook adds even more depth and beauty to the experience.
What Stood Out:
• A bookshop setting so vivid I could almost smell the old paper
• Dual timelines that echo each other in surprising and meaningful ways
• Just enough of the uncanny to keep me hooked
• Stunning artwork in the ebook that makes the story feel even more immersive
Final Thoughts:
This book struck the perfect balance between cozy and otherworldly. It reminded me that love can cross impossible distances and that some stories are meant to linger. I cannot wait to add the beautiful hardcover edition to my shelves.
The Messengers of Magic by Jessica Dodge
Release Date: September 8, 2025 | Indie Published
Why I Recommend This Book:
This story gave me everything I love in a read: a touch of magic, a strong emotional pull, and a setting that feels alive. The heart of the book is a Scottish bookshop full of secrets, where Pen in 1955 and Adelaide in 1989 begin exchanging letters through an old typewriter. Their connection is tender and haunting, and the artwork woven throughout the ebook adds even more depth and beauty to the experience.
What Stood Out:
• A bookshop setting so vivid I could almost smell the old paper
• Dual timelines that echo each other in surprising and meaningful ways
• Just enough of the uncanny to keep me hooked
• Stunning artwork in the ebook that makes the story feel even more immersive
Final Thoughts:
This book struck the perfect balance between cozy and otherworldly. It reminded me that love can cross impossible distances and that some stories are meant to linger. I cannot wait to add the beautiful hardcover edition to my shelves.
September 5, 2025
Phenomenal! A beautiful love story with such magical characters. I couldn't help but fall in love with them too!
October 22, 2025
That was incredible. I'm learning to expect nothing less though from this author.
August 21, 2025
Pen Turner has inherited a mysterious bookshop in Scotland where the owners either leave without warning, or vanish.
Decades later Adelaide Benson is determined to stick it out in the same bookshop, despite strange happenings all around her.
I don’t want to give anything else away! This is such a good cozy, romantic mystery!
There’s something in this book for everyone. It has magic, romance, and some celestial sci-fi elements. The premise was such a neat one and worked so well! It had me questioning time and space as I knew it and was blurring my own realities.
Decades later Adelaide Benson is determined to stick it out in the same bookshop, despite strange happenings all around her.
I don’t want to give anything else away! This is such a good cozy, romantic mystery!
There’s something in this book for everyone. It has magic, romance, and some celestial sci-fi elements. The premise was such a neat one and worked so well! It had me questioning time and space as I knew it and was blurring my own realities.
October 27, 2025
I received the ARC and let me just say I absolutely loved this book! It had everything I love: an old bookshop, magic, and a love story that literally defies time. Jessica Dodge's writing is so atmospheric and emotional; I could practically taste the longing between Addie and Pen.
It's the kind of story that stays with you long after you've finished it, beautiful, bittersweet, and just a little heartbreaking in the best way.
It's the kind of story that stays with you long after you've finished it, beautiful, bittersweet, and just a little heartbreaking in the best way.
September 14, 2025
I was gifted an ARC for this book by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite books of the year. I love the way Pen & Adelaide's story is woven together with the 2 different time periods.
I wish I could experience The Feather Thorn book shop. It's truly another character in the story.
Last but not least, everyone will fall in love with Frankie. 🦊
I can honestly say that this is one of my favorite books of the year. I love the way Pen & Adelaide's story is woven together with the 2 different time periods.
I wish I could experience The Feather Thorn book shop. It's truly another character in the story.
Last but not least, everyone will fall in love with Frankie. 🦊
August 22, 2025
Where do I even begin trying to describe what happens in this book and why it is so unbelievably good without spilling any of the secrets that lie within the Feather Thorn Bookstore? I was so incredibly thankful to be given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC; the cover, all of the descriptions and pictures posted by Jessica Dodge drew me in. Now I sit here with the book finished trying to write a review finding it so difficult to put into words how much I truly enjoyed this story and how I am so sad that my journey in Helensburgh has reached an end.
Pen - 1955 - after years of living a truly difficult life, he had received quite the inheritance and part of it was a bookstore all the way in Helensburgh; he made the journey from America to go see if he could just fix up and sell this shop only to feel a pull that made him want to stay, to possibly bring life back to this old abandoned store.
