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A Magical Mending: a cozy fantasy
After decades of war, battle-mage Saya Duskbane expected to die with a weapon in her hand.
Instead, she survives—only to lose everything she fought her family, her purpose, and the magic she once trusted.
When illness nearly ends her life, one question
What do you do when the fight is over, but the wounds remain?
With nothing left in the North but war stories and ghosts, Saya flees to her mother’s abandoned cottage in the warm, sea-swept village of Spring Hill. The cottage is crooked, the roof leaks, and something is definitely living in the walls—but it’s hers.
She intends to spend her quiet days repairing her cottage as she heals. She does not intend to acquire a loyal hound, a stubborn old maid, a cottage full of small mysteries, unpredictable magic, or a village determined to welcome her home.
But as Saya begins to stitch a new life together, her magic stirs—not with violence, but with something softer and older. Something her mother once whispered magic meant not for battle, but for belonging.
To rebuild her home—and herself—Saya must face the grief she outran, the magic she fears, and the quiet truth that healing is its own kind of courage.
A cozy fantasy for readers of T. Kingfisher, Travis Baldree, and The Spellshop—a story of second chances, soft magic, rekindled hope, and the strange, wonderful ways we find home after the world falls apart.
Instead, she survives—only to lose everything she fought her family, her purpose, and the magic she once trusted.
When illness nearly ends her life, one question
What do you do when the fight is over, but the wounds remain?
With nothing left in the North but war stories and ghosts, Saya flees to her mother’s abandoned cottage in the warm, sea-swept village of Spring Hill. The cottage is crooked, the roof leaks, and something is definitely living in the walls—but it’s hers.
She intends to spend her quiet days repairing her cottage as she heals. She does not intend to acquire a loyal hound, a stubborn old maid, a cottage full of small mysteries, unpredictable magic, or a village determined to welcome her home.
But as Saya begins to stitch a new life together, her magic stirs—not with violence, but with something softer and older. Something her mother once whispered magic meant not for battle, but for belonging.
To rebuild her home—and herself—Saya must face the grief she outran, the magic she fears, and the quiet truth that healing is its own kind of courage.
A cozy fantasy for readers of T. Kingfisher, Travis Baldree, and The Spellshop—a story of second chances, soft magic, rekindled hope, and the strange, wonderful ways we find home after the world falls apart.
- GenresFantasy
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2025
7 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Kory M. Shrum
53 books649 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Kory M. Shrum has published more than thirty books, including the bestselling Shadows in the Water series.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
She hosts two podcasts—Who Killed My Mother?, a true-crime podcast about her mother’s tragic death, and A Well Cared For Human, focused on practical strategies for wellbeing and personal transformation.
She also publishes poetry under the name K.B. Marie.
When not writing, speaking, or pursuing one of her 300 hobbies, she can usually be found under thick blankets with snacks. The kettle is almost always on.
She lives in Michigan with her equally bookish wife, Kim, and their rescue dog, Max.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderful surprise, from a very talented author! And very well written. Thank you Kory M. Shrum.
A book I savoured. A cosy fantasy indeed, but with depth.
I received this book as an ARC, but this review is voluntary.
A book I savoured. A cosy fantasy indeed, but with depth.
I received this book as an ARC, but this review is voluntary.
December 22, 2025
Kory Shrum is a gifted writer, and while I’ve enjoyed all of her books, this cozy fantasy is my favorite.
The story centers on a famed warrior whose magic is discovered at seven, forcing her away from her loving mother to be trained for war. When the war ends, she returns to her mother’s village with her loyal maid, seeking peace and a connection to the life she lost. Though her mother passed away years earlier, her memory continues to guide her.
I loved the twists throughout the story and the wonderful cast of characters—especially the maid and the beautiful, heartfelt bond she shares with her charge.
A Magical Mending is a moving story of courage, love, and the gentle power of choosing to heal.
The story centers on a famed warrior whose magic is discovered at seven, forcing her away from her loving mother to be trained for war. When the war ends, she returns to her mother’s village with her loyal maid, seeking peace and a connection to the life she lost. Though her mother passed away years earlier, her memory continues to guide her.
I loved the twists throughout the story and the wonderful cast of characters—especially the maid and the beautiful, heartfelt bond she shares with her charge.
A Magical Mending is a moving story of courage, love, and the gentle power of choosing to heal.
December 24, 2025
This is a delightful book and definitely a cozy. Retiring from war magecraft, Saya heads back to her mother's home - a place she left at age 7 to help save her nation from invaders. But now it's peacetime and she needs to recover from the ravages of war that have taken her siblings and father.
With only a faithful maid she goes to recover from illness and live out the rest of her life.
Things won't go as planned, and Author Shrum introduces readers to a lovely world of magic, personalities, and interactions. And a lovely doggo too!
It flows gently and the story reveals itself in a gentle way. I found myself rooting for the various characters and hoping all would be well.
With only a faithful maid she goes to recover from illness and live out the rest of her life.
Things won't go as planned, and Author Shrum introduces readers to a lovely world of magic, personalities, and interactions. And a lovely doggo too!
It flows gently and the story reveals itself in a gentle way. I found myself rooting for the various characters and hoping all would be well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a warm hug just as the author noted. It is a challenge to read as a war weary soldier returns home with war finally ended - lost and emotionally, mentally, soulfully ravaged. Ms. Shrum took all this having the reader follow Saya’s progression toward her own fullness and contentment. These are shallow words for Saya’s deeply harrowing experience yet do know along the way Saya is bolstered and held in care, compassion and love. Definitely a warm hug of a book and I am enhanced by reading it.
January 6, 2026
An emotional story of return to roots to find peace and happiness
Saya, at the brink of death, leaves her military background and her father’s castle behind, returns to her bucolic birthplace, and undergoes a transformation helped and encouraged by her maid, Mirabel. This is a heartwarming story, full of devotion, love, friendship, and sacrifice. There are several surprising twists that add to the emotional impact.
Saya, at the brink of death, leaves her military background and her father’s castle behind, returns to her bucolic birthplace, and undergoes a transformation helped and encouraged by her maid, Mirabel. This is a heartwarming story, full of devotion, love, friendship, and sacrifice. There are several surprising twists that add to the emotional impact.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh this was a great story. The characters were so interesting and full! Hated to put it down but didn’t want to finish either. Definitely magical. I truly enjoyed this story I can’t recommend it enough. Thank you Kory for this book.
December 27, 2025
one more hit
Kory my oh my what a story. New people, smooth and relaxing story. I didn’t know if I would like it and was very happy I read it. Such an easy read. I will want more of this. Thanks
Kory my oh my what a story. New people, smooth and relaxing story. I didn’t know if I would like it and was very happy I read it. Such an easy read. I will want more of this. Thanks
December 22, 2025
A well written story of battle, loss, love and secrets, as Saya finds a new path to follow. An easy, cosy read. I received an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary.
December 29, 2025
This is a beautiful story! The world, the characters…everything! I loved how Saya embraced her life in Spring Hill. I loved that she is an artist, something I can relate to. This is a fantastic book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews