#TheBookery
LightNews LightNews
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Give Nicky (and The Bookery) a "chance"!

"He put on his very best smile, earnest and bright-eyed, honed during eighteen years in foster care. Give me a chance, it said. I’ll do anything to earn my place."

#AmQuerying #TheBookery #WIPSnips #litagents #cozyfantasy #romanticfantasy #fantasyromance
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: “I know what a picnic is, Dominic.” Nicky swallowed the nervous knot in his throat. “Well… You’ve been here a week now and haven’t gotten to see the city yet, so I thought I could give you a tour of the block, at least?” “Don’t you need to run the shop?” “Nah, Florien can handle it for a few hours. I’m all yours—if you want to tag along, that is.” He put on his very best smile, earnest and bright-eyed, honed during eighteen years in foster care. Give me a chance, it said. I’ll do anything to earn my place.
May 31, 2025 at 2:18 PM
alexandradawe.bsky.social
Join @folklorepod.bsky.social and me in Crediton one week today, in @thebookery.bsky.social at 7pm, Thursday May 15th. I'll be asking Mark about his brilliant book The Folklore of Devon. Tickets are £4 from the Bookery. There might be drinks and cake...
#thebookery #thefolklorepodcast #folklore 📚💙
The book 'The Folklore of Devon' by Mark Norman, shown standing up. The cover is a scene in a moss green wood, where pale blue fairy (or ghost?) riders are crossing a stream, with horses. One is on horseback, two others on foot. There are floating lights around them. The cover of The Stitchwort Curse by Alexandra Dawe. The book is standing up on a wooden table with a blurred background. The book cover is by artist Olia Muza and is predominantly blue, showing a large tree. At the top of the tree is a girl in a blue dress with white hair. She's looking down towards a boy in trousers, a shirt and a cap as he looks up at her. Their clothes are old fashioned, and hers are patched.
May 8, 2025 at 10:12 AM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
I'll take any and every opportunity to share this amazing art by @therealjbuddha.bsky.social!!

#BluePitHype #TheBookery #AmQuerying
Digital art shows a quaint bakery in the midst of trees and shrubbery. Through the front window, the silhouette of a man putting pastries into a brick oven can be seen. The second floor of the shop is invisible except for a window that shows the silhouette of a woman drinking tea, with her cat stretching beside her. Atop the shop's chimney sits a girl with pink skin and smoke for hair. Gold scrollwork font reads "The Bookery".
July 9, 2025 at 3:23 PM
thebookery.bsky.social
If you'd like to volunteer with us, please get in touch by emailing kate@thebookery.org.uk or call in to the shop. We'd love to hear from you! #volunteering #Crediton #TheBookery #IndependentBookshops
January 7, 2025 at 4:20 PM
modjajibooks.bsky.social
We've been blown away by the response to our desperate call for help to keep the lights on. We've had calls and support from other SA publishers, so many books bought. #TheBookery will receive books from donors out of SA. open.substack.com/pub/modjajib...
Thank you to everyone for your backing!
Help keep the lights on at Modjaji Books
here's how you can be part of it
open.substack.com
May 17, 2025 at 6:42 AM
thebookery.bsky.social
Access for pushchairs is easiest via the passageway at the side of the shop - you'll see us through the sliding glass doors on your left #TheBookery #Crediton #IndependentBookshops
November 25, 2024 at 8:52 AM
thebookery.bsky.social
Access for pushchairs is easiest via the passageway at the side of the shop - you'll see us through the sliding glass doors on your left! #TheBookery #Crediton #IndependentBookshops
December 3, 2024 at 12:16 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Even witches have to endure maternal meddling 🙄

#TheBookery #AmQuerying #WIPSnips #cozyfantasy #fantasyromance #fantasy
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: “I’m not sure he’s capable of scheming, Mum. He’s too nice.” “They’re always nice at first,” Laraine warned. “Remember that Appelwaithe girl at Covencrest?” Ishana’s upper lip curled at the memory. “Chelsey.” “That’s the one. Remember how nice she was to you? Until she wasn’t. Pretended to be your friend so you’d tell her secrets she could spread all across England.” Laraine lowered her voice to a whisper, as though speaking the world’s darkest secret. “We need this money, Shan. If we have to sell the estate… I can’t even bear to think of it. The shame would kill your grandmother.” “I know, Mum.” “I still say the easiest solution is to find a good husband—” “The easy answer isn’t always the right one, is it?”
June 22, 2025 at 10:40 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Credit "check"s are decidedly NOT cozy or fantasy, but an interdimensional apartment with a wizard landlord? Peak cozy fantasy vibes!