Adelaide - 1989 - After a long marriage to her husband Jeff; her world is torn apart with an affair and divorce. She runs with what little she has left and stumbles into Helensburgh, the town her great aunt happens to live in, whom she hasn't seen in too long. There is where she feels a pull to the now abandoned bookstore. The bookstore where the previous owners, including Pen, have all seemed to vanish out of thin air. It's only then the mysteries behind this bookstore, behind John Dee's journals. and everything in between that the race against time truly begins. Us readers know magic of any sort comes at some sort of cost, what about when you don't know there is magic involved and you're about to pay a price you never saw coming? For those that do know the magic is there, is it worth it?
Pen - 1955 - after years of living a truly difficult life, he had received quite the inheritance and part of it was a bookstore all the way in Helensburgh; he made the journey from America to go see if he could just fix up and sell this shop only to feel a pull that made him want to stay, to possibly bring life back to this old abandoned store.
Adelaide - 1989 - After a long marriage to her husband Jeff; her world is torn apart with an affair and divorce. She runs with what little she has left and stumbles into Helensburgh, the town her great aunt happens to live in, whom she hasn't seen in too long. There is where she feels a pull to the now abandoned bookstore. The bookstore where the previous owners, including Pen, have all seemed to vanish out of thin air. It's only then the mysteries behind this bookstore, behind John Dee's journals. and everything in between that the race against time truly begins. Us readers know magic of any sort comes at some sort of cost, what about when you don't know there is magic involved and you're about to pay a price you never saw coming? For those that do know the magic is there, is it worth it?
November 9, 2025
There's something about Jessica's writing that perfectly paints the picture of what you're reading. It immediately captivates you, and you find yourself engaged from the very beginning.
I can't remember the last time I read something where I was completely invested in every one of the characters. Pen coming from nothing then inheriting the bookstore and making a life for himself, Adelaide's self-discovery after her divorce, and Aunt Carolyn's witchy, hippie vibe that also exuded cozy. It was all so enjoyable for me.
This book was the true definition of "I'll find you in every lifetime." I loved every minute of it, even the ones that crushed my soul. I gasped and said, "No way!" a few times and got emotional. I can't imagine the frustration and fear of being in a time loop, stuck in limbo while days, months, years pass you by!
The Messengers of Magic was an absolute page-turner from the first page, even more so after the 50% mark. It has a bit of a Divine Rivals feel with their correspondence through a typewriter, which I loved. A little bit of sci-fi, magic, mystery, and romance all made for a great read. I can tell this is one I'm going to be thinking about for a long time.
Read if you love:
✨️ Old bookstores
⏳️ Correspondence via typewritten letters
✨️ Magical realism
⏳️ Multiple timelines
✨️ Scotland setting
⏳️ Historical fiction
✨️ Mystery
Thank you so much, @jessicadodgeauthor, for the ARC and taking me on this wild ride! 🧡
I can't remember the last time I read something where I was completely invested in every one of the characters. Pen coming from nothing then inheriting the bookstore and making a life for himself, Adelaide's self-discovery after her divorce, and Aunt Carolyn's witchy, hippie vibe that also exuded cozy. It was all so enjoyable for me.
This book was the true definition of "I'll find you in every lifetime." I loved every minute of it, even the ones that crushed my soul. I gasped and said, "No way!" a few times and got emotional. I can't imagine the frustration and fear of being in a time loop, stuck in limbo while days, months, years pass you by!
The Messengers of Magic was an absolute page-turner from the first page, even more so after the 50% mark. It has a bit of a Divine Rivals feel with their correspondence through a typewriter, which I loved. A little bit of sci-fi, magic, mystery, and romance all made for a great read. I can tell this is one I'm going to be thinking about for a long time.
Read if you love:
✨️ Old bookstores
⏳️ Correspondence via typewritten letters
✨️ Magical realism
⏳️ Multiple timelines
✨️ Scotland setting
⏳️ Historical fiction
✨️ Mystery
Thank you so much, @jessicadodgeauthor, for the ARC and taking me on this wild ride! 🧡
September 8, 2025
This book made me love Jessica's writing that much more! She truly has a way with words. I think about the old phrase "A picture is worth a thousand words", I know it's a book kind of backwards, right? In this case Jessica creates such a beautiful picture with each and every word of this book. She doesn't miss out on a single detail. From the first page to the last, this story of Adelaide and Pen was beautifully written with such care.
