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Fragrance of Forgotten Truths: A Serenity Falls Cozy Mystery
A captivating tale of family secrets, small-town intrigue, and the quiet magic hidden in scent.
After losing her research job in the city, Anna Attar heads home to Serenity Falls with nothing but a suitcase and a plan: lay low, help her sister for a few months, and get back on her feet. But plans rarely hold up in a town like Serenity Falls.
Her grandmother’s memory is fading fast. Her sister, Emilia, is convinced their mother’s death wasn’t natural. And Anna finds herself returning to the family perfume tradition she tried to leave behind.
What starts as just a few bottles at the farmers market quickly stirs something deeper, as the fragrances she blends begin to unlock memories. Memories some consider best left buried.
Then someone breaks into their home, steals their grandmother’s scent grimoire, and poisons a well-known local. With Emilia facing the fallout, Anna is forced to dig into a past laced with rumor, grief, and a decades-old flood the town never quite recovered from.
But Anna will need more than formulas to find the truth. She’ll need to remember who she is—and what she’s capable of.
Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Alice Hoffman, and Ellery Adams, Fragrance of Forgotten Truths is an enchanting cozy mystery about memory, legacy, and the power of accepting your own truths.
After losing her research job in the city, Anna Attar heads home to Serenity Falls with nothing but a suitcase and a plan: lay low, help her sister for a few months, and get back on her feet. But plans rarely hold up in a town like Serenity Falls.
Her grandmother’s memory is fading fast. Her sister, Emilia, is convinced their mother’s death wasn’t natural. And Anna finds herself returning to the family perfume tradition she tried to leave behind.
What starts as just a few bottles at the farmers market quickly stirs something deeper, as the fragrances she blends begin to unlock memories. Memories some consider best left buried.
Then someone breaks into their home, steals their grandmother’s scent grimoire, and poisons a well-known local. With Emilia facing the fallout, Anna is forced to dig into a past laced with rumor, grief, and a decades-old flood the town never quite recovered from.
But Anna will need more than formulas to find the truth. She’ll need to remember who she is—and what she’s capable of.
Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Alice Hoffman, and Ellery Adams, Fragrance of Forgotten Truths is an enchanting cozy mystery about memory, legacy, and the power of accepting your own truths.
- GenresFantasy
307 pages, ebook
Published July 8, 2025
15 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Fragrance of Forgotten Truth was a cozy, atmospheric read with a slow-unfolding mystery that pulled me in more than I expected. The story centers on Anna, who begins to uncover long-buried secrets about the people she grew up around—and, more importantly, about herself.
There’s a quiet magic woven through the pages, not flashy or dramatic, but something that lingers. As Anna digs into her past and starts piecing together her heritage, you can feel the weight of history and unspoken truths surrounding her. The small-town setting adds to the intrigue—everyone seems to know more than they’re saying.
This isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but that’s part of its charm. It’s thoughtful, layered, and a little haunting in places, with The Good Witch vibes wrapped in a family mystery. A solid four stars and a great pick if you’re in the mood for something introspective and a little magical.
Fragrance of Forgotten Truth was a cozy, atmospheric read with a slow-unfolding mystery that pulled me in more than I expected. The story centers on Anna, who begins to uncover long-buried secrets about the people she grew up around—and, more importantly, about herself.
There’s a quiet magic woven through the pages, not flashy or dramatic, but something that lingers. As Anna digs into her past and starts piecing together her heritage, you can feel the weight of history and unspoken truths surrounding her. The small-town setting adds to the intrigue—everyone seems to know more than they’re saying.
This isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but that’s part of its charm. It’s thoughtful, layered, and a little haunting in places, with The Good Witch vibes wrapped in a family mystery. A solid four stars and a great pick if you’re in the mood for something introspective and a little magical.
June 13, 2025
Fragrance of Forgotten Truths A Serenity Falls Cozy Mystery by Iris Applewood is a truly delightful book full of sensuous descriptions and unique characters. The author knows story. The pacing is excellent. The reader is hooked as she tries to unravel the mystery with the protagonist.
Anna Attar has been searching for a place to call home and a profession she can feel proud to be a part of. But after being let go at the research facility in the city where she had worked, Anna returns home to her younger sister Emilia and Serenity Falls—the very place she couldn’t wait to leave.
Applewood mixes character backstory with memory as simply as her protagonist Anna mixes her special perfumes to sell at the market. Seamlessly, these women keep the reader in the loop of what’s happening, of what it all means. To the story. To life in Serenity Falls.
This book is more than a romantic cozy mystery. This is a story of finding one’s place in the world. My favorite lines are: “Scent was memory. And memory was magic.” (Kindle Location 2644).
If you are looking for a fast-paced cozy mystery to fill your senses, then Fragrance of Forgotten Truths by Iris Applewood is the novel for you.
Anna Attar has been searching for a place to call home and a profession she can feel proud to be a part of. But after being let go at the research facility in the city where she had worked, Anna returns home to her younger sister Emilia and Serenity Falls—the very place she couldn’t wait to leave.
Applewood mixes character backstory with memory as simply as her protagonist Anna mixes her special perfumes to sell at the market. Seamlessly, these women keep the reader in the loop of what’s happening, of what it all means. To the story. To life in Serenity Falls.
This book is more than a romantic cozy mystery. This is a story of finding one’s place in the world. My favorite lines are: “Scent was memory. And memory was magic.” (Kindle Location 2644).
If you are looking for a fast-paced cozy mystery to fill your senses, then Fragrance of Forgotten Truths by Iris Applewood is the novel for you.
