House of Frank

House of Frank is a cosy fantasy about grief and love and I adored this warm hug of a book so so much.

Saika is grieving the loss of her sister, and travels to Ash Gardens to lay her to rest in the magical arboretum, but struggles to let go, and is invited by Ash Garden’s caretaker Frank (a big fluffy monster who wears knit cardigans!) to stay for as long as she needs, helping around the house, finding a new family and maybe even falling in love. :’)

I loved all the characters, especially Evette and Oli, and thought the pacing and reveals were super well done. I read this book over the span of a couple of days and every time I wasn’t reading it, I was just thinking about how much I wished I was.

I would recommend House of Frank to any fantasy/cosy fantasy readers, and especially to fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Legends and Lattes, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!

A big hearted, grief heavy, queer, cozy fantasy that was made with so much love and care it felt like the book itself was a gift crafted by Hilde. I can't wait for this to come out so I can pass it along to my fellow readers. I'll be recommending this to any cozy fantasy fan, but especially those who loved Sangu Mandanna's "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" , Emma Mills's "Something Close to Magic" or T. Kingfisher's "Nettle and Bone"

"House of Frank" is a beautiful debut novel by Kay Synclaire, in which our protagonist Saika is confronted by grief and experiences healing and forgiveness in found family and community. This book is wonderfully thought out, the characters are compassionate, and even though there is no true villain, those who are perceived to be a bit "mean" are treated with empathy. This is a gentle and cosy fantasy filled with bittersweet love from the first page to the last. It wraps you in magic and feels like a warm hug.

I absolutely loved this cozy queer fantasy about grief. This book will always hold a special place in my heart

I really loved this quick and cozy story about love and grief. I found the narrative style of having Saika speaking directly to her lost sister added a lot to the use of grief in the story. You can really feel her pain, and see her struggling with her journey through her inner dialogue. I also loved the way the unknown elements of the story unfold themselves naturally, and the reader gets to slowly pick up the pieces as they go along. I always find that much more enjoyable than being spoon-fed the backstory.

This kind of isolated story often feels limiting in how much exploration of the fantasy world and background we get, and while that did feel present here I think the length of the story allowed it to be a minor setback rather than a large glaring issue. It feels like a small bite of a grand world, and that makes it very digestible and focused.

This was absolutely wonderful. Cozy, heartwarming, magical... honestly, a warm hug in a book. Wonderful portrayal of grief and comforting.

Such a beautiful exploration of grief, that readers will absolutely connect with. The voices of the characters were real and meaningful, along with authentic character development throughout the story. I loved the setting too, the house and arboretum came alive in my mind. I will be handselling this to those interested in cosy fantasy and diverse representation in the genre.

I loved this book so much!!! I recommend everyone to read this book asap. I gave it 4 stars. Loved every single second of it.

House of Frank is the perfect cozy fantasy book that wraps you up in a warm hug and makes you feel ALL of the feels.

Powerless witch Saika arrives at the stormy Ash Gardens to fulfill her sister’s final wish of planting her remains, where she is welcomed by Frank, a fluffy mythical beast who offers her a role as a caretaker. Desperate to avoid her grief, Saika accepts the job, despite being disconnected from her magic since her sister’s death. Using a fragment of a fallen star to cast enchantments, she hides her lack of intrinsic power while getting to know Frank, the decaying house, and its eclectic staff. Over time, Saika learns to reconcile her joy and grief, rediscovering the meaning of love, and healing in the process.

This book just swept me up in its magical world and I just adored my time with it! I read the whole book in one sitting, which is quite an impressive feat for me and speaks volumes about how all-encompassing and engrossing the reading experience was. The characters popped off the page and I felt so connected to their storylines. I was brought to tears multiple times during the book. Multiple times!! I just wanted to wrap them all up in a huge hug, they were just so wholesome.

The romance in the book was also just adorable, so if you like the dislike to love (not really hate to love) trope, this one will give you exactly what you need.

Oh, and if you are a sibling, you are in for a ride. let the tears ensue.

I do want to say that while the book is cozy, it heavily deals with grief. The story essentially follows a cast of characters grieving different losses, so it inherently feels heavy, but with that dash of magic, it balances out perfectly.

If you're looking for something to warm you up in the Fall, curl up with this one. I'm sure you won't regret it.

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: October 15th

House of Frank is sort of like being wrapped in a soft blanket. This is peak cozy fantasy. At the same time, it's also heavy; it's about grief, in every aspect. It's the story of Saika, a witch who has lost her powers, and is finally fulfilling her sister's dying wish to be put to rest at Ash Gardens, a beautiful arboretum where the deceased are planted and can become something beautiful. When Saika arrives, she realizes she's still not ready to go, but Frank, the owner, offers her a job. The Ash Gardens are crumbling and need another witch to keep it going, so Saika doesn't mention that her powers aren't exactly working, and she takes the job.
The cast is beautiful. There's Oli, the half-witch who doesn't know her own strength. Phil, the silent but knowing ghost. Evette, a fairy and incredible cook. Cherubs Merry and Morose, who are twins but can't agree on anything. Hilde, the empath, Ignatius, the engineer. And Frank, who is just trying to hold Ash Gardens together in the wake of his wife's loss, trying to keep her memory alive by carrying on her life's work.
It's definitely character driven; at times, it can be slow and dense. As I said, it's heavy, but it's beautiful. It's absolutely worth it.

This is a book that those walking through grief need to read, one that will wrap them up in a world that they will feel a little less alone in. This is a cozy fantasy but definitely a heavier one as it tackles some harder topics such as grief and loss. If you love TJ klune, and found family . Pick this one up.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Overview
This book is sad, heartfelt and so beautiful. The author's love for the story and the characters just vibrates off the page. House of Frank is filled with magic, mystery, love and grief - it's almost overwhelmingly beautiful. The author portrays the sense of grief in a deep, heart-breaking way that feels so, so real. I'm not going to lie. I cried reading this. It's just beautiful.

Characters
This is one of those rare books where my favorite character was actually the main character, Saika, but honestly, it was a tough call, because I love the entire crew of Ash gardens. (Especially Frank, Phil, Oli, Merry, Morose, Evette, Bee and Ignatius 😄) Each one of them adds to the story in their own way, each one of them has their own burden to bare, yet they still manage to love each other more than anything. House of Frank is the ultimate found-family story. Not to mention that the cast of characters includes pretty much all the colors of the rainbow. 🌈

Plot
House of Frank read as cozy fantasy to me, yet it certainly had a story to it. I absolutely adored how Saika gradually uncovering the hidden secrets of the house and its inhabitants - and even herself. There was zero info dumping, (much appreciated ❤️) When I found out something about, say, the characters, it felt earned. (And trust me, there's a lot to find out.)

What did I love the most?
How the book proudly stayed true to itself until the very end, no matter what.

Anything I didn't like?
A few overused phrases. Occasional over-explaining. I could've used more worldbuilding. But that's honestly just me being a wannabe-writing professional.

Favorite quote?
"I trust you with my pain. I trust you with my heart. It's all I can give to you."

Similar books?
TJ Klune: Under the Whispering Door (Close similarity)
TJ Klune: House in the Cerulean Sea (Same type of crew of characters)
Travis Baldree: Legends and Lattes (Similar concept)
Maja Lunde: History of Bees (I don't know, just had the same, beautiful vibes)

Final thoughts
I predict a very, very bright future for House of Frank. For anyone who loves found family, uncovered secrets and sad, beautiful stories - this is for you. From now on, I will constantly recommend House of Frank (meaning I won't shut up about it) and I just feel really blessed to have been able to read it before publishing. It is truly a ride.

You know you are in for a tear jerker when the main character is mourning her sister, and is carrying her ashes with her, as the story opens.

Saika has lost her sister, but we dont’ know any details, other than she is a witch, as is her family, and that in this world that is quite normal. She is a music witch, and she was asked by her dying sister to have her ashes put in the Ash Garden, where the remains will be used to grow magical trees.

But Saika isn’t ready to let go, so Frank, who is some type of mythical furry creature with horns, offers to let her stay, and work, until she is ready to bury the ashes. Everyone else who works at Ash Gardens, Saika learns, also came when they lost family members, and never left.

Although this is a sad book, there is humor. There is also a mystery. We know that something happened, we just don’t know what, or how.

And certainly there are lots of things to be sad about, throughout the book.

I enjoyed having my heart played with. Because there was such beauty in everyone, from grumpy elves to cherubs to other witches. We even have dreams that are trying to tell Saika…something.


Thanks to netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published the 15th of October 2024.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story of love, loss, grief, and healing. I felt such a strong connection to the characters and I cried many times. Highly highly recommend.

This novel is a gentle hug. Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for sending this egalley in exchange for an honest review! What a warm, cozy fantasy about a witch's grief, about the piece of Saika that passed, her sister Fiona. This book confronts that pain and the journey that follows. What I loved about this piece, apart from the found family element, was Saika's second person address to Fiona. This thread continues throughout the book, and it greatly expresses Saika's struggles with greif, love, and loss. I did, however, want to explore that aspect even more. I would highly recommend this book to cozy fantasy lovers, especially if you're looking for something healing, something comforting. 3.5 / 5.0 ⭐️

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. I absolutely loved it! I will be posting my review on Goodreads.

Reading this book was such a beautiful experience. Every character was so unique and their relationships with each other were intricate and wonderfully written. I’m truly in awe of how Kay managed to capture such complex emotions and share them in such whimsical and tender hearted ways. 5 out of 5 fallen stars ⭐️

Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC!
I just knew I would love this book. The queer, found family, fantasy mix just really hits home every time.
The House of Frank is a beautiful story and truly a five star, must read.
The only thing that confused me a tad was the “you”, however, it just took some getting used to and made complete sense for this story.
Overall, amazing read!

What a precious book.
It gives a whimsical look at grief and grappling with loss with carefully crafted lovable characters.
It’s cozy like a warm cup of tea or hot soup when you’re sick. I hope others find this as healing as I did.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

With all the bravado and emotional gusto of Howl's Moving Castle paired with the coziest of cozy fantasy settings, "House of Frank" is a force to be reckoned with; a no-holds-barred looking glass into which readers experience the true depths of grief, and the lengths people will take to cope with even an ounce of the darkness that grief thrusts upon us.

Each character, from Saika to each of the wonderfully diverse cast of creatures at Ash Gardens, holds a fragment of grief in different ways, manifesting in messy character choices and flawed internal rationalities. This is a story that doesn't ask for you to look BEYOND grief to see the person within, instead gently guiding readers (and Saika) to look at how grief works in conjunction to molds the person you see before you. So while Saika initially makes some dubious choices that had me questioning her morality and sense of justice, her growth as a character shines brightest as she opens up to the family at Ash Gardens, and vice versa. Most of all, I absolutely adored how the plot revolved around the found family/platonic love aspect between all the characters, and how, even though there is a sliver of romance, it doesn't monopolize the greater story of family that the book offers.

Beyond the characters, the world-building of the story is intricately detailed, while remaining light enough to cushion readers in the "cozy" aspect of this cozy fantasy. I loved all the glimpses into the greater world Saika and Oli's character offered to the story, and every aspect of the group's trip to the city felt so purposeful in expanding the world.

My one and only criticism is that I wish the book had offered more in-depth physical descriptions of the characters themselves, specifically Saika and Frank, both which I struggled a bit to picture in my mind. However, the lack thereof did not hinder my total enjoyment of the story, and I would still give this story my highest recommendation for all those who love cozy, queer (sapphic!) fantasy stories.

This book has everything I'm searching for in a novel - magic, found family, and queer stories. As an added bonus, it also tackles grief in a way that was heartwarming and easy to digest. While it's easy to get swept up in the idea of magic and a special arboretum, the underlying need for our MC to confront her grief and begin healing is still present. It would be easy to let this consume the whole book, but the author still found moments for levity and knew exactly when to play into the magical components rather than the real-world connections.

I was unfamiliar with the author prior to this book, but I loved this and would definitely read more from them in the future.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bindery Books. This book was so lovely!! Ash Gardens is a magical resting place for witches run by Frank. Saika is a powerless witch who comes to Ash Gardens with the remains of her sister to grieve and mourn. But while she is there as she puts off the ceremony to bury her sister, Saika learns more about Frank and the other mythical creatures who live and help run Ash Gardens. This book is a sweet story about grief and learning to be yourself and letting go. I can't believe this is a debut novel. I loved this and will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.

The way this book is about to become my entire personality. I immediately connected with this author from the humor on the pronunciation page.
It's a beautiful story of loss and grief and finding your new place in the world. I love the way that it's written in a way that it seems like you are the sister who has passed. It's full of amazing representation and one of my favorite tropes, found family. I loved it from page one and was in tears by the end.

This genuinely messed me up & had me sobbing on the floor. So so so so beautiful, I will treasure it forever and cant wait for the release!

Very imaginative and cozy story, with a huge take of a found family and dealing with grief. Perfect for fans of The house in the Cerulean Sea.
4 stars

This is a great, grief-centered cozy fantasy novel, though it wasn't quite for me (because the focus on grief was a little more than I prefer in my 'cozies', whatever genre they may be). I'm so glad this is going to be out in the world, and I know so many people will love and feel affirmed by it.

Wow. If I could have only one book to read for the rest of my time , it would be this wonderful, heart warming novel. I absolutely loved it and it was exactly what I needed for this much dreary time of life. The world is a cold place these days, and this was the warm hug I needed to make me have hope in this world again.
Such a beautiful story. So , I will definitely be following this authors work

I don’t often read sapphic stories, but I’m certainly glad I read this one!

Saika has a past full of heartbreak. She has arrived at Ash Gardens to inter he’s sister’s ashes. What she finds when she arrives is a magical house full of amazing characters.

This is a great story for lovers of the found family trope. It is beautifully written, and a joy to read. Sai’s growth and healing are comforting.

In this story you will encounter a mythical beast, a fairy, witches, cherubs, and more. It’s a great story for fantasy lovers!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. This is a cozy fantasy book that deals with the topics of love, grief and loss. I really loved the main characters journey of dealing with the loss of her sister. This story has a quirky cast of supporting characters that make the story even better. The setting of the story enhances the story being told and not just a background to it. This story drew me in and once I got about a quarter of the way through the book, I could not put it down. I recommend giving this book a read.

I loved this book with a passion (and an amount of tears) that I was honestly not expecting. I just loved everything about it. The cover is stunning, it really captures the vibes of the story without giving anything away. And it’s just so beautiful. The characters feel extremely real and are all so so lovely. I really truly and deeply cared about them and their friendship with one another, and I found the sheer kindness of their actions, so powerful that bleeds through most of the pages of this book so heartwarming. All within a plot that is unexpected and an approach to grief and loss (two of my biggest personal triggers) that is oh-so-refreshing. Definitely a five stars read.

Normally, at this point I would summarise the plot, but I think the less you know the better it is, so I’ll tell you a story instead. It’s a bit of a long and winding story, but bear with me. My mum has this body oil that she would bring on vacations. It’s a friction oil (I think that’s what they are called in English), which you put on your legs or your arms after having done sports to soothe muscle pain. We would use it after days walking in new cities, and it would really help getting our legs to feel light again – and to be useable the day after. She calls it “the magical oil”, because what it does is “it finds the spots within your muscles where you are (going to be) most sore, and then it acts specifically there.” You know it because you feel a cooling sensation only in specific parts of your legs. Now, letting along the fact that this is EXACTLY how this oil feels, I cannot find better words to describe the experience that reading House of Frank was for me. Going through the pages really felt like a sort of balm was coating my heart and my memories, finding precisely the points that were ‘sore’ and just healing them. I felt parts of me glow after I finished the epilogue.

