A tale of healing, found family, and deals with Death.

Khana was stolen from her home and made the immortal Emperor’s concubine when it is discovered she is a witch. On learning his secret to power and killing his favourite courtier, she flees the empire and ends up in a snowy, cold mountain town.
There, she faces prejudice, but also a home with a group of other misfits where she slowly learns to heal from her trauma and feel happy and safe. But the Emperor won’t leave someone alive who knows his secrets….

This was so wholesome, but it also had a tiny amount of delicious spice that still managed to feel soft and slow.

The characters were heart-warming, the dynamics were hilarious, and the journey of self-worth and recovery was tender. I liked that it showed this abuse from both man and woman and the recovery from both genders too!

<b>"Give yourself the kindness of healing on your own terms.”
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The world-building was also pulled off well for a standalone and I was left feeling satisfied with a well-rounded story. This isn’t even that long of a book, yet I felt fully immersed in the culture, the town, and the small joys one can find working with friends at an inn.

Another thing I loved about- there is incredible friendship AND burgeoning romance. Yet, the plot was still enticing? This is rarely pulled off so well!!

<b>"Exactly, You're Khana's closest friend here," Sava stressed. "She doesn't strike me as the type of person to take that lightly." 
Haz scratched the back of his neck. "No, she isn't. That's part of what makes her so adorable." 
Sava almost choked. "Adorable?!" 
“Like a baby bear. One of these days she's going to be deadly, but until then she's just... cute." Haz grinned. "I can't wait.”
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Thank you to Angry Robot for sending me the physical arc in exchange for a review!