June 27, 2025
~ Fantasy, Small-town, Mystery, and more!~
3.5| Fragrance of Forgotten Truths is a delightfully cozy book. The story was unique, and I enjoyed the characters. The relationship between the Attar sisters, Anna and Emilia, was beautifully represented. I especially liked that their past wasn't glazed over with all being forgiven immediately, but instead, we got to see the growth in their relationship throughout the book. The Attar family has a rich history, and I enjoyed that being revealed during the book. The mystery aspect was ok, a bit hard to follow at times, especially towards the end. I think where this book shines is the descriptions surrounding scents. It created a beautifully atmospheric vibe, which added to the story and showed the importance of this aspect to their family. While the atmosphere of the books is cozy and easy to fall into, I did feel like there were some issues with the plot. For starters, everything ramps up a bit too quickly in the end; instead of creating an intense moment, it just felt rushed. I also felt like there were times when things came out of nowhere, like the romance at the end. I will give a little grace since it's the first book in the series, but at times, it felt like there was nowhere else for the plot to go, so something random was added to keep things moving. There is one more thing I have to mention. While it has nothing to do with the plot, at around 20% in the book, a comment is made about "crochet needles". This is incorrect; crochet is done with a hook, and knitting is done with needles. Not important to the book at all, but as someone who both crochets and knits, it felt necessary to mention in this review. Overall, this book was a quick and cozy read, while not perfect, I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a nice cozy witchy read.
*I received this book through Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
Expected publication is July 8, 2025
3.5| Fragrance of Forgotten Truths is a delightfully cozy book. The story was unique, and I enjoyed the characters. The relationship between the Attar sisters, Anna and Emilia, was beautifully represented. I especially liked that their past wasn't glazed over with all being forgiven immediately, but instead, we got to see the growth in their relationship throughout the book. The Attar family has a rich history, and I enjoyed that being revealed during the book. The mystery aspect was ok, a bit hard to follow at times, especially towards the end. I think where this book shines is the descriptions surrounding scents. It created a beautifully atmospheric vibe, which added to the story and showed the importance of this aspect to their family. While the atmosphere of the books is cozy and easy to fall into, I did feel like there were some issues with the plot. For starters, everything ramps up a bit too quickly in the end; instead of creating an intense moment, it just felt rushed. I also felt like there were times when things came out of nowhere, like the romance at the end. I will give a little grace since it's the first book in the series, but at times, it felt like there was nowhere else for the plot to go, so something random was added to keep things moving. There is one more thing I have to mention. While it has nothing to do with the plot, at around 20% in the book, a comment is made about "crochet needles". This is incorrect; crochet is done with a hook, and knitting is done with needles. Not important to the book at all, but as someone who both crochets and knits, it felt necessary to mention in this review. Overall, this book was a quick and cozy read, while not perfect, I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a nice cozy witchy read.
*I received this book through Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
Expected publication is July 8, 2025
August 13, 2025
4.25/5 ⭐ I love a good cozy fantasy mystery, so I was quite happy to jump into this. I really enjoyed the concept of perfume magic and how important scent is to memory. The pacing was fast, in a way that things going normally seemed slow, so it took a little bit getting used to the way the story interjected twists and turns. This book tried to be and do a lot and accomplished most of it, but not all, thus why it didn't get 5 stars. The climatic ending felt a bit thrown together and I wonder why this was a murder mystery at all with everything else that was going on. It does lean towards magical realism more than fantasy, though the last part of the book went deeper into magic. I hope the author has more in store for Serenity Falls.
Thanks for BookSirens for my ARC copy for my honest review.
Thanks for BookSirens for my ARC copy for my honest review.
July 7, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this arc.
First of all, the cover drew me in, it really appealed to me, that's why I wanted to read it. Cozy fantasy is one of my favorite genres, so I had high expectations for the book. Unfortunately, it didn't bring the atmosphere I wanted. The story started off slowly for me, but certain events moved very quickly. I know this sounds strange and a bit contradictory, but that was my impression. I expected a lot more magic in it, but I only really got a taste of it towards the end of the book. Since this is the first part, the magic may be explained much better in the following parts, so I would like to read the next parts, especially since the love story wasn't completely settled and I'm a curious person. Unfortunately, for me, this is now 3/5⭐️.
First of all, the cover drew me in, it really appealed to me, that's why I wanted to read it. Cozy fantasy is one of my favorite genres, so I had high expectations for the book. Unfortunately, it didn't bring the atmosphere I wanted. The story started off slowly for me, but certain events moved very quickly. I know this sounds strange and a bit contradictory, but that was my impression. I expected a lot more magic in it, but I only really got a taste of it towards the end of the book. Since this is the first part, the magic may be explained much better in the following parts, so I would like to read the next parts, especially since the love story wasn't completely settled and I'm a curious person. Unfortunately, for me, this is now 3/5⭐️.
July 13, 2025
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 13 July 2025:
I love a good small town cozy book and this one fit the bill perfectly!
After losing her big city job, Anna Attar moves back to her family home in Serenity Falls, and joins her sister, Emilia, living in their childhood home. With nothing else to do, Anna decides to rekindle her passion for creating perfumes and begins selling them at the farmers’ market, but when a perfume causes a rare moment of lucidity for Anna and Emilia’s grandmother and she suggests their mother was murdered, things start to look a lot more dangerous.
The book felt kind of slice-of-life cozy up until around the halfway mark, and while that’s not usually my thing, I did appreciate the development we got between Anna and Emilia, and the sense we got of the rest of the town. There is definitely hurt between the two sisters, and I liked that it wasn’t immediately forgiven because Anna had come back.
Once we got to the halfway point I felt the story got going properly with a robbery then a poisoning and an arrest, to name a few things. I found it hard to put down in the last third when I had to get back to work!
I did spent a fair bit of time wondering whether the book would have true fantasy elements or if the talk of magic was just metaphorical. It does become explicitly cozy fantasy, but fairly late in the picture, around the 70% mark or a bit after. I’ll admit at first it was a bit jarring, but I warmed to it.
After this introduction, I’d definitely be interested in reading more about the residents of Serenity Falls if the author chose to write more!
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Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good small town cozy book and this one fit the bill perfectly!
After losing her big city job, Anna Attar moves back to her family home in Serenity Falls, and joins her sister, Emilia, living in their childhood home. With nothing else to do, Anna decides to rekindle her passion for creating perfumes and begins selling them at the farmers’ market, but when a perfume causes a rare moment of lucidity for Anna and Emilia’s grandmother and she suggests their mother was murdered, things start to look a lot more dangerous.