If you want to read a romance book that is unlike any other, this is the one to read. Pen inherits an old bookshop in Scotland with a history. Then decades later Adelaide finds herself in front of that same bookshop and ends up purchasing it. Little did either of them know this bookshop would change both of their lives.
This book has so much packed in it romance, mystery, magic, coziness, just to name a few. Heading into fall made this book so much more for me. It was the perfect read for me.
I was introduced to Jessica's books with the book The Book of Lost Enchantments, she has become and automatic buy author for me. That book has stuck with me since I read it, and I am sure this one will too. She also makes me want to go to Scotland even more than I already wanted to. Ha-ha.
If you want to read a romance book that is unlike any other, this is the one to read. Pen inherits an old bookshop in Scotland with a history. Then decades later Adelaide finds herself in front of that same bookshop and ends up purchasing it. Little did either of them know this bookshop would change both of their lives.
This book has so much packed in it romance, mystery, magic, coziness, just to name a few. Heading into fall made this book so much more for me. It was the perfect read for me.
I was introduced to Jessica's books with the book The Book of Lost Enchantments, she has become and automatic buy author for me. That book has stuck with me since I read it, and I am sure this one will too. She also makes me want to go to Scotland even more than I already wanted to. Ha-ha.
September 8, 2025
Messengers of Magic
If you're prepping for autumn, definitely add this to your book list to read!!! Get your candle lit, grab your hot tea, cozy blanket, and get lost in the magic. Jessica doesn't let the words on the page sleep, she draws you right in, so much so, that you can see yourself right there with the characters. This book will rekindle your reasons for falling in love with reading! This is told using multiple POV across different time periods. The characters are very likeable. . . well except for Pen's dad. . . . OH and the artwork. . . you MUST buy a physical copy just for the illustrations alone. . . which can double as a coloring book for you, if you enjoy that. AND you're also going to NEED the audio version because the narrator is that good!!!!!!
Because I'm a foodie, foods mentioned in the book that you need to try: Scotch eggs and meat pies 🥧 Block cheese and homemade crusty loaf of bread 🍞
If you're prepping for autumn, definitely add this to your book list to read!!! Get your candle lit, grab your hot tea, cozy blanket, and get lost in the magic. Jessica doesn't let the words on the page sleep, she draws you right in, so much so, that you can see yourself right there with the characters. This book will rekindle your reasons for falling in love with reading! This is told using multiple POV across different time periods. The characters are very likeable. . . well except for Pen's dad. . . . OH and the artwork. . . you MUST buy a physical copy just for the illustrations alone. . . which can double as a coloring book for you, if you enjoy that. AND you're also going to NEED the audio version because the narrator is that good!!!!!!
Because I'm a foodie, foods mentioned in the book that you need to try: Scotch eggs and meat pies 🥧 Block cheese and homemade crusty loaf of bread 🍞
September 4, 2025
This was a 4.5 for me. I really enjoyed this story. It was about love, rediscovery, consequences, others paying the price of messing with powerful forces, time, and hope.
The book surprised me in that I thought it was going to be a couple writing letters to each other through time and falling in love…didn’t think there was any more to it than that. I was wrong. What I thought was kind of it’s true, it wasn’t at the same time. There was so so much more!
I love how the Jessica wove Adelaide and Pen’s stories; they each were complete characters in their own right and I loved it. They complemented each other, not completed each other.
I’m so glad I read this and can absolutely say I will reread this again.
Thank you so much to the author for the arc. This review is given of my own free will and the words are my own.
The book surprised me in that I thought it was going to be a couple writing letters to each other through time and falling in love…didn’t think there was any more to it than that. I was wrong. What I thought was kind of it’s true, it wasn’t at the same time. There was so so much more!
I love how the Jessica wove Adelaide and Pen’s stories; they each were complete characters in their own right and I loved it. They complemented each other, not completed each other.
I’m so glad I read this and can absolutely say I will reread this again.
Thank you so much to the author for the arc. This review is given of my own free will and the words are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2025
I cried. I got to the end, muscles tense from the high stakes of the story, and somehow made it through the epilogue, which was blurred from the tears. I sat afterward, tablet in my lap, letting the emotions course through me. I couldn't speak.
When I finally got it together, I told my husband, "That was a really good book," my voice cracking on the last words.
It's the next day, and just thinking about it continues to overwhelm. I'm in love with Pen, Addie, and Frankie. And Scotland, of course. Not to mention Jessica Dodge.
