She found refuge in Rydding and security in bread.

Now a newcomer and a mysterious burglar threaten everything.

After a treacherous journey, Lucina found safety in the bakery of Rydding Village. Her peace is threatened when she learns that Nico, the new apprentice smith, is from the homeland she was forced to flee. Could he be an enemy agent who caught up with her? Even if he isn't, the newcomer is the chief suspect in a string of burglaries, and Lucina worries the suspicion will spread to her because of their shared nationality. Her nightmares of being driven from the village may come true if she can't clear his name.

Meanwhile, would-be wizard Bryn and healer Elwyn have their own concerns. The burglar leaves no trace, and the villagers are acting oddly. Is that related to the strengthening sense of magic around the village?

They'll have to figure it out and find the thief quickly because a wealthy landowner is determined to accuse Nico, and she's not willing to listen to the truth. Lucina will have to face her own heritage and take a leap of faith to secure the home she's come to love.

A new cozy cottagecore romantic fantasy from the author of Enchanted, Inc.

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas and used to work in public relations but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about, so now she's a full-time novelist. She lives in Irving, Texas, with several hardy houseplants and too many books to fit on the shelves.