The book felt kind of slice-of-life cozy up until around the halfway mark, and while that’s not usually my thing, I did appreciate the development we got between Anna and Emilia, and the sense we got of the rest of the town. There is definitely hurt between the two sisters, and I liked that it wasn’t immediately forgiven because Anna had come back.
Once we got to the halfway point I felt the story got going properly with a robbery then a poisoning and an arrest, to name a few things. I found it hard to put down in the last third when I had to get back to work!
I did spent a fair bit of time wondering whether the book would have true fantasy elements or if the talk of magic was just metaphorical. It does become explicitly cozy fantasy, but fairly late in the picture, around the 70% mark or a bit after. I’ll admit at first it was a bit jarring, but I warmed to it.
After this introduction, I’d definitely be interested in reading more about the residents of Serenity Falls if the author chose to write more!
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Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
Anna Attar returns home to Serenity Falls a year after her mother’s death. Her sister, Emelia, has shut herself off from the world after suffering heavy losses, spending her free time watching true crime and ordering DoorDash. Her grandmother has been moved to assisted living and is sinking further into dementia. Inspired by her grandmother’s scent Grimoire, Anna crafts a perfume that is rumored to enhance memories. In a moment of lucidity, her grandmother insists that Anna’s mother was murdered. As the sisters attempt to discover the truth, old secrets and danger bubbles to the surface. When the Grimoire and perfume are stolen, it’s clear someone wants the secrets to stay buried. Will pursuing the case bring peace or destruction to the town?
Evocative and layered like the perfumes Anna & her family make, Fragrance of Forgotten Truths, draws you in and invites you to delve into the complicated history of the Attar family and Serenity Falls. Family relationships lie at the heart of the story as the characters all must face the consequences of past actions. Misunderstandings and mistakes fester below the surface leading to tragedy. As old bonds are tested and broken, new and stronger ones are formed. Along with Anna and Emelia, you’ll be wondering throughout who can be trusted. The truth is revealed and danger averted in a satisfying conclusion. In the words of COWW, “Let the waters of memory flow through you. Let the wisdom of those who came before guide your hands and your heart.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Evocative and layered like the perfumes Anna & her family make, Fragrance of Forgotten Truths, draws you in and invites you to delve into the complicated history of the Attar family and Serenity Falls. Family relationships lie at the heart of the story as the characters all must face the consequences of past actions. Misunderstandings and mistakes fester below the surface leading to tragedy. As old bonds are tested and broken, new and stronger ones are formed. Along with Anna and Emelia, you’ll be wondering throughout who can be trusted. The truth is revealed and danger averted in a satisfying conclusion. In the words of COWW, “Let the waters of memory flow through you. Let the wisdom of those who came before guide your hands and your heart.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2025
Anna moves back to Serenity Falls after losing her high stress city job. Wanting to relax and lick her wounds, she is soon bored. Her sister, Emilia, welcomes her to the family home but still harbours resentment that Anna left and failed to be present in their lives. Mother has passed and Gran is in a home with a fading memory.
Anna’s family has always been talked about in whispers as witches. Anna can’t understand how aromatherapy scares them so much. She remembers the pain of growing up in the small town, but returning, she sees there were some good people too.
I enjoyed being a part of Anna’s self discovery. She returns to what she loved as a child - creating scents with meaning. She realizes she can’t hide her essence.
The story is well written with magic referred to subtly. The perfume is magic, just as we all say when a scent connects with us.
The plot continues to move forward with new discoveries or new crimes and a bit of potential romance. I didn’t want to stop reading. Well done!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Anna’s family has always been talked about in whispers as witches. Anna can’t understand how aromatherapy scares them so much. She remembers the pain of growing up in the small town, but returning, she sees there were some good people too.
I enjoyed being a part of Anna’s self discovery. She returns to what she loved as a child - creating scents with meaning. She realizes she can’t hide her essence.
The story is well written with magic referred to subtly. The perfume is magic, just as we all say when a scent connects with us.
The plot continues to move forward with new discoveries or new crimes and a bit of potential romance. I didn’t want to stop reading. Well done!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2025
3.75⭐
First in the Serenity Falls series where scent can be the key to memories and magic. Solid cozy mystery with a lovely magic system and an intelligent protagonist who solves the crime using by using both sides of her gifts, data analysis and scent magic. The author often uses evocative imagery with perfectly turned phrases. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
First in the Serenity Falls series where scent can be the key to memories and magic. Solid cozy mystery with a lovely magic system and an intelligent protagonist who solves the crime using by using both sides of her gifts, data analysis and scent magic. The author often uses evocative imagery with perfectly turned phrases. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2025
#FragranceofForgottenTruths #NetGalley is an intriguing story that I read in one sitting.
Anna and Emilia are sisters who have a lot going on. There mom passed away suddenly and their grandmother has dementia.
Prior to the onset of dementia, their grandmother was an herbalist who made her own perfumes. Anna has inherited the trait, but there's so much more going on and it takes a village to make things right.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Anna and Emilia are sisters who have a lot going on. There mom passed away suddenly and their grandmother has dementia.
Prior to the onset of dementia, their grandmother was an herbalist who made her own perfumes. Anna has inherited the trait, but there's so much more going on and it takes a village to make things right.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 19, 2025
This was cute and cozy, and definitely had promise, but the author needs to think more about why things are happening in this book. Especially at the climax a lot of things were happening that if you think about, didn’t really make sense; Helen just showed up at the right place at the right time. Like why? Why was she even there? There was a dangerous storm going on so why was she outside? Then she starts confessing the murder and changes her perspective on who she thinks is responsible for the dangerous storms in an instant. It’s still not clear to me why she murdered the mother, nor was it ever explained how she did it. I mean, she offers up a flimsy explanation of being afraid that the storms were happening again and she suspected the mom to be the culprit. OK, so then you just murder her, sure. But then it doesn’t make sense that she decided not to murder grandma nor the sister as she believed the entire family to be culpable of these dangerous and life-threatening storms. So therefore, the murder didn’t really make sense (or at least it wasn’t very well thought through) in the first place, but then it makes even less sense when she decides on a different course of action for two other family members. What makes even less sense is that Anna is completely overlooked in this scenario by Helen. She is part of the family too. By Helen’s own logic, Anna should’ve been a target as well. This storyline could have been good but the way that it was executed just didn’t really make sense.