In the last few years, only two other books have had this effect on me: Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki and A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers. House of Frank is NOT a read alike for either, but the sensations that it leaves you with are absolutely comparable.
Reading this book was such a joyful and cathartic experience to get through. I had to force myself to read it at a leisurely pace (like over two days instead of one setting), because I just wanted to tear through it but the language, the feelings, the plot, and the characters needed to be savoured.

I really really really can’t wait for it to be out. I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on a hard copy and reread it, maybe even a bit slower than I did this time. Oh, and I can’t wait to see the fan art that I am sure will flourish after this book hits the shelves.

House of Frank is a sweet and cozy story about grief and self-discovery. The main character, Saika, was a wonderful conduit to watch the story unfold- I thought the way that her grief was portrayed felt very true-to-life, and reminded me often that grief never grows smaller, but that our lives grow around that grief and make it easier to carry. The found-family aspect of this book was also really gratifying- the characters were unique and memorable, and all dealing with their own stories in different ways- I was excited to learn more about each of them and discover how they fit into the fabric of the house. I particularly loved Phil the ghost, and thought he was a really fun addition to the house. The magical aspect was also well-done; I liked the explanation of it and how it added to the overall story, though it might have been interesting to understand more about it and how it worked. I don’t think this is really a negative- the story is really cozy as is, so it wasn’t pressing that I needed to know more or anything, but I thought that the magic system that Synclaire was building was interesting!

At times, it was difficult to connect with Saika’s voice- sometimes she would fall into repetitions and spirals, and while those are understandable since we’re dealing with a story about grief, they did sometimes disconnect me from the story. In addition, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Saika relaying her thoughts throughout the book to Fiona- at first, I thought it was a sweet addition, but sometimes (and I think this ties in with the spirals) it got to be a little too much for me.

Overall, this is such a sweet read, and it left me feeling hopeful and uplifted; and I would recommend to anyone who’s looking for a sweet read about grief and growing and finding exactly where you belong.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the ARC copy!

This book is really sweet: found family vibes, emotional moments; quite reminiscent of the very secret society of irregular witches in some ways except sapphic and with the addition of exploring grief. I think it lands somewhere around a 4 star for me: there were some moments with the love interest in the beginning that had me rolling my eyes HARD (think overly grumpy mad at the world cringeyness) and then a few moments in the middle that I could tell were supposed to be grand emotional reveal type things that just didn’t hit me quite perfectly. BUT the ending really wrapped it up so well and left me feeling all the things. Overall a lovely read! So excited for it to hit the shelves- thank you to Netgalley and Bindery for this eARC

Such a good book! Saika was a great main character. And all of the people she meets at Ash Garden are compelling in their own ways. Saika arrives in a rain storm to bury her sister’s ashes yet finds she can’t part with her right away. She stays to help around the house making friends with everyone and bringing us into their stories. Everyone was well written.

I had a real good time reading House of Frank. Would definitely recommend. Frank was my favorite character!

Currently ugly crying my eyes out at 2:30 in the morning as I write this... oh god. Oh my lord. When I heard of this, and requested it on Netgalley, my first thought was oh, is it gonna give House in the Cerulean Sea/Under the Whispering Door vibes? And it did, but better. I almost don't have the words to describe how I feel about this book but hands down it is easily one of my most favorite books this year in total.

It was so painful seeing how Frank suffered throughout the book. I get the metaphor that was being made with his character. Everyone here suffered, and it was sad knowing that everyone there lost someone. It was an honest and accurate depiction of how everyone deals with grief differently. Some go mad, some lose themselves, some clam up, some get angry. Everyone reacts different, and I think it's important to know and make the distinction, but also to know that everyone is still loveable despite losing a big part of their lives and personage.

I loved how everyone's story was highlighted, at least a bit. Some, more than others, like Phil, and Hilde, but I think their stories were important and lent themselves to the overall narrative, in order to push the plot line along, or to showcase who they really were at the core of themselves behind all the oohs and aahs of it all.

I laughed, I swooned, I gasped, I cried. House of Frank took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, and it is hands down a beautiful, sad, lovely book.

oh i am in shambles, this is lovely. The main focus of this novel is healing from grief: how different individuals deal with it, how incessantly every single one of them go through each stage of it, and how important community is while grieving.

House of Frank is a story told from the point of view of Saika, a witch who is grieving her sister Fiona's death. Saika subsequently switches from regular storytelling to direct address, talking to her dead sister Fi every chance she got.
She brings Fi's ashes to Ash Gardens, where you bury your dead's ashes and they grow into trees. Saika had put this task off for the longest time because she couldn't bear officially letting go of Fiona. She went on adventures and travelled everywhere for a long time before she could face the task of burying Fi.

Saika never found out why Fi wanted to be buried in Ash Gardens, only that she did. And in there, she doesn't bury Fi's ashes right away. She puts it off, again.

And it's easy for her to, because Frank makes it abundantly clear that there's no need for her to rush through the process, and that she's free to wait for however long she needs to be ready to bury her sister.

There in Ash Gardens she meets others like her: witches, ghosts, beasts, cherubs, etc., all brought together in the same house. Eventually Saika finds out that this is a house needing help--something that she's all too willing to give.

So she does! She buries herself in work, and does everything else except bury her sister once and for all (':

In the time she spends doing so, she finds love (platonic and romantic) and re-ignites the love she has for her sister in the process.

This book tackles heavy themes for sure, but they were all handled with care.

I finished reading this during Pride month so WOOHOO Happy Pride Month to all the characters in this book--the found families depicted here resemble many found families we have out here in the queer, queer wild.

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!

If you want a book to pull at your heart strings this is the one for you! House of Frank is possibly one of the best debut novels I’ve ever read.

We follow Saika our main character on her journey to lay to rest her sister Fi’s ashes after Fi requested to be planted at Ash Gardens in their magical arboretum.

This story is so heavily filled with grief but don’t let that put you off, despite the hard topic and theme this story is so utterly cozy, it feels like a warm hug.

For a debut novel I’m pleasantly surprised at how well this was written, it balanced the conversation of grief with light hearted banter and a beautifully written sapphic romance that felt natural and had me kicking my feet in the air, giddy. I also loved the diversity of all our characters!

Saika’s story is beautiful, the friends she makes (of the mythical kind) and the relationships she builds are heart warming and really bring the whole thing together. Her character was thought out and realistic and I instantly felt connected to her and her loss and will to keep the one she lost close.

This book is about loss and found family, it’s about magic and the cost of loving something so much but also being able to let go to move on and grow.

I’ll stop rambling before I spoil this beautiful book but please just read it for yourself because it definitely deserves the love!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this arc!

A fantastic book. Entertaining…witches, cherubs and more. I loved it and it had a much deeper course running it through it. I will think about it for a while . Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

House of Frank is a wonderful debut novel by the amazing Kay Synclaire. It is a story about grief and the process of healing while struggling to find your own self again. It has tropes and themes like Family, Sacrifices and Love. It’s a story that I believe everyone can relate to and find solstice in.

Initially I had to adjust to the point of view and Synclaire’s writing BUT once I did I really think it added to the emotions. Being a part of the story makes you feel as if you are there instead of spectating and I think it adds another level of whimsicalness and magic.

I loved the romance, its sapphic and all heart warming. Since its pride month no one is allowed to critique me when I say… Oli give me one chance. I have the biggest crush on her and no one is allowed to bully me.

The last 40% had be audibly gasping and laughing, I definitely got sent through a wave of emotions but things all worked out for the best, it was painful and unfair but real and I loved that. It’s just a beautiful example of the lengths people will go to to save and hold their chosen family dear.

Thank you NetGalley for early access, Kay for writing this and the team of people that helped support it enough to get it into my hands.

