I am really impressed with this-I have read a few ARCs thus far that are filled to the brim with writing mistakes. Spelling errors, grammar problems, etc. made it quite difficult in one of the ARCs I read to actually stay in the scenes I was reading. I totally get that ARCs are not final copies and will have mistakes so I don't include those problems in my ratings, but this book felt more well written in a way that I knew the final copy will be great, whereas some other ARCs it is difficult to tell whether fixing the mistakes in the final edit will make enough of a difference for the writing to flow well. Every sentence just felt very comprehensive. There was no sloppiness, and you could tell that either the author is a very natural writer or they have thought very hard about every word that they put down on paper.

That isn't to say I didn't have my doubts about this book initially. When I was a couple of chapters in, I was very iffy about it. The voice the narrator (and main character) has is different than recent books I've read. It felt more classical and a bit lyrical, and the first few chapters of setting up the scene felt almost removed. It was first person narration, but it didn't quite feel that way if that makes any sense? The writing reminded me in a way of Ava Reid's Juniper & Thorne, which is one of the few books I have ever DNF'ed. However! I kept going and for some reason, this book grew and grew on me. I don't say "for some reason" in a catty way, I just can't quite pinpoint what exactly caused me to suddenly change tune about this story. Perhaps once the scene was established I had an easier time connecting to the writing, or maybe I just got used to the way this author writes as I went on, or maybe I just stopped noticing it as the plot became more interesting. The point is, I suddenly found myself having read half the book in one day, and that is pretty uncommon for me.

The magic in the book is very unique, and what an interesting blend of dark and whimsical! The characters like Cornelius and the setting of the magical house was very reminiscent of Sanderson's Tress of the Emerald Sea, but the slightly less humorous writing style than in Tress and the gory theme of literally stealing hearts makes the book feel ever so slightly Tim Burton-esque. One thing I really appreciated in this is that Foss is notably a little larger and "less attractive" according to herself, and this does play a role but without drilling the point home over and over. The same way that books about beautiful, super model-like girls can emphasize how perfect and teeny tiny they are, books about the "undesirable" girls can also take it too far. This was a great balance-I pictured Foss as she was, she acknowledged herself as she was, but it was not mentioned over and over to the point where I got sick of it and rolled my eyes. I got to know her and commiserate with her insecurities, and she felt like a real person.

The imagery in this book was also exceptional, and the author did a phenomenal job adding many layers of the world (the Invisible Kingdom, the shadows, the Snagged, the Sorceresses & where they come from, etc) in this book without making it confusing. All in all, it was just an enjoyable read with many really interesting elements that kept my attention and made me want to keep reading. This will be a great winter read-so I hope others pick this book up when it's released!

This was such a beautiful and unique story. It's exactly what the title says, harvest of heart. And bonus point's, that it's a standalone so you don't have to wait for the conclusion.
Romance part was soooo good. If was slow burn and I just loved getting to know the characters well and reading their stories. Cornelius is my absolute favourite (no, it has nothing to do with the fact that's he's a cat) (okay, maybe a little bit?)
Definitely recommended!

I "staggered" and "stomped" my way to 50% and had to stop. Seriously, the amount of times "staggered" and "stomped" were used were too much. It was weirdly written and boring. I couldn't connect with Foss because, while I understand that she thought she was "snagged", she was blaming the sorcerer and was angry that she dragged her there to be a maid. She was always mad and just unlikeable. If she was going to the sorcerer because she felt like she had to because of whatever the heart thing was, then explain it that way or explain it better.
I'll be posting the review on Instagram at some point as well.

Overall I liked this. I really enjoyed Foss as a narrator and I'm a sucker for talking animals. I can say with confidence that Cornelius was my favorite character in the book. I was less enamored with Sylvester than I wanted to be. This was grim in parts, but also some how fluffy? I don't really know how to explain it. It made me feel good while reading, but it was also dark. Overall I enjoyed it.