Then the police just magically showed up. Who the hell called them and why? Then they draw their guns and aim them at the people gathered on the bridge. What for? How do they know that something was going on at the bridge in the first place, and why do they feel like they need to arrest people? They can’t have known about Helen being a murderer, so again this doesn’t really make sense.
What also doesn’t make sense is that Helen, who is a wind witch, apparently has perfume magic as well? She was the one who created the perfume that made grandma and Emilia have dementia. How did that happen? This was never explained, and just accepted as normal.
There were so many things that touched upon something that could’ve been good, but just wasn’t well thought out nor well executed. I see potential here, but it needs work.
Then the police just magically showed up. Who the hell called them and why? Then they draw their guns and aim them at the people gathered on the bridge. What for? How do they know that something was going on at the bridge in the first place, and why do they feel like they need to arrest people? They can’t have known about Helen being a murderer, so again this doesn’t really make sense.
What also doesn’t make sense is that Helen, who is a wind witch, apparently has perfume magic as well? She was the one who created the perfume that made grandma and Emilia have dementia. How did that happen? This was never explained, and just accepted as normal.
There were so many things that touched upon something that could’ve been good, but just wasn’t well thought out nor well executed. I see potential here, but it needs work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
After college, Anna Attar fled Serenity Falls, the hometown that rarely showed kindness to her family. Now, coming home after her mother's death, she finds her sister living a reclusive life and her grandmother needing the assistance of a care home. Once again battling the town's prejudice, Anna begins to carve out a life as a bespoke perfumier. But someone has it out for the Attar sisters, and the young women are ready to fight back.
Fragrance of Forgotten Truths held me spellbound. Honestly. It was so easy to root for the main character; she was a delight. Indeed, all the cast felt so real that I wondered if I'd moved to a new town and met many truly wonderful people. They were lifelike with faults and strengths, all created by a talented author.
The plot did meander, I must admit. But this was a blessing as the story's intrigue needed a vast amount of room to play out as it did. And it was beautifully told, leaving me with a keen desire to know where the next book will lead.
I highly recommend this paranormal cosy murder mystery.
Thank you to Iris Applewood and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Fragrance of Forgotten Truths held me spellbound. Honestly. It was so easy to root for the main character; she was a delight. Indeed, all the cast felt so real that I wondered if I'd moved to a new town and met many truly wonderful people. They were lifelike with faults and strengths, all created by a talented author.
The plot did meander, I must admit. But this was a blessing as the story's intrigue needed a vast amount of room to play out as it did. And it was beautifully told, leaving me with a keen desire to know where the next book will lead.
I highly recommend this paranormal cosy murder mystery.
Thank you to Iris Applewood and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
September 12, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
This feels like the perfect book to start fall with. It’s cozy and has the best setting, and I love the idea of scents and memories. I already know certain fragrances can stir up very vivid feelings and memories, so to see that concept here mixed with magic was fun.
Fragrance of Forgotten Truths is part fantasy, part mystery. The mystery not only occurs with someone being poisoned, but also with Anna’s own family history and her mother. Speaking of Anna’s family, the relationship between Anna and Emilia feels real and not perfect, which I appreciate. They are both struggling with their own past and neither is perfect, and I enjoyed reading their relationship.
This book isn’t as fantasy heavy as I wanted to it be, though it finally got into the part about Anna’s abilities and who she is, plus her acceptance, later in the story. Most of the beginning feels more like mystery and family drama, so for me it was a little harder to get into, but I still quite enjoyed the cozy feel of the story, the mystery(s) at hand, and the characters. I’ve been reading books simultaneously lately, and I know I’m overall enjoying the story if I keep wanting to go back and steal glances at scenes. In large part this was a character thing, but as the book evolved and the witchy fantasy part became stronger, I fell in love. So I think this book will certainly appeal to a wide variety of people across the mystery and fantasy genres. It isn’t too complicated, which makes it just right for a shorter read that still has characters you will feel invested in. And maybe it will make you want to go out and mix your own perfume!
This feels like the perfect book to start fall with. It’s cozy and has the best setting, and I love the idea of scents and memories. I already know certain fragrances can stir up very vivid feelings and memories, so to see that concept here mixed with magic was fun.
Fragrance of Forgotten Truths is part fantasy, part mystery. The mystery not only occurs with someone being poisoned, but also with Anna’s own family history and her mother. Speaking of Anna’s family, the relationship between Anna and Emilia feels real and not perfect, which I appreciate. They are both struggling with their own past and neither is perfect, and I enjoyed reading their relationship.
This book isn’t as fantasy heavy as I wanted to it be, though it finally got into the part about Anna’s abilities and who she is, plus her acceptance, later in the story. Most of the beginning feels more like mystery and family drama, so for me it was a little harder to get into, but I still quite enjoyed the cozy feel of the story, the mystery(s) at hand, and the characters. I’ve been reading books simultaneously lately, and I know I’m overall enjoying the story if I keep wanting to go back and steal glances at scenes. In large part this was a character thing, but as the book evolved and the witchy fantasy part became stronger, I fell in love. So I think this book will certainly appeal to a wide variety of people across the mystery and fantasy genres. It isn’t too complicated, which makes it just right for a shorter read that still has characters you will feel invested in. And maybe it will make you want to go out and mix your own perfume!
June 25, 2025
3.25 Stars
Ah, yet another book perfectly suited to my tastes. Another witchy cozy mystery set in a small town. This one follows two sisters, Anna & Emilia, who lost their mother a few years ago, and have both been dealing with the tragedy in different ways. Anna moved away to start a new life, and Emilia tucked herself away at home, becoming isolated. Anna moves back to her hometown with her sister after losing her job. She has to adjust back to her childhood home, Serenity Falls, which she describes as both comforting and disorientating. As she settles back into her old home, old secrets begin to emerge.
When visiting their elderly grandmother, diagnosed with dementia, asks them about their mother's killer. This sparks a litany of events, and both sisters are embroiled in a decades old mystery.
