The Blue Moon Café & 24-Hour Occult Emporium by Lexie Sharabianlou ~ a Review

by MK French

Talula Smith works at the Blue Moon Cafe, which is considered the worst coffee shop in town. That bad reputation hides its true purpose of providing new identities and safe passage to at-risk magical beings while keeping humans far, far away. The only person in Pine Hollow that comes around is Dahlia, who is very observant and is the focus of Talula's crush. Hunters begin moving in to kill magical creatures, and Talula's powerful mother goes to track them down.  With the impending Samhain festival to organize, magical refugees to help, half of the town turning against her, and her ever-growing feelings for Dahlia, Talula’s magical destiny feels further away than ever. But as the hunters set their sights closer to home, it’ll be up to Talula to master her craft, trust her heart, and bring her magical and human communities together.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

August 2026; Dell; 979-8217094684
audio, ebook, print (448 pages); paranormal romance

Talula is half human and half sorceress; her mother was created out of magic and has existed for millennia. The coffee shop is located on top of a magical vortex, which her mother can use to make portals for the magical refugees. Talula has always felt less than, since she doesn't have the innate skill to magic that her mother does, and many people in the town look down on her for being the only child of an unwed mother who is a pagan. The same people who ostracized her in high school are now fighting to shut down the Samhain festival and her shop, saying she attracts freaks to town. At the same time, she has Dahlia, who is just as interested in her, and some of the townsfolk enjoy her company. Talula is a foodie and excellent cook, and truly enjoys being a barista at the Café. 

The stress builds from the different parts of her life: hiding magic from Dahlia even as they spend time together, trying to harness her magic, and still sending refugees through the portal while unknown people are hunting magical creatures for sport. Talula is such an endearing character, and we feel what she does right away. The pull of secrecy is painful as she tries to keep her different lives separated. We know that it means she must figure out a way to integrate the aspects into a singular existence. It's a fun finale, and it came together wonderfully. 

Buy The Blue Moon Café & 24-Hour Occult Emporium at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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