Andrea Eames' A Harvest of Hearts is a whimsical fantasy that beautifully channels the charm of beloved tales like Howl’s Moving Castle. With its blend of cozy magical elements and a slow-burn romance, the novel offers an intriguing premise set within a richly imagined world. However, despite its potential, the book doesn’t fully deliver, leaving readers with a mix of admiration and a bit of frustration.

The story centers on Foss Butcher, an ordinary girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when Sylvester, a sorcerer, accidentally steals a piece of her heart. This sets the stage for a charming journey through a world filled with magic and mystery. Eames shines in crafting an enchanting atmosphere—there’s a sentient house that shifts its form, a talking cat named Cornelius, and a unique magic system that revolves around harvesting human hearts. These elements infuse the narrative with a delightful whimsy, making it a treat for fans of cozy, fairy-tale-like fantasies.

However, the novel’s pacing and character development present challenges. The story opens with a substantial amount of backstory and exposition, which can slow down the plot and make it hard to stay engaged. The romance between Foss and Sylvester, though promising, takes a long time to develop, and when it does, it feels somewhat unconvincing. Foss’s ongoing struggles with self-deprecation and low self-esteem are recurring themes that could have been explored more deeply, yet they often come across as repetitive, which can be frustrating.

Despite these issues, A Harvest of Hearts has its strengths. The relationship between Foss and her father is heartwarming, and the magical world Eames has created is both imaginative and inviting. The book's whimsical tone, coupled with the cozy, almost nostalgic feel of its setting, is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy light-hearted fantasy with a touch of darkness.

In summary, A Harvest of Hearts is a book full of charm and potential, though it falls short in some key areas. Fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and those who appreciate cozy, magical stories may find much to enjoy here, but they might also wish for a more tightly woven narrative and stronger character development. While it’s not a perfect read, it’s certainly one that will resonate with anyone who loves a bit of whimsy and magic in their stories.

Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to comment on ARC. A mammoth task to write a book, thank you to the author. It just didn’t gel with me. Maybe I am not the demographic.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

I was so intrigued by the concept of harvesting hearts and loved the howl’s moving castle vibes (I didn’t even mind the similarities in the beginning). But as someone who isn’t a fan of 1st pov the main female character irritated me at times and i felt that neither her love interest nor their relationship were fully developed.

While the slow burn was a little too slow for my taste, Harvest of Hearts is a delightful fairy tale with Howl's Moving Castle vibes. I adore the two leads and wish there was even more of the romance to enjoy.

“A Harvest of Hearts” by Andrea Eames is a charming fantasy that clearly draws inspiration from beloved stories like *Howl’s Moving Castle*. It has a lot going for it: a quirky house with a mind of its own, a talking cat, and a slow-burn romance between Foss, a practical butcher's daughter, and Sylvester, a sorcerer who's as clueless as he is handsome. The world-building and magical system are intriguing, with some delightful and whimsical moments that made me smile.

However, while I enjoyed the overall premise and characters, the pacing threw me off. The book started with a lot of backstory and info-dumping that slowed things down, and while I appreciated the depth it gave to the world, it made it hard to stay fully engaged. The romance also took a bit too long to really develop, and when it did, I wasn’t fully convinced by the connection between Foss and Sylvester. Foss’s low self-esteem was a constant theme that could have been handled with more growth and depth.

That said, the magical atmosphere, Foss’s relationship with her father, and the cheeky talking cat were definite highlights. If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy and don’t mind a few pacing bumps along the way, this might be a good pick for you!

The magic system in this book was intriguing, but other than that, it didn't particularly stand out to me. The characters were fine, but they didn't jump off the page or anything. As for this books classification as literary fiction, I don't really understand where that came from. It was okay, and I certainly enjoyed bits of it, but it wasn't terribly remarkable, unfortunately. the writer was talented, but this book just didn't quite land.

2.5/5⭐


I still don't know how I feel about this book.