I really enjoyed the bond between the two sisters and their growth over the series. Both Anna and Emilia retreated in themselves in different ways to deal with their grief, and seeing them work through the grief together was very heartwarming and uplifting. The mystery portion was just ok, I think, but it was a good way to maneuver the plot forward. There was enough intrigue to keep me interested, though most of my investment in the story was for the sisters. Some witches, a little magic, and some lovely perfume all coalesced for a pleasant read. There is even a spot of romance and the hint of a love triangle brewing. While the story was not particularly imaginative, I thought it was sweet and am interested enough to continue the series. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy! All opinions expressed are my own.
Ah, yet another book perfectly suited to my tastes. Another witchy cozy mystery set in a small town. This one follows two sisters, Anna & Emilia, who lost their mother a few years ago, and have both been dealing with the tragedy in different ways. Anna moved away to start a new life, and Emilia tucked herself away at home, becoming isolated. Anna moves back to her hometown with her sister after losing her job. She has to adjust back to her childhood home, Serenity Falls, which she describes as both comforting and disorientating. As she settles back into her old home, old secrets begin to emerge.
When visiting their elderly grandmother, diagnosed with dementia, asks them about their mother's killer. This sparks a litany of events, and both sisters are embroiled in a decades old mystery.
I really enjoyed the bond between the two sisters and their growth over the series. Both Anna and Emilia retreated in themselves in different ways to deal with their grief, and seeing them work through the grief together was very heartwarming and uplifting. The mystery portion was just ok, I think, but it was a good way to maneuver the plot forward. There was enough intrigue to keep me interested, though most of my investment in the story was for the sisters. Some witches, a little magic, and some lovely perfume all coalesced for a pleasant read. There is even a spot of romance and the hint of a love triangle brewing. While the story was not particularly imaginative, I thought it was sweet and am interested enough to continue the series. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy! All opinions expressed are my own.
July 4, 2025
I really got pulled into this one right from the start. There’s something about the mix of small-town vibes, family secrets, and a touch of magic that just clicked for me! The way the story uses scent as a way to unlock memories and emotions was really cool and added a beautiful layer to the story. It wasn’t just about solving a crime; it was about uncovering what people try to hide, both from others and themselves.
Anna is the kind of character you can’t help but root for. She’s dealing with a lot—her past, her family, and trying to find a place where she belongs. Her relationship with her sister felt real and layered, full of tension and love in equal parts. Watching Anna come back to her family’s traditions and figure out what she wants for herself was one of my favorite parts. It’s slow and honest, but it never feels rushed or fake.
The mystery kept me guessing, with some twists that genuinely surprised me. But what really stood out was the atmosphere. Serenity Falls truly felt alive, with its own history and secrets weighing on everyone. The writing is warm and inviting but also just a little ominous, like you’re wandering through a foggy town where not everything is as it seems.
If you’re into cozy mysteries with heart, a little magic, and characters who feel like real people, this one’s definitely worth your time. It left me thinking about family and forgiveness long after I finished it.
Anna is the kind of character you can’t help but root for. She’s dealing with a lot—her past, her family, and trying to find a place where she belongs. Her relationship with her sister felt real and layered, full of tension and love in equal parts. Watching Anna come back to her family’s traditions and figure out what she wants for herself was one of my favorite parts. It’s slow and honest, but it never feels rushed or fake.
The mystery kept me guessing, with some twists that genuinely surprised me. But what really stood out was the atmosphere. Serenity Falls truly felt alive, with its own history and secrets weighing on everyone. The writing is warm and inviting but also just a little ominous, like you’re wandering through a foggy town where not everything is as it seems.
If you’re into cozy mysteries with heart, a little magic, and characters who feel like real people, this one’s definitely worth your time. It left me thinking about family and forgiveness long after I finished it.
July 12, 2025
This was a beautiful book! I loved how the author painted with scents and tastes, creating a magical world.
The story begins with Anna Attar returning to her childhood home after losing her job as a research scientist, and contending with the fallout from her mother's death and her grandmother's dementia. While Anna jumped into her job, her sister Emelia jumped into true crime mysteries and figuring out how much she could do without actually leaving the house.
Instead of searching for a new ticket out of her hometown, Anna starts to embrace the teachings of her mother and grandmother, putting together a perfume business of her own. However, as she starts to distill through the different notes of each fragrance, she also starts to cut through the mysterious events that upended her family; discovering secrets that some people would rather keep buried. Can Anna discover what happened or is it all a huge red herring?
I absolutely adored this story! I loved how the author balanced the seemingly competing narratives that make up Anna Attar. She goes from the girl who couldn't find her home in high school to the girl who comes back after seeing the world. She jumps from a creative magical world of aromatherapy the the astringent world of scientific research... It is a fascinating dichotomy.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story begins with Anna Attar returning to her childhood home after losing her job as a research scientist, and contending with the fallout from her mother's death and her grandmother's dementia. While Anna jumped into her job, her sister Emelia jumped into true crime mysteries and figuring out how much she could do without actually leaving the house.
Instead of searching for a new ticket out of her hometown, Anna starts to embrace the teachings of her mother and grandmother, putting together a perfume business of her own. However, as she starts to distill through the different notes of each fragrance, she also starts to cut through the mysterious events that upended her family; discovering secrets that some people would rather keep buried. Can Anna discover what happened or is it all a huge red herring?
I absolutely adored this story! I loved how the author balanced the seemingly competing narratives that make up Anna Attar. She goes from the girl who couldn't find her home in high school to the girl who comes back after seeing the world. She jumps from a creative magical world of aromatherapy the the astringent world of scientific research... It is a fascinating dichotomy.
I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A captivating, emotional, and magical cozy mystery.
I have to admit that my sense of smell is very important to me; many of my memories are tied to specific scents, and certain smells can evoke particular emotions. When I discovered that the author, Iris Applewood, created a main character whose magic revolves around perfumery and the sense of smell, I was completely captivated.
