Keeper & Kindred

Meow: Magical Emporium of Wares #2

by Toni Binns

Welcome to the Magical Emporium of Wares, a bookshop that appears only to those who need to find it.

The winter solstice is coming, and with it, a reckoning.

Sable thought being the Shopkeeper meant serving coffee, shelving books, and managing a talking cat's attitude. She's made peace with the magic, even embraced her role as guardian to Indigo, the world's most curious baby bookdragon. But as the solstice draws near, a magical teacher arrives at the shop's door—someone from the Cat's past who might hold the key to his freedom.

The Fates begin whispering to Sable through golden auras. Old bargains, made long before her time, surface with dangerous demands. And somewhere in the chaos of rearranging shelves, interrogating a cryptic teacher, and managing interdimensional customers, Sable has to figure out how to tell her mother she won't be home for the holidays.

The secrets she's uncovered can't be ignored. And the Cat—mysterious, maddening, and more vulnerable than he'd ever admit—might be the key to everything, if only Sable can get him to trust her.

Coffee can only solve so many problems. But friendship, courage, and one very determined Shopkeeper might just be enough.

Discover what lies beneath the Emporium's cozy surface—pick up your copy of Magical Emporium of Wares Book 2 today!

Genres: Fantasy

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2026

About the author

I'm an author who loves a good cozy fantasy. My stories are filled with warm vibes, found families, and just enough magic to make things interesting. I started writing to escape the real world, and I hope my books can be a warm hug for you, too.

Reviews

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to be back at MEOW. I missed Sable, the cat and Indigo.

This is such a cosy fantasy world that I wish I could visit. I love the shop, the magic and all the different magical creatures.

There’s lots of mystery and intrigue about the cat and Sable and we’re learning more about each of them which is exciting. It’s a little frustratingly slow at times but in a good way. It’s keeping me intrigued and wanting more.

I still adore Indigo. She is just too sweet and I love her relationship with Sable and her dragon family.

I enjoy the dual pov from Sable and the cat. I feel like we’re getting a bit more from th cat tho book which I enjoy.

This was definitely another 4⭐️ read for me. I just want more and can’t wait for book 3. The ending did seem really abrupt though and ended too suddenly for me.

[Kat Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wheehee! more of Sable and the Magical Emporium of Works! Plus Indigo the book dragon, grumpy Cat, Betty, and a wealth of other delightful characters. (Yes I read and ARC provided by the author.)

This second book in the MEOW series starts exactly where the first left off, which was a little disorienting since I hadn't read the first book recently. I had to go back and reread the last couple of chapters of Contracts and Cats to catch up. Small annoyance, but the rest of the book made up for it. More fun cozy adventures in the magical shop with further revelations about family, friends, and the machinations of Fate. Also more book dragon, more fun creatures, and the return of several intriguing characters from Book 1. Plus rising stakes, family secrets, and maybe... romance in the future? Who knows?

Sable is getting the hang of being the Keeper, sometimes to the disgruntlement of Cat, and finding her own magic. Where will it all lead? well... once again, we don't know and, once again, I give a slightly reduced star rating because the ending is a bigger cliffhanger than the previous volume, Alas! But loved it nonetheless! luckily, Toni writes fast...

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came out of Contracts & Cats with very high expectations, and by the Cat did Toni deliver.
This book had everything the first one had, with a dash of added mystery.
While the everyday life in the MEOW continues its due process, with an extremely diverse cast of customers popping in, the mystery around the Cat, and especially around Sable, thickens by the minute.

If Contracts & Cats was a warm hug and a cup of hot cocoa, Keeper & Kindred adds just a touch of chili to the mix. Not enough to ruin the coziness, but it brings that hint of something more. Some tension, a sense that something bigger is in the works behind the scenes.

At the end of the day, the biggest selling point for me is once again the little bookdragon; Indigo. She stole my heart in the first book and is refusing to give it back. At this point, let her have it, it would break if I had to steal it back from her anyway.

I still very much enjoy the fact that the chapters are many but short, bite-sized. It was so easy to squeeze in a chapter here and there without having to worry about being forced to stop mid-chapter for whatever reason.

[Spinneretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

cosy

Picking up where volume one left off, we are back with Sable, Cat, and Indigo in the Magical Emporium Of Wares, Betty.
This time, Sable is trying to figure out how to help the Cat, helping Indigo’s family, and looking forward to the Winter Solstice, although she misses her family.
Along the way, she and Cat help other people with the things they need, and Sable makes some important magical strides!

Just like the first volume, this book is a warm and cosy read, with a lovely cast of characters and set in an intriguing universe. I love the sentient shop, the mystery surrounding the Cat (and what he did), and especially the baby book dragon; but even Sable’s family are lovely characters.
It’s an enjoyable story, and I’m hoping we find out some more about Sable, her family, and her quest to help the Cat out from his curse soon— I have faith in her abilities!

This is a lovely, cosy fantasy, with en enjoyable, slow paced story. It’s perfect for those who want a low tension/angst read, and especially those who love sentient buildings, dragons, and a redemption arc.