A comfy, melancholy, whimsical tale of grief and found family.

3.75 ⭐ , rounded to 4 ⭐

Told through the voice of Saika talking to her dead sister Fiona, we experience everything along with her. How do I explain that I was so sad but in the cosiest way possible? I felt like grief and I were passengers in Saika's story, how Saika, grief and I came to Ash Gardens and how we watched it evolve into the beautiful House of Frank. I deeply loved the world that Synclaire constructed and the range of personalities that made the story. Oh how I wish I could meet all of these gorgeous characters! Hilde was a particular favourite of mine, as well as Phil the friendly ghost. This story felt cathartic and explored grief in so many ways, stretching and pulling in different directions, showing how it impacts people so diversely.

Also, as an illustrator working in books, how could I not include my love for the cover art? That's what grabbed me in the first place! Illustrator Barry Blankenship did an incredible job. 10/10 no notes.

I think what could have been improved was the narrative structure and overall storytelling. A few major plot points would be revealed but it would feel slightly anticlimactic, or a scene would end quite abruptly. With some narrative editing, this would definitely be a 4.5, or even a 5 from me!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Perhaps arriving at closure a little quickly, this book introduces us to a fascinating set of magical and mythic personalities while reflecting on how we help one another grieve and live with grief. I appreciated the range of responses to loss that the book depicts as well as the different kinds of loss, recovery, and regret that can distance us from ourselves and others. This book is a delightful addition to modern fantasy that has all the whimsy of magic while having the people in a magical world cope with otherwise very realistic and human-scale problems. Look out for capably handled queer and trans representation which are present without being the focus of the book.

ARC Reviewer!

Wow. House of Frank is emotionally powerful. I love the representation of queerness and found family.

Saika, a witch with a secret, has to keep her promise of laying her sister, Fiona, to rest at Ash Gardens. This was her sister's dying wish and something Saika has put off for a while. She arrives and is greeted by a beastly Frank who treats her with kindness even though she didn't call ahead and was just dropping in. Saika slowly meets all of the staff of the house including Oli (a half witch), Phil (a ghost!), Hilde (an architect witch), Evette (a fairy!), Merry and Morose (two twin cherubs), and eventually Ignatius (a half elf). Each has their own role in keeping Ash Gardens afloat while a mysterious string of strong storms threatens to reduce the building and all the beautiful trees and plants around it to rubble. Saika struggles to find it in her to lay her sister to rest and instead decides to help out around the house until she is ready. Will the team be able to keep the house from crumbling or even find out why? What is Saika's secret and will it be the key to saving the house?

I could not pull myself away from this book. Kay Synclaire writes so beautifully and it was such a stunning story. I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to feel all of the feelings about death and family and what that means for you. I can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you to Net Galley and Bindery Books for providing me with this opportunity.

3.75 rounded up.
Saika travels to Ash Gardens to plant her sister's, Fi's, ashes. The staff include two witches (one part gargoyle), two cherubs, a light fairie, an elf, a ghost, and a beast named Frank. Saika is struggling with laying her sister to rest, while trying to hide her own failing power, but she's not the only one with secrets.

Things got off to a slow start, but this grew into a somewhat cozy, melancholy fantasy story. The melange of magical beings reminds me of The House in the Cerulean Sea with the business akin to Under the Whispering Door; I think fans of TJ Klune will enjoy this book. Though it's handling some heavy topics (death, some suicidal ideation, losing loved ones) there's a strong theme of found family and some joyful moments. There's a range of friendships and queer relationships

Thank you to Bindery Books / Ezeekat Press for an ARC on NetGalley. All opinions are my own. This book is due to be published 10/15/24.

Saika, a witch, grieving the loss of her sister and keeps her promise by bringing her sister’s ashes to Ash Gardens and Arboretum. Saika rides the train with her sister's ashes and walks to the gardens in a storm. When she arrives, she notices two cherubs eating fruit and talks with them before knocking on the red door. Frank, a gentle beast in a beige knit sweater wearing reading glasses answers the door. He convinces her to stay the night since the weather is too bad for her to leave. She decides to stay on as an employee to have more time with her sister's ashes. The story is both grief-filled and cozy, making it a must-read. Warnings: grief, death of a child, suicide, and mental illness

This was exactly as advertised: cozy fantasy about dealing with loss, grief, and sometimes survivor's guilt. Please do check out content warnings beforehand but this book deftly deals with heavier topics like deep grief in a very wholesome way: via a found family and characters who help each other and heal slowly together.

The fantasy here is almost incidental. There are cherubs, one of which is delightfully crass and grumpy, witches, beast persons, dragons, and even ghosts. I appreciated the light touch on the magical system and the variations between general witches (nature witches) and specialised witches who studied that specialty. Saika is a deeply sad but very likeable protagonist and the non-obvious source of her shame and regret is not hard to work out before the reveal. What matters is that we can feel how much Fi was her "second half" and without her sister, Saika is just wandering the world, bereft and incomplete.

I also enjoyed how well all the supporting cast in the house are, from a silent ghost to a fairy who loves to cook to a flirty half-demon witch. Each of them has their own circumstances and history but is bound by the comfort the Ash Gardens give to those who are grieving through their ceremonies and it's honestly moving as we get to know each of them.

Simply put, this was a wholesome and moving book about loss and I would recommend it to anyone who likes cozy fantasy.

This is a low stakes cozy fantasy novel, which is also not super long, so a very good first step into the fantasy genre! It covers grief in a thoughtful and beautiful way, and the characters are just amazingly well written. I might have put it as young adult though, instead of adult fiction.

If you are looking for an intro into fantasy, this is the perfect book for you. This short, low stakes fantasy novel covers grief in such a beautiful way. I connected with each of these characters and want to live in The House of Frank. The development of the characters is so thoughtful and well rounded that you can’t help but fall in love with each of them.

What a beautiful melody entangled with grief, love and magic.

Now this is a book that wraps you in a warm hug on a stormy night. I truly loved it and devoured it. Saika is mourning the loss of her sister. She had tried everything to avoid her feelings and coming to terms with her loss. That is until she takes a step towards The Ash Gardens. But she finds much more than she bargains for. This book is full of hope, found family and secrets.

I was quickly lost in the words of this book. The author did a beautiful job creating characters to love and relate to. Each reader will find a bit more inside this book than just another fantasy read. They will find a little piece of themselves. I truly wish we had a place like this in our world. But maybe we do we just have to open our eyes to those around us to find peace for our grieving hearts.

Don’t forget to wish upon a star you never know when that wish will be heard.

This was such a beautiful cozy fantasy. Fans of Legends and Lattes will love House of Frank. I enjoyed all the representation in the book! It is a great read about grief, found family, and perseverance.

eARC provided by Netgalley. Thank you!

I was first introduced to The House of Frank, written by Kay Sinclaire, from ezeekat, a TikTok and Instagram content creator I follow. This is the first book he acquired to publish by Bindery Books and I’m honored to be able to read it.

This novel is more than just a cozy fantasy novel. It is a journey of grief and self healing. It is about living, laughing and loving. It is about found family. It is a letter written for the dearly departed.

If you’ve ever lost someone, you can feel the anguish and heartfelt emotions conveyed by the main character Saika. It feels like you’re the only one suffering, but soon you come to terms with reality and that you can rely on others to help you through the tough times and find light in the darkness.

The cast of characters are diverse, with cherubs and witches, and mythical creatures. There is some queer romance in this as well, though not the main point of the story.

And as the title of the novel is called, it is about the house of Frank. A wonderful resting place for those who have passed on, and what a wonderful thing Frank does for those.

I would highly recommend this novel, to those who have lost a loved one in their life.

5/5 stars.

I thought this was beautiful, and I definitely shed some tears while reading. This was a lovely cozy fantasy that dealt mainly with the topic of grief. The found family storyline was deeply touching and well done. I'm not normally a fan of a second person narrative, but I thought it really worked for this book!
The pacing of this story was perfect and the character development was just superb. I ended up loving every single character in the end.