#AmQuerying #TheBookery #litagents #cozyfantasy
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: The problem was, no lease existed for the corner of the bookshop from which Nicky ran his bakery, nor for his cramped apartment. When he first wandered into what was then called Wizard Wylie’s Book Shoppe, Nicky had eagerly accepted the keys to the apartment that didn’t belong at the back of the building. Wylie hadn’t asked for character references or credit checks or any of the things that made getting an apartment nigh impossible back in New York. He’d asked Nicky one simple question—“What do you seek?”—and Nicky had answered much too honestly—“Somewhere to belong.”—and the deal was struck.
June 4, 2025 at 9:06 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Amazingly, only one "somebody" in all of #TheBookery... When Nicky realizes there's a phoenix in his oven! 🐦‍🔥

#AmQuerying #WIPSnips #cozyfantasy #fantasyromance
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: Nicky’s words of affirmation might have soothed him somewhat if Sable didn’t erupt into a murderous string of yowling and growling and hissing. Nicky jumped and wrenched his eyes open to find the cat snarling at the wood rack, the hair along his back stood on end. A fresh log appeared on the top of the rack, as though to replace one somebody had just taken. In the closest firebox, flames devoured an unburned piece of wood. “I don’t suppose you added a log to the fire?” Nicky asked Sable much too hopefully.
July 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
There's exactly one "team" in #TheBookery, and it's during Nicky's (temporarily unrequited) love confession!!

#AmQuerying #WIPSnips #litagents #cozyfantasy
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: She squeezed his hand in hers and took a half-step closer. “I’m not opposed to that. Maybe…even…more than coexisting. But Nicky, I can’t think about any of that right now. Not with Marko hanging over my head.” He hurried to agree, nodding and babbling his understanding. She silenced him with a soft hand against his cheek, gently forcing him to meet her eye. “Let’s survive this party, and then we can focus on what’s next for us.” Us. Ishana and Nicky, Nicky and Ishana. A pair. A team. A couple.
June 16, 2025 at 2:18 PM
alexandradawe.bsky.social
TOMORROW I'll be at The Bookery, a fabulous bookshop in Crediton, Devon, to talk to Mark Norman about his book The Folklore of Devon. We'll both be signing our books after the session and we'd love to see you there!
📚💙 #folklore #devon #thefolklorepodcast #thebookery #authorevent #liveevent
A poster for our author event, showing a photo of author Mark Norman, and the cover of his book The Folklore of Devon. The author event is taking place at The Bookery, a bookshop in Crediton, Devon, at 7pm.on Thursday 15th May 2025. Tickets are £4, available from The Bookery website. Tickets are redeemable against a copy of a book on the night.
May 14, 2025 at 5:26 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Sipping my morning caffeine, wishing for Nicky's fresh 🍒cherry biscotti 🍒

#TheBookery #AmQuerying #WIPSnips #cozyfantasy #fantasyromance #fantasy
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: The promise of Dominic’s pastries proved a powerful motivator for Ishana to muddle through the morning motions, knowing she’d be rewarded with her pick of delicious breakfast. Today, it was biscotti with a side of Dominic’s endless friendly chatter. “Florien brought these incredible cherries yesterday. Not really a fall flavor—more spring-and-summery—but cherries always remind me of Nonna. And whenever I think of her, I get the urge to make biscotti.” Dominic offered Ishana a plate stacked with long, narrow cookies baked to a lovely toasted color and studded with dark red cherries. A mouthwatering smell wafted from the plate: fruit, vanilla, and warm undertones of toasted nuts and spices, tempting her to pluck a piece from the top of the stack. Dominic beamed. “Do you like coffee? I’m about to put a fresh pot on. Nonna would have said biscotti is naked without coffee to dip it in.” Ishana preferred tea, but at the moment she desperately needed caffeine, no matter its form. And Dominic was right that the biscotti begged for coffee’s bitter company: buttery and toasty, sweet and tart, crisp and crumbly. Ishana ate her piece in just a few bites. The plate of biscotti slid across the counter toward her. When Ishana looked up to meet Dominic’s eyes, he winked. “Help yourself. I made plenty.”
June 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
#TheBookery has:

🥨 Food descriptions galore like #LegendsAndLattes
🦄 Magical menagerie like #ThePhoenixKeeper
👨‍🍳 Cute shop (and shopkeeper!) like #TheSpellshop
🫂 Found family like #TheHouseInTheCeruleanSea
🔥 Sassy fireplace like #HowlsMovingCastle

What's not to love?!