[Literary Purrception · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

I had the pleasure of ARC reading both book 1 and book 2 of Meow: Magical Emporium of Wares and it is like a big warm hug. Super cozy, adorable, humorous, and even includes its own surprises and things that need to be overcome. It is a true story of found family and making a family out of something that is more than just blood and genes.

Keeper & Kindred does not suffer from book 2 syndrome, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it more enjoyable than the first installment. The author has managed to do a wonderful job carrying on the story without it falling into the stalling and dragging pit falls. She continues to keep you engaged in the storyline and while you start to gather some answers from the first book, you begin to have new questions arise.

This read has come at a wonderful time for me and is a great option if you ever just need something light and cozy to warm your soul. Although, be warned.. These books get dangerous for the waistline, and cravings are a serious potential side effect.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni said she wanted this book to feel like a hug on the page and that’s exactly what she’s accomplished with this series. There’s just something comforting about Sable’s, Indigo’s and the Cat’s daily lives at MEOW that has me reluctant to close the pages of this magical world the author has created.

Keeper and Kindred continues from where the first book ended and we journey along with Sable as she discovers more about the shop, magical beings, her family and her own inherent power. Through it all her desire to help the Cat find freedom from his fate and willingness to nurture Indigo, never fades.

The found family they’ve created at Meow including the sentient shop remains one of my favorite elements of this series. I’m almost always left with a sweet tooth after every chapter that has delicious drinks and cookies described.

If you’re looking for a read to brighten your day and put a smile on your face, then Keeper and Kindred is the perfect book for you.

[Rebecca Chesterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely addition to the series and I'm really looking forward to the next book already! The found family trope is a favorite of mine, along with cats and magical creatures, so this is right up my alley. The only tiny gripe I have is that it's been long enough between the books that I've forgotten about some of the minor characters and could have used a little reminder of how they fit in the story. This is only a very MINOR issue and didn't lessen my enjoyment. I just spent some time trying to remember some folks who appeared "out of the blue" in this installment. A little bit of backstory would be much appreciated in the next book, but nothing would stop me from getting the next part of the story as soon as it's available!

Thanks to Toni for letting me grab this a bit early!

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Keeper & Kindred is cozy fantasy at its best — a gentle slice‑of‑life story set inside a magical bookshop complete with its own tiny dragon. Returning to Sable, Cat, and Indigo felt like slipping back into a warm, familiar space, but with enough new intrigue to keep the pages turning.

I enjoyed this instalment even more than the first. The pacing felt smoother, with more happening in each chapter and far less repetition. It was genuinely hard to put down, and I found myself wanting to linger in this world long after I finished.

I’m already looking forward to the next book, especially to see what’s really going on with Sable’s brother.

[Courtney Gittins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5

This is an excellent low stakes, cosy, fantasy read. In this book we get more information about the bookshop and the Cat, plus even more Indigo antics.

This book follows along with Sable’s journey of discovering herself and abilities and connection with the shop, Betty.

This story is easy to read, it’s like putting on a cosy, familiar show that is comforting and soothing and honestly a perfect companion to current news events. I can’t wait for the next book to delve deeper into the characters journeys!

Thank you Toni for providing an advanced copy of this book, I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Yuuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author. Thank you!

This installment was just as cozy and low stakes as the first book. I really enjoy this series because it’s so laid back and a lot of fun, but there’s just enough of a fantasy element to it to keep it interesting, while staying in the (mostly) normal world. Though we are getting teased with a bit of magical mysteries this time around.

Truly, this is the perfect series to read when you just want to decompress and sit with a mug of coffee and a sweet treat.

[Meg O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

K&K is a much anticipated continuation of the magic that is Contracts & Cats. We get to catch up with a wisening Sable, a thawing Cat, and a growing Indigo to see just how this chosen family grows together, and individually. This cozy magical tale spans worlds and time to prove just how much believing in yourself and others can change the threads of fate.

I found myself smiling through the adventures and rooting for these friends as they traverse new experiences. Also, waffles and bacon anyone?

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Keeper & Kindred! As with the first book in the series, this is one of those books to read when you want to feel better. It's the cozy fantasy equivalent of being wrapped up in a soft blanket with your favorite warm beverage. I love the characters, and the story is so engrossing. I always want to know what happens next, but it's a comfortable, eager feeling, never nail-biting or edge of my seat. I highly recommend Keeper & Kindred, just be sure to read the first book of the MEOW series first if you haven't yet.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved coming back to MEOW! It was an excellent journey and the atmosphere smelled amazingly like espresso. With the extra mystery of The Cat, the family drama surrounding Sable, and the charm of Indigo, I was incredibly cozy while reading.

[Linda Clausen · Rating 3 out of 5]

good writer.

I found her literary gymnastics in presenting a delightful Christmas story with Christian values as pagan beliefs very sad. The author clearly has great talent and no faith.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Toni for the ARC and much appreciated warm & cozy vibes. I really need to get my own Indigo. 💜

[Andrea Wasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great continuation of a wonderful, cozy world. Some questions start getting answered, but the answers add a ton more questions. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes!

[Barbara Kristoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This is a very fun read if you’re looking for a cozy fantasy with dragons, a cursed Fey Lord, and a sentient house.