An equal parts cozy and heart-wrenching read, this soft fantasy book is all about an eclectic group of people who have found each other through grief. What I loved about the book is its honesty on how grief transforms us, how we can become people who are just rather awful to be around or make drastic decisions when the world seemed to have crumbled around us due to loss. Every character, including our protagonist, Saika is flawed and deals with their personal losses in their own ways.

And the diversity! We have various queer representation, characters of various fantasy races, socioeconomic backgrounds and histories. For a book with such heavy themes, it felt like a comfort every time I read a chapter or so before bedtime, and I felt incredibly seen as someone who hasn't completely healed from losing someone even after more than a year.

Thank you Bindery Books, the author and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I leave this review voluntarily.

This book was a good read. While flawed, the characters were all loveable (or at least relatable) & you really wanted everything to work for the House of Frank. I enjoyed this story about friendship, family and the toll grief takes on us all.
I would like to read more about the characters & their stories that brought them to the House of Frank.

Thanks to Bindery Books for the digital Advanced Readers Copy!
When Saika’s sister passes her one request is to be planted in the Ash Gardens but years pass before she can bring herself there to finally say goodbye. This book has a crew of characters that have all either lost someone or something. As you travel with Saika she learns the Ash gardens could use more help than it’s getting so she takes on a task that could save everything but if she fails it could all fall apart. I enjoyed this book as a view of grief and the journey it takes you on and how healing is not in a straight path.

a very cozy fantasy about grief and love -i did get teary eyed so please purchase tissues. I wish I had the correct words to discuss this book, but it felt like a warm hug on a rough day, and i will think about it for a very long time. I cannot wait to purchase this book.
5/5 stars

House of Frank is a delicately crafted story exploring grief and healing as Saika, a witch lost in her grief after losing her sister, begins processing how to finally honor her sister’s wish to be laid to rest (“planted”) in the magical arboretum of Ash Gardens. When Saika arrives and agrees to help out around the large estate in exchange for a place to stay - and in turn prolong the time before she completes her sister’s wish - she begins to unravel the many secrets and mysteries of Ash Gardens, the other residents, and herself.
For me, this was a beautiful story not so much about coming back to yourself, but about discovering and learning to embrace fully living as who you are NOW.


Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books/Ezeekat Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This one's for the queer fantasy lovers.
A pretty cozy, magical, warm book-- a Sapphic romance with grief at its core.
The story is about death, love, and found family, with positive queer representation.

I appreciated the unique/grumpy characters-- elves, a mute ghost, bickering cherubs, a half-witch etc-- the setting and message.

For fans of The House on the Creulian Sea.

This does not read like a debut novel. This is the first book from Jaysen or Ezeekat's imprint with Bindery and it was equal parts cozy and heart wrenching. I went into this story somewhat blind, and I appreciated it so much so I won't go into too much detail. This follows the main character Saika, and she is dealing with the loss of her older sister. Her sister Fiona's final wish was to be planted at Ash Gardens.
When she gets to the estate she meets a cast of characters that are so unique and lovable. This story is about grief, holding on to those you hold dear and the struggle of moving on with life without wanting to move on without them. It's crazy how life comes full circle, l've been following Kay since her journey writing this story, before Bindery's Pitch Fest when she tasked herself with writing this book in 30 days. I had a similar loss to the main character last year, and she was one of the people who reached out to make sure that I was okay. And just like her reaching out felt like such a kind gesture, this felt the same but even more so. People need this story. Beyond how unique the characters are, there are so many different kinds of love. This is truly a precious book. Jaysen couldn't have chosen a more perfect story, I understand why he fell in love with it, I fell in love for the very same reasons. I highly recommend.

This was a touching story about grief and the sacrifices we are willing to make after losing the people we love. There are so many lovable characters in this story. It was a good, comforting read that had me feeling reflective on grief and love. I’d recommend it to fans of TJ Klune and the like.

Grab your tissues while finding your life in this book. Kay has brought forth this heartwarming tear-jerker that is sure to keep your interest and grow your empathy. For Saika life has been no crystal stair, but she has decided to stop running from her obligations. At Ash Gardens she finds more than she bargains for in more ways than 1. I enjoyed this book, it pulled my heart out and squeezed it til there was nothing left. I laughed, I loved and I found my way within the lines of the House of Frank. Grief shows itself in many forms, how you come out on the other side or even navigate thru it is what matters most. Know that you don't have to be alone.

I am a sucker for witch stories and found family. This book has them both. I really enjoyed this story and am considering it for a future read aloud for my grade 3 class.

house of frank a fantasy driven book about a lonely witch consumed by grief which then journeys to to a place where she discovers a whimsical cast of characters.

first and foremost, i would like to give the author a round of applause because they have outdone themselves with this book! it kinds of remind me of “hotel transylvania” (the movie) as well as “the house in the cerulean sea”. but the major difference this book has for me is how well written it is!

it was sad, funny, courageous, and everything in between! i absolutely loved the characters and the main character all the most. the plot was well paced, it wasn’t rushing anybody and it just kind of lets the characters move on their own. ALSO!! *ahem there’s sapphic romance !! EVERYONE CHEERED !!!!*

definitely a great read if you are into found family and wholesomeness <3

despite every lovely detail, i gave this a 4.75 star rating because i was actually finding a bit more coziness to the story. although yes, it was cozy and wholesome but it was also really HEAVY at most times. so definitely watch out for that! overall a fun experience <3

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC and for the author who kindly allowed me to review this book <3

Don't let the harmless cover fool you - this is an incredibly sad book, exploring grief, sorrow and trauma on every single page, and I don't think I've cried this much reading a book in a long time. I'll include some other Content Warnings at the end of the review as well, but please go into this book forewarned that it is a heart-wrenching depiction of bereavement, which may be challenging for some readers (particularly those with recent experience of loss themselves).

I loved so much about this book, from the brilliant queer representation, to the heartfelt moments describing how people survive the many different forms that raw grief can take. It explores how people cope with loss (losing loved ones and losing themselves) and how they find support & love with each other - it's truly lovely to read, just also rife with tragedy.

I felt some of the characters deserved more in-depth explorations of who they are now, not just ticking off "what was your loss" one-by-one and then never addressing it again, but I still really enjoyed them all. The main character Saika's development and growth was good - I found her lack of self-awareness and empathy difficult to connect with at first, but she won me over by the end. And honestly I am all for a flawed MC, particularly when so many of their flaws likely have genuine justification like processing trauma (as Saika’s do).

I would say this is a great debut novel that I would highly recommend - and many thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review, I'm so glad I got to read this fantastic book! - and I'm keen to see what else Kay Synclaire has in store for us.

Content Warnings for those who find them useful:

**SPOILERS BELOW**

- Bereavement and grief (throughout), including bereavement by suicide
- Sexual harassment & predatory behaviour by a man in a position of power (multiple instances - described briefly as a recollection, not depicted in detail)
- Suicide (mentioned, not depicted, and not described in any level of detail at all)
- Terminal illness

On the surface House of Frank is telling a story of loss, grief and found family with a side of teasing, tender love that develops slowly.

Looking closer, this book may be a warm hug for those who mourn and try to find their way back to life. Like Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune or the animated movie Up by Pixar, it deals with the topics of loss of loved ones, the going on adventures to fulfill promises, the feeling of loneliness and the search for a new anchor.

The cozy fantasy setting and the slow pace may not be everyone's cup of tea but to me it was exactly what worked in this setting. I think this book is precious for what it does and Kay Synclaire's writing is beautiful and makes you feel perfectly welcome in the House of Frank.

Thank you to Bindery Books, NetGalley and Kay Synclaire!