The main character, Anna, returns to her hometown after losing her job of six years to help her younger sister, Emilia, who is caring for their grandmother with dementia. This reunion is long overdue, and while the sisters share a loving bond, there is a subtle yet palpable tension between them.
Anna has a special connection to her family's perfumery business, which closed following their mother's death the previous year. With Emilia's encouragement, she decides to create some perfumes for the town's local farmers' market. At the market, we learn more about the town's history, its residents, and the family's complicated past.
Someone in town has a grudge against the family, creating issues and trouble for the sisters. I was completely enchanted by the mystery surrounding the Attar family and its connections to the town's history. It's a great cozy read—I highly recommend it!
Thank you to BookSirens, Enchanted Owl Publishing, and author Iris Applewood for providing this free ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have to admit that my sense of smell is very important to me; many of my memories are tied to specific scents, and certain smells can evoke particular emotions. When I discovered that the author, Iris Applewood, created a main character whose magic revolves around perfumery and the sense of smell, I was completely captivated.
The main character, Anna, returns to her hometown after losing her job of six years to help her younger sister, Emilia, who is caring for their grandmother with dementia. This reunion is long overdue, and while the sisters share a loving bond, there is a subtle yet palpable tension between them.
Anna has a special connection to her family's perfumery business, which closed following their mother's death the previous year. With Emilia's encouragement, she decides to create some perfumes for the town's local farmers' market. At the market, we learn more about the town's history, its residents, and the family's complicated past.
Someone in town has a grudge against the family, creating issues and trouble for the sisters. I was completely enchanted by the mystery surrounding the Attar family and its connections to the town's history. It's a great cozy read—I highly recommend it!
Thank you to BookSirens, Enchanted Owl Publishing, and author Iris Applewood for providing this free ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2025
Returning to her family home, Anna finds her hometown cloaked in a mystery that snuffed out more than one life.
As a reluctant detective, Anna searches for a truth that will set her free from the shadows clawing at the fabric of her family.
Everyone knows that smell can trigger even early childhood memories. Just imagine you could create a smell that would unearth a truth you’d rather ignore? And what if a fragrance could bring to light your true character?
Iris Applewood brings to life powerful characters that turn the romantic little town of Serenity Falls into a haunted place.
I was enchanted with Anna and her sister and didn’t want this book to end. I wanted to stay with Anna, whom I got to know like a dear friend.
With Fragrance of Forgotten Truths, her second book, Iris Applewood has put Serenity Falls on the map of magical realism, where it will sparkle for as long as readers want to be wrapped in cozy mystery.
The author must’ve known that it would be difficult to close the book, so she included some recipes for the reader to create magic at home.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this fantastic series. To shorten their wait time for the next book, readers can order Applewood’s first book in her series of contemporary fantasy, “Keeper of Lost Loves.”
As a reluctant detective, Anna searches for a truth that will set her free from the shadows clawing at the fabric of her family.
Everyone knows that smell can trigger even early childhood memories. Just imagine you could create a smell that would unearth a truth you’d rather ignore? And what if a fragrance could bring to light your true character?
Iris Applewood brings to life powerful characters that turn the romantic little town of Serenity Falls into a haunted place.
I was enchanted with Anna and her sister and didn’t want this book to end. I wanted to stay with Anna, whom I got to know like a dear friend.
With Fragrance of Forgotten Truths, her second book, Iris Applewood has put Serenity Falls on the map of magical realism, where it will sparkle for as long as readers want to be wrapped in cozy mystery.
The author must’ve known that it would be difficult to close the book, so she included some recipes for the reader to create magic at home.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this fantastic series. To shorten their wait time for the next book, readers can order Applewood’s first book in her series of contemporary fantasy, “Keeper of Lost Loves.”
July 9, 2025
Anna Attar returns to her family home in Serenity Falls on the heels of losing her research job in the city
Her sister, Emilia, is living in the family home after the untimely death of their mother and the development of dementia in her Grandmother. Emilia is certain that her mother's death was not a natural one and has become a virtual recluse after suffering several tragic losses.
After Anna discovers her Gran’s perfume-making oils and her beloved perfume organ, she decides to put her skills to use making perfumes and selling them in the farmer's market. And she makes a special blend that she is certain will bring back her Gran’s memories.
But, this is easier said than done. There are more secrets to this town than you could imagine. Secrets and lies keep Anna and Emilia investigating until the surprising conclusion.
I LOVED this book! The plot is something I haven't read in other cozies and the author flawlessly blends the oils and their aromatherapy/magical properties into Anna’s scents. As a dabbler in the art of perfumery, I was very impressed! I highly recommend this cozy!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!
Her sister, Emilia, is living in the family home after the untimely death of their mother and the development of dementia in her Grandmother. Emilia is certain that her mother's death was not a natural one and has become a virtual recluse after suffering several tragic losses.
After Anna discovers her Gran’s perfume-making oils and her beloved perfume organ, she decides to put her skills to use making perfumes and selling them in the farmer's market. And she makes a special blend that she is certain will bring back her Gran’s memories.
But, this is easier said than done. There are more secrets to this town than you could imagine. Secrets and lies keep Anna and Emilia investigating until the surprising conclusion.
I LOVED this book! The plot is something I haven't read in other cozies and the author flawlessly blends the oils and their aromatherapy/magical properties into Anna’s scents. As a dabbler in the art of perfumery, I was very impressed! I highly recommend this cozy!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!
July 30, 2025
If you want to read and savor an enchanting cozy mystery set in a small town that is filled with hints of magic, then I highly recommend Fragrance of Forgotten Truths. I really enjoyed this book, and could not put it down once I started reading.
Anna Attar is back home in Serenity Falls after being away for ten years. She is staying with her sister Emilia, who much prefers working from home and binging on True Crime shows. Anna’s grandmother is sadly in a nursing home with dementia. Anna’s heritage is of a family of perfumers, scents created with herbs, flowers, and magic. But someone does not want Anna bringing the family business back to life and will do anything to stop her.
I loved the characters, each created with their own unique voice. The descriptions were so vivid I could almost smell the divine perfumes that Anna creates.