#BluePit📖 #A #F #R #WF #Q
A graphic in the style of a Netflix title card describes The Bookery: Pride and Prejudice meets Studio Ghibli in THE BOOKERY, in which a bankrupt witch, her sweet-as-sugar pastry chef tenant, and the judgemental phoenix nesting in his bakery’s oven join forces against the magical real estate developer determined to bulldoze their shop—and the unconventional family they’ve built within. Along the bottom are comparative titles: The Phoenix Keeper, The Spellshop, The House in the Cerulean Sea, Legends and Lattes, Howl's Moving Castle, and Kiki's Delivery Service.
July 13, 2025 at 4:02 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
#TheBookery has:

🥨 Food descriptions galore like #LegendsAndLattes
🦄 Magical menagerie like #ThePhoenixKeeper
👨‍🍳 Cute shop (and shopkeeper!) like #TheSpellshop
🫂 Found family like #TheHouseInTheCeruleanSea
🔥 Sassy fireplace like #HowlsMovingCastle

What's not to love?!

#BluePit📖 #A #F #R #WF #Q
July 13, 2025 at 6:16 PM
thebookery.bsky.social
🎫 Ticket £5, book & ticket £20 from the bookshop or online at www.thebookery.org.uk/events

@bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social @drmjwarren.bsky.social @guyshrubsole.bsky.social #TheBookery #Crediton #WhatsOn
November 2, 2025 at 8:00 AM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
They say food is the way to a man's heart...but what about a witch's prissy black cat familiar? 🐈‍⬛

#TheBookery #AmQuerying #WIPSnips #WriteSky #cozyfantasy #romantasy
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy The Bookery reads: “You and Rosie were amazing,” he said. “Mad as Florien is, they’re also impressed you pulled that spell off. I don’t understand it all… Something about alternate realities?” He shook his head slowly. “You really are Wylie’s granddaughter. He would have been so proud of you, taking control of your life like that, no matter the risk.” “Don’t flatter me,” she snorted. “I’m not brave, I’m desperate.” Nicky’s grin widened. “Most heroes are at the best part of their story.” “I’m no hero.” “We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one. You hungry? I closed for the day while we get everything cleaned and repaired, but there’s plenty of food in the case from yesterday. With lox in the fridge under the counter for Mr. Sable, of course,” he added, scratching the cat between his ears.
July 2, 2025 at 5:53 PM
thebookery.bsky.social
Has this happened to you before? Why not visit us for a good browse and see if it happens again! #TheBookery #IndependentBookshops #ShopSmall #BuyBooksDoGood #Crediton
November 21, 2024 at 11:43 AM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Just because she's an immortal phoenix doesn't mean she can't appreciate a good apple pie!! 🥧🍎🥧

#TheBookery #AmQuerying #WIPSnips #cozyfantasy #fantasyromance #fantasy
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy The Bookery reads: She flinched at the tile’s icy touch but didn’t shy away this time. With both feet firmly planted, she wobbled on human legs that hadn’t yet held her weight in this lifetime. They adapted quickly, soon carrying her in a staggering toddle toward the glass display case in front of The Bookery’s counter. Having watched The Baker wrap the many trays of baked goods while closing up shop, she had already selected her target: hand pies stuffed with spiced apples. One of the pies had burst while cooking, spilling its insides into the belly of the oven, where The Phoenix had eagerly devoured it. Even charred by the fire, it was delicious; her mouth flamed with anticipation of tasting it unadulterated. The Phoenix opened the display case and slid out the tray of hand pies enough to remove its wrapping. She chose the fattest, most golden-brown of the bunch, then slid the tray back into place, leaving the wrapping undone so she could easily come back for seconds. Her first bite was pure bliss. The flaky crust gave way to crisp apples suspended in a gooey sauce spiced with cinnamon and vanilla. The taste sent shivers of pleasure rippling up her spine. The freckles on her chubby cheeks, dimly glowing like dying embers, burned brighter with her joy.
June 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
"Stagger", huh? How about a young phoenix learning to walk in her human form!

"She wobbled on human legs that carried her in a staggering toddle toward the glass display case in front of The Bookery’s counter."