House of Frank was a book I did not expect to enjoy. Since it was a fantasy novel, I was hesitant to pick it up. However, as I read the book, I discovered it was actually a cozy fantasy which was something I grew to enjoy. The characters were flawed but lovable. They had their own charms that added to the interesting demeanor of the female lead, Saika. It was absolutely wonderful to get to know their stories and the reasons behind their stay at Ash Gardens. It was a lovely read with enough adventure, suspense, and heart to keep you going. The characters deserve a five star rating but, as for the plot, I would have to give it a four star rating overall. It was a wonderful medium paced read that could be improved. I hope this book does well upon its release. It was truly a one of a kind experience to finally dip my toes into fantasy through this book. Thank you for approving my request and I am looking forward to more books to read from this author and publisher.

**4.5 Stars**

Oh, I loved this so much more than I anticipated considering I requested it on Netgally on a bit of a whim. I love the concept of a cosy fantasy but the few I've read have always fallen flat for me. It seems quite difficult to write a cosy fantasy with enough plot and/or character development to make the story interesting while also not relying on most of the usual fantasy conventions (since within the cosy fantasy genre, the fantasy part is generally just the backdrop). So other cosy fantasies like 'Legends & Lattes' were such a disappointment to me because they wound up being quite boring.

But oh this book did it so bloody well, the story had such heart to it and the fantasy aspect was just a really nice means of delivering the story.

Above all 'The House of Frank' is a story about love and loss, what it means to deal with such deep grief that it changes who you are as a person and how to keep living in the aftermath of such a loss. Our main character Saika arrives at the Ash Gardens to finally honour her sister's burial wishes, however, the prospect of finally saying goodbye is too much for her and so Frank (the proprietor) invites her to stay at the house until she's ready. It is here we meet our full cast of characters, each magical in their own way and each dealing with their own grief.

But when violent storms start hitting the area and the house (and Frank's mind) starts to rapidly deteriorate it becomes clear that the Ash Gardens and the House of Frank are in serious danger of being destroyed and the inhabitants must all band together to figure out what's wrong and save the home they love so much.

Add in a few deals with death, some curses, a pet dragon and a well-done allegory for dementia and we have such a beautifully written story that I think nails the premise of cosy fantasy. I think this story does a fantastic job of exploring grief in a way that isn't desperately heavy but still gives space to the weight and seriousness of the topic.

There is also a romance plot that I really loved, it was fairly well-paced and I really thought the characters were well suited to one another, and it played in nicely with the themes of choosing to keep loving after loss.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books and Ezeekat Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

this book broke my heart in the best way. full of magic, tenderness, and the reality of grief. i love that this still had cozy elements while having real stakes and characters involved. i'll be thinking about this book for a long time!

"House of Frank" is a charming debut and a welcome addition to the cozy fantasy genre, handling the subject of grief with nuance and care. Saika is a relatable and heartbreaking character who I rooted for all the way. The family she finds in Ash Gardens is incredibly heartwarming, and I loved every character. The romance in the story is super sweet, yet it doesn't overshadow the main plot. This story had my whole heart from start to finish, and was a rollercoaster of joy, sadness and loving family I didn't want to leave.

This is the first of four Bindery titles being published in October. "House of Frank" was selected by Ezeekat Press, and I highly recommend pre-ordering, requesting it at your local library, and picking it up when it comes out..

This was a lovely story with themes of grief and found family with a background mystery. I really enjoyed it. There was a bit of a slump in the middle where the story could have been tightened, however still a very good read.

First, thank you NetGalley for giving me this eARC!

This was a really good cozy fantasy which deals with the heavy topic of grief in such a beautiful way. It's still quite a heavy read, but it feels like the book gives you a hug while taking you through the story. This also has to do with the found family that the main character, Saika, has found. All these characters were so wonderful! They all had their own stories in dealing with grief. One thing I wasn't a fan of though, was the fact that sometimes some of these characters were just forgotten about by the others. I felt like that didn't entirely fit within the found family trope. Another interesting thing about this book, is that it refers to the reader as 'you' and as Saika's sister. While not everyone might like this, I did and found it to complement the story.

Also, it has to be said, the cover is absolutely gorgeous!!

I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you like cozy fantasies such as Legends & Lattes!

This book felt like a warm cup of tea, a bandaid and a kiss on the forehead. This book is my definition of cozy but with serious substance. It’s beautifully written and addresses grief in a way that’s relatable, soft and kind. Anyone that has lost someone close to them will immediately relate to one or multiple characters throughout the story. It healed something inside of me that I didn’t know needed to be healed. Yes, I cried. The story is warm, beaitifil and heartwarming. I’m so excited to see what else Bindery and Ezeekat Press releases because this was a slam dunk.

When I think of a comfort book, this is instantly the first book that comes to mind! This has instantly become one of my new favorite books and I cannot wait for others to be able to read this story!

In House of Frank we meet Saika, who is a witch that hasn't been herself since her sister's death 2 years ago, on her way to Ash Gardens to bury her sister. Upon arrival she is welcomed in by Frank who ushers her into the decaying house to get away from a large storm approaching. Frank offers her a room for the night, which she begrudgingly takes until she can hold her sister's ceremony in the morning. When the time comes to bury her sister Saika isn’t quite ready yet to let her go. With the house needing repair Frank offers her a role as a caretaker of the estate. Within the estate she meets other magical beings that help shape the gardens into the safe and comforting place many flock to to bury their loved ones. As the house repairs become more daunting, Saika must decide if she wants to share her magical struggles with her new acquaintances or if the power of the fallen star in her possession will be enough for her to get by.

I gobbled this book up, it was so good! I loved the characters from their (mental) imagery, their personalities and just the welcoming-ness each brought to the table in their own ways. It felt like I was a part of this motley crew and was anxious to see if they were able to overcome the challenges that came their way throughout the book.

Thank you Bindery Books, the author and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

For anyone who has felt washed away from grief, "House of Frank" will envelope you with an embrace that you wished you had in your hardest moments.

Saika is a grief stricken witch who ends up on the doorstep of a magic funeral home, ready to lay her sisters ashes to rest. What she finds is a purpose, found family, and the lengths we will go through in our worst moments.

A cozy and queer fantasy that will pluck your heartstrings without sending you over the edge into an existential crisis. Delightfully queer and full of heart, if you're looking for something akin to Under the Whispering Door, this is your next read. 5/5 stars!

A story full of magic that takes us along Saika’s journey through grief and the healing power of love, connection, and found family. This cast of characters is delightful as they each reveal their own grief and the ways they’ve come together at Ash Gardens and find a place where they can heal and feel loved while passing that on to the families who gather to plant loved ones in the arboretum. Parts of the beginning were difficult to read as I processed grief of my own, but what a wonderful story and thought that those we’ve loved stay with us and in this world in some form.

My thanks to Net Galley for the digital ARC.

This book took a while to grow on me but once I spent some significant time with it, I fell hard.

This is the story of Saika, a witch mourning her sister, her best friend. Her sister's last wish was to have her ashes planted in Ash Gardens, a magical arboretum from which a tree would grow. It takes Saika two years before she can even travel there.

Saika has been grieving all alone, but at Ash Gardens she meets other people who bring healing and comfort to the bereaved even as they tend to and hide their own pain. She finds work to do and slowly learns about the community around her.

So much about this book spoke deeply to me and my own experience of grief. At times it was painful to recall, but the vulnerability and truth of Saika's thoughts and words opened a small door into light.

She does grow and change and heal on her own, but her healing is strengthened and deepened as she is supported by and supports her friends.

Some people view fantasy novels as escapism or a way to tune out the "real world," but this novel taps into raw and messy feelings that come from an authentic place. I don't often cry when I think about my sister, but I could cry for Saika and the power of her love and loss. And that's a form of magic too.

Review also posted to goodreads.

First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Ezeekat Press for providing me with an eARC for an honest review!