I've read all of Jessica's books and enjoyed them. She's an "auto-buy" for me already, but this was a masterpiece. I've been lucky to read ninety-one books so far this year, and this was absolutely the best of them. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
When I finally got it together, I told my husband, "That was a really good book," my voice cracking on the last words.
It's the next day, and just thinking about it continues to overwhelm. I'm in love with Pen, Addie, and Frankie. And Scotland, of course. Not to mention Jessica Dodge.
I've read all of Jessica's books and enjoyed them. She's an "auto-buy" for me already, but this was a masterpiece. I've been lucky to read ninety-one books so far this year, and this was absolutely the best of them. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
September 24, 2025
I just finished The Messengers of Magic by Jessica Dodge and really enjoyed it.
This is a cozy, time travel mystery / romance that takes place in a bookstore in Scotland. I mean you can’t get a better combination than that. Throw in a magical watch that has a history dating back to the 1500s and you have yourself the perfect recipe for a really fun read!
Adelaide in 1989 leaves her broken heart and divorce behind her to boost her Great-Aunt in a small town in Scotland. She stumbles upon a bookstore that she just has to buy to start her new life. But the bookstore has a past that involved two disappearing owners.
Pen in the 1950s leaves for Scotland after he inherits a bookstore in Scotland and he looks forward to starting a new life.
They communicate and fall in love through a typewriter that exists in both eras made possible by a magical watch. But time is twisting and turning dangerous! Will there be a happily ever after???? You have to read it!!!!!!
This is a cozy, time travel mystery / romance that takes place in a bookstore in Scotland. I mean you can’t get a better combination than that. Throw in a magical watch that has a history dating back to the 1500s and you have yourself the perfect recipe for a really fun read!
Adelaide in 1989 leaves her broken heart and divorce behind her to boost her Great-Aunt in a small town in Scotland. She stumbles upon a bookstore that she just has to buy to start her new life. But the bookstore has a past that involved two disappearing owners.
Pen in the 1950s leaves for Scotland after he inherits a bookstore in Scotland and he looks forward to starting a new life.
They communicate and fall in love through a typewriter that exists in both eras made possible by a magical watch. But time is twisting and turning dangerous! Will there be a happily ever after???? You have to read it!!!!!!
August 23, 2025
This story was such a breath of fresh air. The plot was perfectly paced and beautifully written, and I really enjoyed the way the time jumps between characters were handled. They fit seamlessly into the flow of the story without ever feeling distracting. The characters themselves were fantastic and so well-developed that I found myself smiling often at Pen and Adelaide’s interactions. Even the side characters had charm and depth, making them just as lovable as the main cast.
I’ll admit, at first I found it a little tricky to follow John Dee’s POV, but as the story went on, I was drawn in and came to appreciate his perspective so much more. Looking back, I think that was more on me than on the writing itself, since his role was not only necessary but added another fascinating layer to the story.
This was an absolutely lovely read, the kind of story I could easily see myself re-reading again and again. It left me with that warm, satisfied feeling that only comes from a truly well-crafted story.
I’ll admit, at first I found it a little tricky to follow John Dee’s POV, but as the story went on, I was drawn in and came to appreciate his perspective so much more. Looking back, I think that was more on me than on the writing itself, since his role was not only necessary but added another fascinating layer to the story.
This was an absolutely lovely read, the kind of story I could easily see myself re-reading again and again. It left me with that warm, satisfied feeling that only comes from a truly well-crafted story.
September 8, 2025
This gives "The Lake House" feels. I loved that movie!!
I loved all the characters so much! The plot is perfect!! I spent much of this book with my heart aching!
The dual timelines kept my turning the page since I HAD to know what would happen next.
This is my first book by Jessica Dodge, but it definitely will not be the last!!!
I loved all the characters so much! The plot is perfect!! I spent much of this book with my heart aching!
The dual timelines kept my turning the page since I HAD to know what would happen next.
This is my first book by Jessica Dodge, but it definitely will not be the last!!!
August 31, 2025
this novel is truly an amazing adventure and journey through time and reality. The character and setting building was done in a fluid and flawless fashion.. I was mesmerized and pulled in. I felt like I became part of the worlds/times we were visiting, and I became fully invested in the entire book and its characters.
this is easily one of my top reads of 2025!
this is easily one of my top reads of 2025!