On the one hand, I liked the story, the magic component is well thought out, the descriptions are great, the writing style is easy and recognizable.

But on the other hand, maybe it's just not my story, all the time I was haunted by the feeling that I don't believe in this story, and the events are stretched by the ears.

The heroine was annoying, either she was ugly and didn't deserve love, or she wanted it, but she didn't need it because she wasn't beautiful.

I liked Cornelius and the House the most.

I can definitely appreciate that the magic system in this is unique and different from anything else I’ve read about however I personally was incredibly bored for most of this. I had little to no interest in the romance between Sylvester and Foss, or any of the characters really, and it took me forever to get through the whole thing when it’s a relatively “short” book. Foss called herself ugly the entire time and Sylvester had the personality of a spoon.. Giving 2.5 ⭐️ mainly because I enjoyed the house and the cat Cornelius but everything else is unforgettable.

Thank you Kensington for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The deal breakers: the protagonist’s self-esteem issues have little growth, superfluous details drag the story’s flow, romance is currently unconvincing
The redeemers: its whimsical Ghibli-esque house, Stockholm syndrome-like premise, and novel magic system.

Character development/relationship premise:
For a girl with self-esteem issues, is it possible for her to be coveted by anyone, especially a mystifyingly beautiful sorcerer?

There is also the main issue of saving the kingdom and its people from losing their hearts, but my review and my interest lie more in the characters.

Background:
This book captures the homeliness and nostalgia of Howl’s Moving Castle with its magic-infused house, talking non-human companion, and mysterious main love interest, while capturing a bit of Sophie’s stubborn resourcefulness that is often lost within a turmoil of negative self-talk and shallow perceptions of self-worth - the typical faults of a hormonal teenager. Foss, the daughter of a baker who believes she’s the ugliest woman alive, falls under the accidental love spell of the only known male Magic Worker in the kingdom (aka one of the most beautiful creatures alive), Sylvester. The book begins with the origins of Foss’s belief in her ugliness and how her peers have confirmed her suspicion.

Feedback #1 - broaden definition of self-worth
To me, the repetitive slew of self-bashing became cumbersome and concerning but others may not fault it as much. This story would have been more interesting to me if Foss learned the multidimensionality of self worth more steadily throughout the book.

Praise #1 - intrigue in the world
Feedback #2 - pacing
While the low self-esteem interferes with her ability to connect and relate with the love interest Sylvester, which detracts from any investment in their relationship’s future, the generated world surrounding the protagonists was interesting at times. The story drops mysterious questions every now and then, such as if a cure is possible or what the citizens experience within the greater social and political context. At times, however, these details were redundant and severely slowed the plot. I ended up quickly skimming the last 20% of the book because I was no longer invested in the story and I wanted a 5 minute denouement.

I did appreciate that Foss cared deeply for Da and wanted to share her story with him, but including the whole chapter with her retelling may have killed the story for me. The story was building up and up to the climax and then it stopped dead in its tracks to fill in Da with information the reader already knew.

Feedback #3 - romance
It took a long time for feelings to turn into action. When things did start to happen, the descriptions, set up and writing style failed to convince me that the feelings were deep and sometimes the flowery writing muddied the scene.

This was a tricky situation because of the magical Stockholm Syndrome-like premise. Foss is under a spell so it is hard to tease apart genuine and magical feelings. It may have been more convincing if the story had dropped bigger breadcrumbs in scenarios with less magical influences.

Praise #2/ Feedback #4 - imagery and writing
One element of the writing style that I did start to enjoy was the writer’s use of imagery - “...but I fell, plop, down on my bottom in a puddle, my skirts spreading out around me like a great ugly lily pad, and I the frog croaking in the centre.” I liked that the imagery of Foss as a frog was carried throughout a few chapters, but the imagery was quickly forgotten. The writing in the beginning was also sometimes jarring to me, but the author quickly found her flow after a few chapters.