This book, despite any flaws it may have, has become one of my favorite books. I'm always a sucker for an exploration of grief, and The House of Frank does it beautifully. Off the bat, I think my main criticism is that the world does feel like it could use a bit of an expansion, as it feels like this book is set in no particular place or time. At the same time, however, this is a strength of the book, as it allows for the themes and the story to have an ethereal and timeless quality, like many of the myths and legends that involve the creatures and people of the story. It also allows for the characters to take center stage, which is by far the greatest strength of this book. Exploring particular forms of grief, loss, and identity through each character allows for the themes to take on personality and provides a space to connect with them. On top of all of that, this is a beautiful story about the power of found family, and how grief can bring people together. I highly recommend this book!

I really liked the premise of this book. And once reading it and meeting all the characters it was so nice. Everyonr being so understanding, giving space and time in difficult situations but also still being near and close by to help or be there for the other when they need it is so good. It was a really nice book to read. Not my favorite, but I'm still happy I got the chance to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This was a truly lovely and cozy fantasy novel that deals heavily with themes of grief and loss, but manages to instill real hope and joy alongside it. I was reminded of books like Legends and Lattes and The House on the Cerulean Sea, for the themes of found family, the cast of different fantasy creatures, and the unquestioned queerness. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy with a bit of romance and can handle the challenging nature of grief themes. I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading more by Kay Sinclaire in the future!

There's really not a way for me to describe this book. It's a weird and fun story that just throws it all at the reader: fantastical creatures, witches, ghosts, love, life after death, storms, magic, promises, grief, falling stars, and dealing with loss. Every character here deals with loss, memory, and love in a different way, and they all felt real (whether it be a small cherub or a purple witch covered in tattoos, or a huge beast-man of indeterminate origin).

The one thing I disliked, and the reason I took a star off, was the main character narrating in first person to her sister. It was distracting, and having to read "Fi" however many times took me out of the narrative. But otherwise, great writing, great story, great representation, wonderful feeling when I was done reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book.

3.75/5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4 on NetGalley)
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Just like many debuts, this book was lacking in a few areas, but was good enough that I can overlook those issues and recommend this book. My biggest gripe was with the pacing being a little off, certain scenes should’ve been cut shorter so others could have been longer and more prevalent. The ending felt a little rushed and I think the book could’ve had a stronger ending if we got another chapter or two, instead of a quick end chapter and epilogue. Also, the spell work from Saika felt a little juvenile, though I’m not sure if that was intentional or not (I do not want to speculate in a review and spoil anything).

However, all issues with standing this book made my grief filled heart full and made me feel less lonely in my grief. I’m incredibly thankful for the space the author created and cannot help but wish the House of Frank was a real place that I could visit and plant my loved ones. As well, the author nailed the found family trope. I absolutely loved the characters in this novel and felt as if I was part of their found family. If you want a book that either feels like coming home or recieving a hug this one is for you!

House of Frank by Kay Synclaire is a beautiful, whimsical, and heart-wrenching story about grief, trust, and found family. This is Ezeekat Press’s first book published under Bindery Books, a publisher powered by the bookish community, and I was absolutely blown away by the depth and craft of Synclaire’s debut novel.
Like most of the online bookish community, I was very curious about the concept of Bindery where well-known bookish influencers publish books under their own Bindery imprints. This is the second Bindery ARC that I have read this month and so far the calibre of book that they are producing has been far more impressive that most of the new books I have picked up from big publishers in recent months. If this is the path that Bindery continue to carve out for themselves, then the publishing world may look considerably different in the next few years.
In this story we follow Saika who has come to the Ash Arboretum to finally plant the ashes of her sister after two long years of putting it off. Frank (a cardigan-wearing beast who runs the Arboretum with the help of bickering cherubs, a cantankerous elf, a fairy chef, and more) greets her at the door and welcomes her into the safest space Saika’s been in for a long time. Unable to bring herself to bury her sister right away, Saika accepts Frank’s offer to work in the Arboretum until she’s ready. With the help of her new friends, Saika gently peels away the layers of her grief and and discovers that she’s not the only one living with tragedy and regrets. Together, they might just be able to keep the Arboretum running through the constant storms and other obstacles thrown their way.
This world is introverted, warm, and welcoming while still evoking a sense of wonder and awe. If you classify fantasy as ‘cosy’ based on the setting alone, then this is definitely it. However the broader story deals with some potentially stressful and upsetting topics (check the triggers at the front), so don’t pick it up if you aren’t prepared to have your emotions utterly mangled (in a good way).
This story uses concepts that every fantasy fan will be familiar with, and therefore avoids dollops of clunky lore dumping. The characters all follow the classic rules of fantasy: witches fly brooms, ghosts are invisible, and fairies are tiny, tinkly things, but Synclaire still manages to put her own little twist on the magic system without things getting confusing.
The characters are the highlight of the book for me. There’s no shortage of them and they’re memorable and individual and they each bring their own flavours to the rich soup of comedy and tragedy. If you like the found family trope, this story practically wallows in it, as well as grumpy/sunshine dynamics and queer and trans representation. Oh, and there’s a pet dragon too.
Synclaire’s writing binds all these elements together in simple, yet evocative prose in which Saika address her dead sister, writing her letters that she’ll never read in order to process her grief and the circumstances that she had brought upon herself. This choice to write in a partial second-person narrative only adds to the emotion mangling mentioned above. This book wouldn’t work anywhere near as well without this front seat view into Saika’s thoughts and feelings and adds to the intrigue when she hints at elements of her story that she hasn’t been comfortable enough to divulge just yet. We wait patiently with Frank and the rest of the group until Saika is ready to talk, and until then we share family meals, undertake chores, and get to know the motley crew that resides in the Ash Arboretum.
This is a beautiful story for those wanting to explore themes of grief, found families, and the importance of having a variety of relationships in your life. It comes out on the 15th October 2024.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the arc. I have to start off by saying I have loved every book I have read from Bindery Books and this book is no exception.

This book is cozy, heart warming and a beautiful representation of found family during grief. I really enjoyed reading this on the cozy days I have been spending with my son curled up in our rocking chair.

I loved the characters, especially the dynamic of the cherub brothers. Every character felt detailed and memorable. The representation was wonderful, I loved the chemistry between Oli & Saika. Phil had my heart. This book definitely had me in my feelings for multiple characters and how they each represented different ways of grieving. Saika’s connection to her sister was beautiful and reminded me of the love I have for my own.

This book at its root was an amazing exploration of grief, I usually do not read books that touch on the subject but I felt this book did a wonderful job at it. It felt like a hug, like your loved one tucking you into bed and telling you that everything would be okay. That our loved ones live on within us and different ways we can keep them in our thoughts and hearts.

I will be recommending this to any of my friends wanting a cozy winter read, queer representation, found family fantasy novel with witches, monsters and creatures alike.

Finished reading House of Frank by Kay Synclaire. I've seen @ezeekat talk about it and when I saw it pop up on NetGalley I thought I'd apply. I didn't really think I'd get it and, honestly, I did no research into the book, past thinking 'oh pretty cover.' Now here I lay with my eyes red and a headache pounding, on the other side. I haven't cried this much since I watched Up.
Reading the blurb, after the fact, I realize the signs were all there that this was a book about grief, but I just blissfully ignored them and proceeded to plunge into a book where I cried almost from page one. Maybe it's just me. Maybe other people will think it's a nice, sweet, cozy fantasy. It is! But it could also wring all the moisture from your body.
It was a great story, well written, and filled with lovely characters, but be forewarned, have a lot of tissues and water on hand. Just in case.
The House of Frank doesn't come out until, I believe, October 15th. So be on the lookout.

I found this a little too heavy personally to finish right now, but look forward to returning to it when it is released in the fall.

cozy fantasy at its prime but filled with grief....... i loved it. if you're looking for a book that peers into your soul and reveals fears about losing loved ones, and then hugs you and tells you things will be okay... this is it.
i loved all of the characters and the found family aspect saika discovers in them. i'd honestly die (HA) to be a part of it.