I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say that the ultimate showdown of good vs evil, and the subsequent ending, were enthralling. I read with my eyes open wide and goosebumps popping up on my arms. Bravo Iris Applewood!
Thank you to NetGalley and Enchanted Owl for giving me the opportunity to read and leave an honest review.
Anna Attar is back home in Serenity Falls after being away for ten years. She is staying with her sister Emilia, who much prefers working from home and binging on True Crime shows. Anna’s grandmother is sadly in a nursing home with dementia. Anna’s heritage is of a family of perfumers, scents created with herbs, flowers, and magic. But someone does not want Anna bringing the family business back to life and will do anything to stop her.
I loved the characters, each created with their own unique voice. The descriptions were so vivid I could almost smell the divine perfumes that Anna creates.
I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just say that the ultimate showdown of good vs evil, and the subsequent ending, were enthralling. I read with my eyes open wide and goosebumps popping up on my arms. Bravo Iris Applewood!
Thank you to NetGalley and Enchanted Owl for giving me the opportunity to read and leave an honest review.
August 3, 2025
A romance wrapped around in a mystery and lightly spritzed with magic. That's what I saw myself writing as a review when I had only read about half the book. But the book changed gears around 60 pages from the end and became full-on magic. Now that's not a bad thing if you are a reader who enjoys magic and fantasy in all its ramifications. I prefer only a very light, almost background, touch with fantasy of any kind. Just a personal preference. So just choose according to what you like.
I did enjoy the book, though. The characters of Anna and Emilia were fine, and well differentiated. I wasn't quite so happy with Marianne and Tabitha as they seemed to change in the last part of the book too. Just revealing themselves, I suppose. The fact the whole thing was set against a background of perfumes and aromatherapy was excellent and quite compelling even apart from the magic.
We are never told where the small town of Serenity Falls is. It could be just half an hours drive away, or it could be the other side of the world. And that seems excellent to me. The reader can interpret however he or she prefers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did enjoy the book, though. The characters of Anna and Emilia were fine, and well differentiated. I wasn't quite so happy with Marianne and Tabitha as they seemed to change in the last part of the book too. Just revealing themselves, I suppose. The fact the whole thing was set against a background of perfumes and aromatherapy was excellent and quite compelling even apart from the magic.
We are never told where the small town of Serenity Falls is. It could be just half an hours drive away, or it could be the other side of the world. And that seems excellent to me. The reader can interpret however he or she prefers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2025
Out of a job, Anna returns home to Serenity Falls to her family home where her sister Emilia lives. Their mother died suddenly and their grandmother is in a senior residence, suffering Alzheimer's. So many memories and discovering things Anna had forgotten come back to her. She even pulls out her grandmothers grimoire for fragrance recipes. Anna, as a little girl created with her grandmother. She discovers a recipe for remembering. Thinking it would help their grandmother, she creates the perfume to remember. It works, but the Grandmother got agitated and as they are returning her to her room she bellows out to the girls asking if they found the person who killed their mom. Everyone was told she had a heart attack, so who and how? Trying to earn money they open a booth at the market selling her perfumes. Her memory perfume works maybe too well. Word spreads thru the town where there are some not happy with the 'magic'. Someone with a vendetta steals every vial of the perfume and their grandmothers grimoire. This puts the sisters into full detective mode. First to find the thief and also find a murderer. I truly enjoyed this book for many reasons.
August 9, 2025
The Attar family is a bit notorious in the small town of Serenity Falls. It's part of why Anna moved away to become a researcher and stayed away for so long, too. But circumstances have changed, bringing her back home after a long time away. Things have certainly changed since she left, and she doesn't know what that means for her future but she's here now and trying to make it work. However, fate has a different idea in store for her after she learns her mother's death may not have been as natural as she thought. Foul play may have been involved, leaving Anna and her sister, Emilia, to figure out who may have been behind this sinister plot.
My first thought was that the vibe of this book reminds me of the cozy feeling from an early 2000s show like Gilmore Girls. The story, while being something of a murder mystery, is immensely heartwarming and quaint. Serenity Falls is a small town where news travels fast, leading to a rather fast-paced plot. The magic isn't focused on all that much given the main character's magic is invoked within perfumes; rather the murder mystery is more prevalent for most of the book. I rather enjoyed the story and liked how light-hearted it remained throughout. It felt like a wonderful balance between a murder mystery taking place in a cozy town!
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My first thought was that the vibe of this book reminds me of the cozy feeling from an early 2000s show like Gilmore Girls. The story, while being something of a murder mystery, is immensely heartwarming and quaint. Serenity Falls is a small town where news travels fast, leading to a rather fast-paced plot. The magic isn't focused on all that much given the main character's magic is invoked within perfumes; rather the murder mystery is more prevalent for most of the book. I rather enjoyed the story and liked how light-hearted it remained throughout. It felt like a wonderful balance between a murder mystery taking place in a cozy town!
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2025
This book was so much more than the synopsis in such a heartwarming and unique way!
What initially drew me in was the promise of magical realism and cozy mystery! What kept me coming back was the beautiful descriptions of aromatherapy, friendship, and community.
My favorite theme was the importance of family, but especially caring for the elderly. There were many touching moments!
I enjoyed the banter between the Attar sisters and their growth together throughout the story. The sibling relationships felt relatable and enjoyable!
What I didn't expect was for the magical elements to become so intertwined with the plot and the mystery. The plot development made the solution so much more interesting and satisfying!
I received an advance review copy of this lovely cozy book for free from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you so much to the author and BookSirens for the chance to read this lovely book! I would definitely read another Serenity Falls Mystery and will be following the author to see what she writes next!
What initially drew me in was the promise of magical realism and cozy mystery! What kept me coming back was the beautiful descriptions of aromatherapy, friendship, and community.
My favorite theme was the importance of family, but especially caring for the elderly. There were many touching moments!
I enjoyed the banter between the Attar sisters and their growth together throughout the story. The sibling relationships felt relatable and enjoyable!
What I didn't expect was for the magical elements to become so intertwined with the plot and the mystery. The plot development made the solution so much more interesting and satisfying!
