Blog – Page 5 – Anna Bushi

Book Review: The Lost Bookshop

This book blends historical fiction, magical realism, and a touch of romance, all wrapped in a love letter to books. Told in dual timelines, the story that stayed with me most was Opaline’s—set in 1920s England. She dreams of becoming a book dealer, a love instilled in her by her father. Her journey takes her to a charming bookstore in Dublin, where she carves out a slice of her dream before life knocks her down again.

In the present timeline, Martha is on the run from an abusive marriage and finds work as a housekeeper. Henry, a PhD student chasing a lost manuscript and a mysterious bookshop, crosses paths with her. I’ll admit, the contemporary storyline didn’t grip me as much as the historical one, but the plot does pick up pace in the second half.

Overall, this is a lovely read—especially for classic book lovers. There’s something magical about the idea of a hidden bookshop waiting to be discovered.

Go read this series

I just finished Speaking Bones, the final book in the Dandelion Dynasty series. Just—wow. How does a human mind dream up such a vast array of deeply human characters and build a magnificent world around them? I’m simply amazed.

Our beloved—and not-so-beloved—characters return for this series finale. Théra across the sea, Phyro, Fara, Savo, Jia, Timu in Dara—each faces challenges that threaten their lives and dreams. Ken Liu masterfully brings four books’ worth of intricate plots to a satisfying and powerful conclusion, even weaving one of the gods back into the story.

I love that the heroes are engineers, using skill and ingenuity to fight their battles. There are many philosophical threads too, especially on what makes a good ruler, but the true beating heart of this series is its characters.

There’s one character, introduced way back in book one, who emerges as the lynchpin of the entire saga. Their arc is incredible—full of doubts, certainties, triumphs, and heartbreak. Several scenes broke my heart, but the resilience of these characters kept me going.

This series is epic in every sense of the word and absolutely worth the time. Highly recommend!

Why did I wait so long?

I finally got around to reading my signed copy of Children of Blood and Bone—a treasure I picked up from my local bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy, during the pandemic—and I’m so glad I did.

The world building in this book is phenomenal. From the characters to the magic system to the lyrical names, everything is vivid and immersive. And the cover? Stunning. I appreciated it even more after reading the book and catching the subtle symbolism woven into its design.

I was especially fascinated to learn that some of the magical elements are inspired by Yoruba beliefs, including Ase, the divine energy force. What a beautiful way to be introduced to aspects of Nigerian culture and spirituality through fiction.

This is a powerful, heart-pounding start to a series, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book. Highly recommended for fans of richly imagined fantasy rooted in real-world mythologies.

👑💖 Historical Romance Blast – One Day Only! 💖👑

Mark your calendars, historical romance lovers—April 22nd is the day to step back in time, fall in love, and fill your e-reader… all for FREE!

I’m so excited to share that my novella, Broken King, is part of this special promo! If you haven’t read it yet, now is the perfect time to dive in.

In Broken King, follow Princess Neela as she risks everything to escape a life chosen for her. Her only hope? A broken ruler drowning in sorrow. He’s a man who has turned away from the world—but will he open his heart again for her? Can love bloom in the most unexpected of places?

This story is close to my heart, and I’m thrilled it’s being featured alongside other amazing historical romances for this one-day event.

Want to support the authors behind these stories? Here’s how you can help:
📚 Download and read the books while they’re free
🖋️ Leave a review—even a few words make a huge difference
📬 Tell your friends (bookish friends make the best friends!)
💞 Love what you read? Check out the rest of the series

Let’s celebrate historical romance together. Don’t miss this chance to discover new authors, unforgettable characters, and stories that bring the past to life.

✨ Grab Broken King and more—April 22nd only! ✨

This book made me cry!

I was reading A Dog’s Purpose in public, tears streaming down my face, trying to wipe them away quickly before anyone noticed. I didn’t expect a story told from the perspective of a dog to touch my heart so deeply—but it did, in the best way.

As someone who has fostered a dog, I’ve felt that kind of unconditional love before, and reading this felt like being wrapped in a warm, familiar hug. There’s something so comforting and pure in the way the author captures the loyalty, love, and purpose our furry friends bring to our lives.

Kudos to W. Bruce Cameron for not only melting our hearts but also offering a beautiful reminder of how deeply we can love—and be loved. This is a story for all ages, whether you’re a lifelong dog lover or simply someone who appreciates a good cry and a story that lingers.

From My Heart to Yours: A Glimpse into Prince in Exile

Writing a book is one thing. Sharing it with others—that’s something entirely different. Every time I release a new story, no matter how many I’ve written before, I feel a familiar nervous flutter. Publishing a book feels like opening a window into my soul and hoping that what you see resonates with you.

That vulnerability is real. But so is the joy—especially when I get to share characters like these with you.

Here’s a little glimpse into the hearts of my two protagonists, Prince Giri and Princess Suri:

Prince Giri:
He had stumbled upon two of Poet Ravi’s poems and fallen in love with the shattered hearts depicted in them. Their sorrow mirrored his broken self, prompting him to write a play.