The deal breakers: the protagonist’s self-esteem issues have little growth, superfluous details drag the story’s flow, romance is currently unconvincing
The redeemers: its whimsical Ghibli-esque house, Stockholm syndrome-like premise, and novel magic system.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback!

I lovee Howl's Moving Castle and this fantasy book literally howls this theme (pun intended)! The Howl in this book is a sorceror of heart magic who has a magically alive house (that expands, adds, subtracts itself). And the Sophie of this book is Foss, who came to be the sorceror's housekeeper!

I adore this story so much! Concept wise it's really rich and unique. It has amazing mysteries and thick plot that would mesmerize many fantasy readers. But what I love the most about this story is the two main characters. Each are unique, flawed, and has been so consistent throughout the story, which made their slowburn burned brightly. It was cute but at the same time heartwarming seeing them together. Not to mention the great relationship between the FMC and her father against all odds. I love that the author took time in exploring each character's background and personalities. Especially I adore the talking cat!

However, I struggle with the pacing of this story. It started off more like an info dump -which I didn't really mind as I am a heavy fantasy reader. But I wouldn't find it unfair if people think it's boring from the start. I believe the story could have started at chapter 3 when the FMC suddenly declared she wanted to be the housekeeper of the sorceror, then had flashbacks of her upbringing. The pacing suddenly increased during the last third of the book especially during the action scenes. Scenes that were supposed to be majestic and magical seemed flat and rushed. And then at times it felt stretched out before the pace picked up again. Some of the magic system at the last third of the book seemed to appear out of nowhere like deux ex machina and the villain was defeated... pretty easily... in my honest opinion.

BUT I still love the plot, the characters, and what this book stands for sooo it's a ⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me ❤️

Unlike the other reviewers who picked this book due to it being inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle, I requested Harvest of Hearts from Netgalley because I fell in love with the cover and the premise was interesting. Stories about a new take on magical system is usually a go for me. What Harvest of Hearts is offering is definitely right up my alley. And now that I am writing this review, I am happy to report that it totally stayed true to its mission.

A Harvest of Hearts revolves around the life of our heroine, Foss Butcher, a country bumpkin whose desires are so simple: to be wanted and loved. She’s quite contented working in the butcher shop her father owned and her usual interests are centered around the sorceresses that visit their small village from time to time. Though apprehensive of the sorceresses in general, Foss is not beyond admiring the ethereal beauty of such dangerous creatures. There’s also the complacency that she’s beyond the grasp of these sorceresses’ enthralling charisma as it’s usually the males who gets victimized and eventually, harvested. Yes, you read that right. Human hearts are literally harvested by these crafty creatures to fuel their magic, magic necessary to protect the kingdom from invading armies, to lessen infant mortality, starvation, etc. So despite the gruesomeness of getting harvested, the people of the Kingdom views the whole thing as somewhat unnaturally normal if there’s ever such a term. Foss is also critical of the whole system but is not actively doing anything whenever she knows of someone getting snagged/harvested. Her life was normal until a male sorcerer (which was unusual) visited their village and accidentally enchanted her. And thus, Foss’ ordinary life got turned upside down.

While Foss is not much of likeable character (her relentless internal monologue about being ugly and fat is suffocating), A Harvest of Hearts is not without a lot of merits. The prose is perfect, it’s whimsy and lyrical that it’s easy to just lie in bed and soak up all the coziness the book has to offer. The magical system was fresh and easy to wrap my mind around. The feudalish world building was definitely stirring, it’s no wonder it’s easy to get lost in the world Eames has created. And of course, there is the magical house that seems to provide for everything. Can I live there because I’m going to eat all the meat that I want? And who would ever forget Cornelius the boss? I’m so glad that he was spared. I also liked our male protagonist, Sylvester, by the way. Although the page time is mostly focused on Foss, I cannot discount the fact that Sylvester has undergone more character development than our heroine.