August 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
💛Mystery
💛Supernatural Elements
💛Time Slipping
💛He Falls First and Hard
💛Instalove
Overall this was good time slip story with a side of star crossed romance, but the supernatural mystery is more of the focus for the bulk, I'd say. And it is a fascinating explanation to it!
I appreciate the building up of each character but I would've liked our time crossed couple to interact a bit sooner, like maybe around 40%-50%? They truly didn't "communicate" with one another until 65%! And that's when momentum kicked up and the story took off. I don't necessarily need romance to hit but would've like the letters to start earlier as a way for them to get to know one another and build feelings. I'd say the story could've been tightened by 100 pages or so. There's a piece of miscommunication trope that frustrated me with Ewan and Adelaide. It all felt unnecessary.
It was neat with the mystery and origin of the time cracks. So that part kept me quite interested. And honestly anything with Pen was the best part, seeing how he copes with his isolated time bubble and learning about him. He's a total Cinnamon Roll and so lovely.
I wasn't a fan of Adelaide's pursuits with the town hunk Ewan so i kinda lost a stronger liking of her and would've preferred that side plot excised. It made her seem promiscuous and casual, clearly just wanting to "have fun" and "get it out of her system". It cheapened her feelings towards Pen whereas he seemed so genuine. Pen falls hard for her in secret and has to watch. Felt so bad for this guy.
At the 65% mark things clicked MUCH better and I enjoyed it more but in hindsight, i would've liked more care on their relationship throughout the book. The very end didn't make sense to me.
The side characters of Rowland and Carolyn I loved and want to hear their story more fully! Rowland is a wounded war vet, shy and sweet and he feels not worthy of Carolyn and I love him so much for the story I've glimpsed!
🌶
💛Mystery
💛Supernatural Elements
💛Time Slipping
💛He Falls First and Hard
💛Instalove
Overall this was good time slip story with a side of star crossed romance, but the supernatural mystery is more of the focus for the bulk, I'd say. And it is a fascinating explanation to it!
I appreciate the building up of each character but I would've liked our time crossed couple to interact a bit sooner, like maybe around 40%-50%? They truly didn't "communicate" with one another until 65%! And that's when momentum kicked up and the story took off. I don't necessarily need romance to hit but would've like the letters to start earlier as a way for them to get to know one another and build feelings. I'd say the story could've been tightened by 100 pages or so. There's a piece of miscommunication trope that frustrated me with Ewan and Adelaide. It all felt unnecessary.
It was neat with the mystery and origin of the time cracks. So that part kept me quite interested. And honestly anything with Pen was the best part, seeing how he copes with his isolated time bubble and learning about him. He's a total Cinnamon Roll and so lovely.
I wasn't a fan of Adelaide's pursuits with the town hunk Ewan so i kinda lost a stronger liking of her and would've preferred that side plot excised. It made her seem promiscuous and casual, clearly just wanting to "have fun" and "get it out of her system". It cheapened her feelings towards Pen whereas he seemed so genuine. Pen falls hard for her in secret and has to watch. Felt so bad for this guy.
At the 65% mark things clicked MUCH better and I enjoyed it more but in hindsight, i would've liked more care on their relationship throughout the book. The very end didn't make sense to me.
The side characters of Rowland and Carolyn I loved and want to hear their story more fully! Rowland is a wounded war vet, shy and sweet and he feels not worthy of Carolyn and I love him so much for the story I've glimpsed!
September 7, 2025
Wonderful book with a lot of great imagery. I really felt like I was in it. The romance between Pen and Adelaide was perfect. This book makes me want a bookstore of my own!
December 1, 2025
whimsical, unique. Couldn't put it down. Would make a great movie!
August 25, 2025
Oh my gosh! I had a feeling that this book was going to be a good one, and I was NOT wrong! I could totally see myself living in this Scottish bookstore. :) The characters are super relatable and have the sweetest closed door romance. I absolutely loved the historical and astrological aspects of the story. It kept things super interesting and created a timeline that was easy to follow. Jessica Dodge has easily become one of my go-to authors!
August 25, 2025
Jessica Dodge does it again. This was so beautifully written and Jessica always has a way to bring the characters to life and gets the reader captivated. I could picture it all in my head as I was reading. I read a lot of thriller and mystery books and I loved the mystery element within this book and following Pen and Adelaide on their journey. The characters were all developed well and even the side characters you were able to connect with and get to know.
I wish I could find a bookshop to live at with Frankie
I wish I could find a bookshop to live at with Frankie
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