Princess Suri:
Her eyes settled on the man standing beside the stage, silently mouthing the words along with the performer—the playwright who had somehow discovered her poem and woven it into his play.

Prince Giri:
He had longed for friendship with a like-minded man. He imagined going back and forth over the merits of a phrase while crafting their next play. Joy, of the kind he had never experienced before, heightened his senses.

Princess Suri:
The playwright had already given her a monumental gift by bringing her poem to life. She should be content with just that. But she wanted more—to write more and see him weave her poems into his tales.

Their words connect them before their names ever do.

Prince in Exile is a story of hidden identities, longing, and the healing power of art. It’s about finding connection when you least expect it and discovering your voice—even when you cannot speak.

Preorder now and be among the first to meet Suri and Giri when their story arrives. I can’t wait to share their journey with you. 💛

✨ Prince in Exile is Now Available for Preorder! ✨

I’m thrilled to announce that Prince in Exile is officially available for preorder!

This historical romance is a little different from my previous stories—it features a protagonist who is mute, unable to voice the depths of her heart. Poetry is her refuge, the only way she can give shape to the emotions swirling inside her. But marriage to the wrong man would take even that away from her, silencing her in the only way that truly matters.

What hope does she have of finding someone who will cherish not just her, but her creativity? Her only choice seems to be the man her mother has chosen—a safe, acceptable match. A gilded cage instead of freedom. But how can she clip her own wings when all she longs for is to fly?

Step into her world and experience her journey—preorder Prince in Exile today! ✨📖

Preorder

Charting the River’s Next Course

I’m back to outlining Book Two in The Prophesied Prince series! That means re-reading Child of the River, going through my notes to track the timeline, character ages, and all the minor characters—where they were last and what threads need to be picked up.

Right now, I’m creating a rough outline of what happens in Book Two. Of course, as always, my characters tend to have their own ideas, and the final book often takes an unexpected path—much like a river carving out a new course. But that’s part of the fun! I love getting into my characters’ heads, understanding their motivations, and, most of all, throwing obstacles in their way. After all, a hero’s journey is nothing without persistence, endurance, and sacrifice.

This book will take my characters to new parts of Kashgar that we didn’t explore in Child of the River, so I’m excited to build out more of this medieval world. My goal is to capture enough vivid details so my readers can see it as clearly as I do.

The outlining should be done in about a week—then it’s on to writing! Looking forward to sharing the finished book with you in 2026.

My Inspiration

In Prince in Exile, my latest historical romance, Princess Suryavati is a mute poet who must hide her verses under a man’s name. Her character was inspired by the rich legacy of female poets in ancient Tamil lands, where women were not denied education and their literary contributions were highly valued. The title Avvaiyar (also spelled Ouvvayar), meaning “the elderly lady,” was bestowed upon multiple renowned female poets whose works have survived to this day.

One of the legends surrounding Avvaiyar tells the story of a young woman who longed to be a poet but feared that marriage would strip her of her freedom as an artist. Determined to live life on her own terms, she prayed to the gods to take away her youth. Her wish was granted, and as a gray-haired poet, she roamed the kingdoms freely, composing poetry to her heart’s content. Her story reflects one of the central themes in Prince in Exile—how marrying the wrong man could become a cage for Suri, silencing not only her voice but also her soul.

During the Sangam period and beyond, women flourished under the patronage of Chola and Pandiya kings, who respected and supported their artistry. These remarkable poets paved the way for me to create Suryavati—bold, brilliant, and determined to be heard, even in silence. Don’t forget to check out an exclusive excerpt from the novel.

கற்றது கை மண்அளவு, கல்லாதது உலகளவு

What you have learned is a mere handful; what you haven’t learned is as vast as the world – Avvaiyar

The Portrait of a Duchess

The Portrait of a Duchess is my first book by Scarlett Peckham. Set in the 18th century, this novel follows Cornelia, a renowned painter famous (or infamous) for immortalizing women whom society has deemed unworthy. She and her friends are determined to fund an institute dedicated to women’s equality and education, but securing a location for her art exhibition proves challenging.

Enter Rafe—the male protagonist, a newly minted duke, and, as it turns out, Cornelia’s long-estranged husband. Their marriage was one of convenience, and they never lived together, but now, he has news of an inheritance that could secure her financial future—provided she is married. With mutual goals in mind, they strike a bargain: if she returns to her childhood home, she can use it for her exhibition.

Rafe is a big-hearted man who falls in love easily, while Cornelia fiercely guards her independence, knowing that in her time, a wife was legally her husband’s property. The novel boldly explores themes of autonomy, love, and the constraints of marriage, making it a refreshing yet unconventional historical romance.

This book may not be for everyone—it challenges traditional romance tropes, and the ending isn’t the standard happily ever after. But for historical romance readers open to an independent heroine and a nontraditional approach to monogamy, this is a compelling and thought-provoking read.