Honestly, this book is almost perfect; it’s a beautifully written fantasy novel set in a quaint Kingdom with lots of interesting characters and magical system that is both gory and fascinating. It’s only pitfall is that it chose Foss to be its leading character. I’m just so fed up with her constant woes about herself when there are bigger things to worry about. Yes, I understand where she’s coming from (I’m a fat and average looking person myself) but can you still think about your ugliness when your heart is missing and your about to die? Lady, what is your priority here?

Summing it all up, despite the glaring flaws, A Harvest of Hearts still made for an entertaining read as its lovable traits are more than enough to compensate for its exasperating heroine. Highly recommend to all fantasy fans out there.

Sylvester is a sorcerer who took Foss' heart by accident.... She's surprised because she sees herself as plain..

A cozy magical story. I was surprised by the twist. Reminds me a bit of Diana Wynne Jones' stories a bit... A fun book.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

**4-Star Review of *A Harvest of Hearts* by Andrea Eames**

* A Harvest of Hearts* by Andrea Eames is a whimsical and captivating fantasy that will resonate with fans of *Howl’s Moving Castle*. The story follows Foss Butcher, an ordinary girl thrust into an extraordinary situation when a sorcerer accidentally snags a piece of her heart. What ensues is a delightful adventure filled with magic, mischief, and unexpected friendships.

Foss’s journey to confront the sorcerer, Sylvester, who turns out to be more petulant and clueless than menacing, is both amusing and heartfelt. Eames creates a vivid world where even the walls of a house have moods, and a talking cat is Foss’s only ally. The dynamic between Foss and Sylvester is charming, as Foss’s practicality clashes with Sylvester’s idle nature, leading to moments of humor and growth.

While the plot's twists are somewhat predictable, the enchanting atmosphere and unique characters make up for it. Eames skillfully balances light-hearted adventure with deeper themes of self-discovery and the nature of magic. If you’re a fan of whimsical tales like *Howl’s Moving Castle*, *A Harvest of Hearts* is definitely a book to add to your reading list.
#AHarvestOfHearts #NetGalley #HowlsMovingCastleVibes

The story is very interesting and unique. However, it’s so slow paced and there is entirely too much detail. Getting lost in Floss’s never ending internal thoughts/monologues jerks the reader out of the action. This book could use some heavy editing.

Netgalley approved ARC.

Standalone YA, high fantasy.

First of all, let me congratulate the author on what was a very unique novel.
The magic system and "harvesting of hearts" was very unique!

The rest of the book took elements from already established ideas and I found myself not as captivated as I could have been. In saying that, I have read alot of books in my time and for an actual Young Adult, this would be a different story.

Our FMC, Foss, is brave and clever but also very self conscious and I really feel she is a relatable character to lots of young girls and boys these days.
And our MMC, Slyvester, is a little doe eyed and "out of it" as a magic worker. He doesn't see the world the way we do and often voices this, yet he is compassionate and open minded aswell.

The story line is fast paced and I like the back story of the king, however there wasn't actually much info beyond the basics. The author really could have delved into this a little more and relayed and a more complicated process to really give that impact and "wow" moments we all look for in a book.

Cornelius was just the most perfect side characters anyone could have ever written! And I really go appreciate that he was able to keep his voice throughout, and help Foss when needed. He really was an extension of Slyvester, and a companion to Foss right from the start.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. Perfect for those wanting something a little different from their fantasy novel!

I really liked the premise of this book, and was excited to start reading it.

Unfortunately I only made it to chapter 5. The style of writing is just not for me. It comes across as rather amateurish, and I am quite disappointed.

I feel this could have been really good, and maybe it will be for others, but I am unable to finish it when the issue I have is the style of writing, and I know that that wont change or improve throughout the book.

Im rating it 1/5☆, but keep in mind my review is more on the writing style then on the story itself. It is a personal preference, therefore should not prevent others from giving the story a go. You will know as quickly as me whether it's a style you will enjoy or not.