"The Emperor's Soul" by Brandon Sanderson

Shai is a Forger, an artist who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself: though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai must attempt to create a new soul for the comatose emperor. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception. Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.
I love that the magic system--reviled though it may be in the culture of the story--is actually a form of art (in our world, specifically based on the seals used as signatures in East Asian countries, which are used particularly on works of art). By creating elaborate seals which she then stamps onto an object, Shai creates works of art. A table may really be just a worn, discarded piece of furniture with the finish worn off and a cracked leg, but with a seal, the table can become what it could have been had it been lovingly cared for: a glossy surface, solid yet intricately carved legs, not a scratch or mar upon it. It's only a forgery, so somewhere on that gorgeous table you'll find the forger's stamp, and if you break the table, it will be the broken pieces of an old, worn table, not the beauty seen before you now. But that doesn't mean the forgery lacks value.

It's rare that I give a novella 5 stars--they're so short, and so often the story would be better served to be longer and more developed. But while I would love to have more time with Shai, this story is beautifully balanced. It's thrilling. It's poignant. It's a countdown to an execution, a heist story, and an essay on art. It's both character-driven and plot-driven. Though it has ties to a specific novel and is part of a broad collection of related series, it stands completely on its own. Everything is packed perfectly into one small space.

"Vying for the Viscount" by Kristi Ann Hunter - Hearts on the Heath, book 1

When a strange man appears to be stealing horses from the neighboring estate, Bianca Snowley jumps to their rescue. And when she discovers he's the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued--but romance is unfeasible when he proposes they help secure spouses for each other. Will they see everything they've wanted has been there all along before it's too late?

Kristi Ann Hunter is an author whose books I will straight out buy without reading them first (and there are not many authors of which I will say the same). I've loved each one I've read, and I've re-read all but the most recent multiple times.

An expected, the story is a delightful combination of humor and heart. It doesn't have as heavy of subject matter as the Haven Manor series, though it introduces some prejudice I'm sure we'll see more of in the next book. The romance is sweet, even if Hudson is a little dense (but a nice guy).

It's an unusual friendship that Bianca, Hudson, and Aaron Whitworth (of A Defense of Honor fame) form, particularly for the Regency period, but it's not unbelievable given their mutual interests. They're all something of misfits--a third culture kid who has suddenly become a peer of the realm in the home country he's never seen, an illegitimate son of a lord who's always been stuck on the outside, and a local girl who cares more for horses than society. I really liked the support they shared for each other, and though they had misunderstandings, their friendship came out stronger for working it through.

I'm glad the next book has already been announced so I don't have to be plagued with anxiety hoping for Aaron's story--the next one is indeed his! I really enjoyed getting to know him better in this book, and can only imagine how satisfying his book will be! Besides Aaron, there were some great appearances in this book from Trent and Adelaide Hawthorne (An Uncommon Courtship).

Hearts on the Heath
1. Vying for the Viscount
2. Winning the Gentleman

Related series: (Chronologically Hawthorne House comes first, Haven Manor second, and then Hearts on the Heath)

Hawthorne House
0.5 "A Lady of Esteem" - a free novella introduction to the Hawthornes and friends!
1. A Noble Masquerade
2. An Elegant Facade
3. An Uncommon Courtship

4. An Inconvenient Beauty

Haven Manor
0.5: "A Search for Refuge" (free prequel e-novella)
1. A Defense of Honor
2. A Return of Devotion

3. A Pursuit of Home 

3.5: "Legacy of Love" (published in The Christmas Heirloom novella collection)

"A Dazzle of Diamonds" by Liz Johnson - Georgia Coast Romance, book 3

Best friends Penelope and Tucker have faced their share of challenges. But finding a lost treasure in time to clear his family's name and win him an election may uncover something they never expected.

This was a fun treasure hunt of a story, though the romance between Penelope and Tucker really stole the show. I loved their friendship (and can see why they'd be reluctant to lose out on something so good, should a romantic relationship not work out). They were definitely a lot better and faster at resolving conflict than a lot of couples I know.

This book felt lighter and more fun than the previous book in the series, though both are highly enjoyable. The diary entries were interesting, though I wish we could have had a little more (granted, this was probably more realistic--goodness knows no one would ever be able to piece together MY life by my paltry attempts at journaling). I enjoyed getting a glimpse of Civil War-era Savannah. 

Thank you Revell and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Georgia Coast Romance
1. A Sparkle of Silver
2. A Glitter of Gold

3. A Dazzle of Diamonds