#TheBookery #AmQuerying #litagents #WIPSnips #cozyfantasy #romanticfantasy #fantasy
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: "She donned a humanoid form better suited to blending in, that of a pink-skinned little girl no taller than the bakery counter. She crawled through the oven’s central cooking chamber and carefully lowered herself to the ground. The chill of the tile floor lanced up her bare foot, and she quickly withdrew it. The Baker had let the oven’s fire burn down before he went to bed, leaving The Bookery without a heat source. The shop grew colder and colder farther from the dim oven, but The Phoenix, determined, set her foot down on the floor again. She flinched at the tile’s icy touch but didn’t shy away this time. With both feet firmly planted, she wobbled on human legs that hadn’t yet held her weight in this lifetime. They adapted quickly, soon carrying her in a staggering toddle toward the glass display case in front of The Bookery’s counter."
June 1, 2025 at 9:34 PM
thebookery.bsky.social
🎫 Ticket £5, book & ticket £20 from the bookshop or online at www.thebookery.org.uk/events

@bloomsburypublishing #TheBookery #Crediton #WhatsOn
November 8, 2025 at 9:19 AM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
#TheBookery shares its block with all sorts of charming neighbors, including a delightful family of crowkin jewelers! ✨🐦‍⬛ ✨

#AmQuerying #WIPSnips #cozyfantasy #fantasyromance
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: Grateful for a convenient subject change, Nicky gestured Ishana down a walkway leading to a massive, multicolored house. Nicky might call it a mansion if its architecture weren’t so rudimentary, a cube with a sloped roof perched cattywampus on top. Below the roof’s peak were triangular openings uncovered by glass or screen or curtains; the door, too, was nothing more than an opening, albeit circular. Horizontal columns jutted from the walls at odd angles like spines from a porcupine. “Is that a giant birdhouse?” “Yeah!” Nicky beamed. “Cute, isn’t it?” “A bit…cluttered.” Nicky laughed at Ishana’s nose wrinkled with disdain as she eyed the birdhouse’s decoration: a glittering assortment of shiny odds and ends, from soda cans and loose change to watches or spectacles lost by careless tourists, all of them nailed to the exterior of the building. “A family of crowkin live here,” he explained. Ishana aahed in understanding. “Crows do love anything that sparkles.”
July 5, 2025 at 5:17 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Two-for-one "smile"s in Ishana and Nicky's meet-cute! She definitely doesn't find him charming. Not at all.

...Okay, maybe a little.

#TheBookery #AmQuerying #WIPSnips #cozyfantasy #fantasyromance
An excerpt from the cozy romantic fantasy novel The Bookery reads: “You must be Mr. Noone,” Ishana guessed. He bolted upright and whirled to face her, a fire iron held in one white-knuckled hand. The other wiped sweat from his brow, leaving behind a streak of soot. The front of his apron read: all you knead is love; Ishana narrowly resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Ishana! I mean—” He swallowed so hard his prominent Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. “Miss Patel. Do you prefer Miss Patel?” “I do.” It was best to maintain a level of separation here, keep things businesslike. Ishana’s visit to Oasis was about letting the past die, once and for all. Not eating pastries and enjoying a cute baker’s sweet smile. “You can call me Nicky, if you like!” Damn, that smile. Any wider and it would split the man’s face in two; any warmer and it might burn her. Or maybe that was just the oven blazing behind him like the forges of Hell.
July 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
#AmQuerying #TheBookery #litagents #cozyfantasy #fantasy #romanticfantasy #romantasy #fantasyromance
lizlasswrites.bsky.social Liz Lassiter✨️is querying✨️ @lizlasswrites.bsky.social · May 28
"He was...the soft boy in class, the one with ragged clothes and greasy hair and a taped-together heart that never stopped beating for other people. Ishana might slam the door in the face of his friendship...[but] as Wylie had been fond of saying, goodness can’t grow where it’s never planted."
A graphic shows plants on a light green background. The text reads "goodness can't grow where it's never planted", a quote by the character Wizard Wylie from the novel The Bookery.
May 28, 2025 at 6:52 PM
lizlasswrites.bsky.social
Ishana's "mission" is to cause a scandal so big it ruins the arranged marriage her mother forced on her. Even though you'd think the fact that Marko, her betrothed, is utterly vile would be bad enough!

#AmQuerying #TheBookery #litagents #cozyfantasy #fantasyromance #romanticfantasy #WIPSnips
An excerpt from The Bookery reads: “You know, these parties always run late… Sometimes into the next day, even.” Marko craned his neck to murmur in Ishana’s ear, the arm around her waist slipping lower. “You’re welcome to stay the night.” Ishana told herself to play along, to keep him clueless and complacent, but she couldn’t bite her tongue. The best she could manage was to disguise her rejection as coquettish flirtation. “And spoil the surprise on our wedding night? I don’t think so.” “Marriage is full of surprises,” Marko mused. “Why let this be one of them?” His hand slid farther down her hip, circling around to the front of her, his fingers dipping into her dress pocket. Fear spiked through her; not of being groped—at least, not until they found privacy—but of his stolen medallion being discovered, of her plan unraveling before it could be set into motion.
June 2, 2025 at 8:59 PM