I received an advance review copy of this lovely cozy book for free from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you so much to the author and BookSirens for the chance to read this lovely book! I would definitely read another Serenity Falls Mystery and will be following the author to see what she writes next!
July 3, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. It's an absolute pleasure to review this cozy mystery set in a charming village with its cobblestone square and idyllic shops where within just a sentence or two we are drawn into the world of artisan food shops and cozy coffee houses. Uniquely, we are treated to deft descriptions of scent layered into every scene (with zero cliche). From the earthy rain-washed cobbles to the cinnamon warmth of the coffee shop, I found myself revelling in just how beautiful this book is from the care that the author gave into bringing the power of scent into her story.
The story itself is a pleasing mix of cozy mystery, light romance, and nostalgia. I found myself wanting to live in this place and wishing I were the heroine with her passion for creating perfumes. I tried my best to guess whodunnit, but alas I was wrong at every turn! I devoured this quick read in a day, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
The story itself is a pleasing mix of cozy mystery, light romance, and nostalgia. I found myself wanting to live in this place and wishing I were the heroine with her passion for creating perfumes. I tried my best to guess whodunnit, but alas I was wrong at every turn! I devoured this quick read in a day, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
July 7, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, I loved the relationship between the sisters, their house and the small town set.
Took a star off for them investigating their own mother’s murder, yet their language about it sounded more like they’re just playing a board game of murder mystery, just didn’t find it fitting to the circumstances. Also, after the murderer was found, it was all forgiven/forgotten/glanced over way too fast to my liking as well. I expected more emotions there, from the daughters and the mother too. Maybe it was resolved this way to keep the cozy vibes?
I really liked the way aromatherapy was brought in and has been made magic-like and some revelations at the end were nice.
I’m a bit confused how/why their mom didn’t know that their perfume shop was bought out by the organisation she herself belonged to? Did I somehow miss that part explained? Let me know if you know! :D
Thank you booksirens for my ARC, it was another delightful read! :)
Took a star off for them investigating their own mother’s murder, yet their language about it sounded more like they’re just playing a board game of murder mystery, just didn’t find it fitting to the circumstances. Also, after the murderer was found, it was all forgiven/forgotten/glanced over way too fast to my liking as well. I expected more emotions there, from the daughters and the mother too. Maybe it was resolved this way to keep the cozy vibes?
I really liked the way aromatherapy was brought in and has been made magic-like and some revelations at the end were nice.
I’m a bit confused how/why their mom didn’t know that their perfume shop was bought out by the organisation she herself belonged to? Did I somehow miss that part explained? Let me know if you know! :D
Thank you booksirens for my ARC, it was another delightful read! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
I received an ER copy of Fragrance of Forgotten Truths by Iris Applewood from LibraryThing in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
I give this book 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this story. I like the red herrings and the twists and turns. I'm always a fan of cozy whodunit mysteries. I hope and look forward to subsequent stories in the same universe. I enjoy the blending of science and magic, especially in regards to aromatherapy/perfumery.
I had a hard time putting this down, forgoing a few hours of sleep to keep reading, as the author hooks you in and gets you invested in the characters pretty quickly. Every new person, you question, is this an ally? or an enemy?
I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mystery, contemporary modern day magic, hometown secrets, quirky characters and families steep in whispers.
Be warned, you will be wanting to revisit this little universe as quickly as possible.
I give this book 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this story. I like the red herrings and the twists and turns. I'm always a fan of cozy whodunit mysteries. I hope and look forward to subsequent stories in the same universe. I enjoy the blending of science and magic, especially in regards to aromatherapy/perfumery.
I had a hard time putting this down, forgoing a few hours of sleep to keep reading, as the author hooks you in and gets you invested in the characters pretty quickly. Every new person, you question, is this an ally? or an enemy?
I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mystery, contemporary modern day magic, hometown secrets, quirky characters and families steep in whispers.
Be warned, you will be wanting to revisit this little universe as quickly as possible.
June 29, 2025
Synopsis: After losing her city job, Anna returns to her small hometown and the painful memories she left behind - her mother's sudden heart attack, her grandmother's dementia, and the town's whispered disdain for her family's herbal perfume business. But Anna's newfound peace relaunching her family's perfume business is shattered when her grandmother suddenly shares in a moment of clearness that Anna's mother's death wasn't an accident. As Anna and her sister uncover the town's dark secrets, there's more to fear than mortal threats as magic stirs beneath the surface and old enemies emerge.
Review: Small town contemporary fiction dealing with family problems just isn't for me, and the magical part of the story was so sudden and unnatural and came far too late to bring me back.
With thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review: Small town contemporary fiction dealing with family problems just isn't for me, and the magical part of the story was so sudden and unnatural and came far too late to bring me back.
With thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2025
The beautiful unique cover really drew me into this story. I love the idea of the fragrance ingredients having unique properties that trigger things in people.
The main character, Anna, really grew and matured during the story. Her sister, Emilia, was my favorite, a really fun character. I love how the book was about family and friends and all of that really strengthen by the end.
There is an assortment of different mysteries in the past and present but all linked together. Lots of twists and surprises.
It took me a bit to get into at first but once I hit a certain point, the story really took off and I was hook.
A really great start to a new series. Can’t wait to read more about all of these characters.
The main character, Anna, really grew and matured during the story. Her sister, Emilia, was my favorite, a really fun character. I love how the book was about family and friends and all of that really strengthen by the end.
There is an assortment of different mysteries in the past and present but all linked together. Lots of twists and surprises.
It took me a bit to get into at first but once I hit a certain point, the story really took off and I was hook.
A really great start to a new series. Can’t wait to read more about all of these characters.
June 18, 2025
As I’ve said before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, I’m always on the hunt for a book that fits into the genres I adore. I requested this one on that premise. I did get a good book, and it fell mostly into the genres I like best. I really liked the Attar sisters, and I thought they had a lot of good growth throughout the book. While I loved the book by the end and definitely want more, this book wasn’t exactly perfect, with a little bit of difficulty in the book trying to decide what genre it wanted to be exactly (romance, suspense, both, magic, no magic, etc). However, once it settled in, it was great. I do want more. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
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