Themis cozy whimsical fantasy was so beautifully written. Do you have characters such as witches, cherubs, fairies, monsters in cardigans, ghosts and more who are all in various stages of their grief journey. They’re helping each other navigate through that journey and for anyone who’s ever been on that grief journey, this is a must read. I lost my best friend five years ago, and this helped me feel very understood in my journey.

It's 1am and I am bawling me eyes out over a book. This book reminded me a lot of one of my favourite books of all time (Under the whispering door- TJ Klune) in that it dealt so beautifly with the concepts of grief and loss, as well as friendship, love and life. It's a comforting book that at the same time will completely tear you to shreds, but in an almost cathartic way.

The characters and found family in this book was honestly just so lovely, Each and every character was funny and enjoyable to read about while also being complex and having floors.

This book does cover some very painful topics, but it does so in a beautiful way while holding your hand through the whole journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

This book is a warm hug and a genuinely moving story of grief in its many many forms. I struggled initially with the use of second person writing, as it’s not my favorite POV to read, but genuinely grew to like it’s utilization alongside first person to showcase Saika’s processing of her own grief.

There were some elements of miscommunication between members of the house that felt inconsistent with their dynamics and relationships. The biggest being the mistreatment of a dragon left behind by Frank’s late wife. It seems like someone in the house, least of all her husband, would know how to care for her most beloved creature. I also felt at times characters revealed depths of their grief to support Saika’s own processing, but were never given the opportunity within the novel to have it addressed again.

That being said, I did deeply enjoy this book, its queer representation, and its exploration of grief.

“And I fear I still haven’t let her go.”

“Why should you?” He lifts a gentle brow. “She was a major part of you. Letting go of her would mean letting go of a piece of yourself.”

Cozy fantasy at its core, House of Frank is a book with such lovely depths. Centering around grief and shame, it had the potential to be a completely depressing book… but the earnestness of the characters, the whimsy of this magical place, and the beauty of the found family kept it from becoming so.

The protagonist and the diverse side characters felt relatable, and their reasons for coming together were heartbreaking. I would have loved a bit more to their backstories, because I truly grew to care for each of them. The house and arboretum felt like the perfect blend of solemn and whimsical, the ideal place to lay a loved one to rest after the worst has happened.

Having been dealing with grief on a huge scale this year, this book really spoke to me on how we view and handle death. There was at least one section where I cried out of sadness and a few others where I had tears when it felt like the characters were consoling me.

Some other topics dealt with included finding and accepting one’s true self, treatment of sentient creatures, vulnerability, trusting others with our whole selves, and the lengths we’d go for those we love.

This was a wonderful debut from Kay Synclaire, and I can’t wait to read future books from this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lovely and deeply emotional book that was primarily about all the different ways that grief affects us, and the lengths we would go to get just one more day with a loved one who has passed on. I cried many times while reading this, and if you are interested in books about death/grief then I would recommend this! It is quite unique to anything I have ever read before, especially due to the the fantasy aspect. However, if you are expecting a complex fantasy with a developed history and magic system, etc. then this might not be for you.

The characters in this book are a lovable found family of fantasy creatures who are each dealing with their own grief process. They gave me the warm fuzzies, similar to how Becky Chambers' books do, so if you are a fan of her characters, then you would probably love this too! There was also so much queerness in this book, though I liked that it was not the focus of any character or their trauma, and rather just a small piece of the story for each of them.

I think I only found that Saika was a little unrealistic/chaotic at times, from helping to the point of self-destruction, to her sporadic headstrong behavior, to her too-fast-for-me-personally romance. I couldn't get really deep into her story because of that, although I still liked her and really felt the strength of the connection she has with her sister. Overall would recommend this very touching and deeply emotional book, especially if you have recently lost someone and/or have trouble letting go of people.

CW: Grief, Suicidal Thoughts, Dementia, Death, Mentions of Past Child Death, Mentions of Past Suicide


3.5 / 5 Stars


This is a book about grief and learning to move on. It's also attempting to be a book about found family, but it's kind of not really succeding on that front, but more on that in a second.

Because the parts where we focused on the loss stuff was done greatly. I have seen people hint at spoiler stuff, so I might do the same as well. It's just hard to talk about some of the things that went down without mentioning Death. Cause Death, is very important for this story, and the consequences of getting touched by Death are too. You might have noticed that I made the effort to spell this a certain way. You might make assumptions based on that. And those assumptions might be very right. The unclusion of death is what makes this book very strong, but the inclusion of Death is also what makes some stuff not so great. Because you'd assume that Death doesn't discriminate, right? Death doesn't care who you are or how much life you've still got to life. He comes and he takes, because that's just how life is, no feeings involved. Death wouldn't gain anything from seeing you suffer, nor would Death gain anything from destroying your home. Why should he? No really??? What would that do? What exactly were we tryin to say, if something like that were to happen in our story? It makes for good stakes. Sure. But if it's just meant as symbolism, to show how deep people will fall in their grief, how intense loss can affect someone, then I'd say it kind of misses the mark a tiny bit. So let's ignore Death and focuss on the emotional aspect of things.
Because everyone in the House of Frank has felt death and loss and pain. It would make for a great found family. Trauma bonding. But some people, like our mute ghost don't get allowed to communicate at all and others are kind of forgotten until the plot recalls their existence. While I didn't mind the sapphic romance, it also asked for a lot of attention and focus, so the rest of the cast got even less page time, resulting in an ending that kind of fits, really. Cause that's what happens when you get so caught up in your own grief, that you forget that other people suffer too. Loss is hard and I love the way it hunts our MC still, even after all this time. It makes her journey exciting to watch. And the conclusiion of her arc a good one. That being said, if the only person you can think of while grieving is yourself, you might miss out on the people in the here and now who are still there and need you, too.

Final Thoughts:
I did like the book overall, I really did. There's just stuff I wished it had done better.

This is going to be a book that stays with me for a long time. House of Frank is billed as a cozy fantasy, and that is true, but it is mainly a beautiful book written about grief and the variety of ways that people experience it.

It is set in a beautiful, fantasy world and follows a witch dealing with the grief of losing her sister. She finds community in the staff of Ash Gardens, a place to plant a loved ones' cremated remains. At Ash Gardens she meets a witch sea captain, a ghost, a cherubs, a loving beast, and a cantankerous elf.

I had a hard time putting this book down. It is very queer, and a safe space to those who need one, The world/character building was so delightful, but the story itself was a love letter to anyone who is grieving. This is a book that you need to be in the right place to read. It is heartbreaking and deals with every type of loss, but it also gives you the space and safety to grieve.

HUGE thank you to Kay Synclaire, NetGalley, and Bindery Books for the chance to read and review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cosy Fantasy
Magic
Found Family
LGBTQ

Reading this book feels like the warmest embrace.

It is a beautiful love story about a witch who loved her sister so much that she gave her power and her youth just to have more time with her before death finally claimed her.
It’s about learning to deal with grief with the help of her new found family who are all dealing with the same pain. Learning to say good bye to the ones you love dearly in your life and to help others say good bye to their loved ones in the best possible way.

Saika’s sister’s last dying wish is to have her ashes planted in Ash Gardens. Saika however has trouble letting go and in her time at Ash Gardens she finds love again in her new found family, all of them going through similar heartache.

If you enjoy cosy fantasy then this is a beautiful book for you.
My heart is warmed and I would read this book again and again.



I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Bindery Books for this e-arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC of House of Frank! I am always happy to support new authors and I was so excited to read this, as it is being published by one of my favorite influencers. It did not disappoint!! It was such an emotional journey. I cried several times, and don't even get me started on the epilogue. I really fell in love with so many of the characters. I especially loved Phil, and to give so much personality to a ghost who doesn't talk is pretty astounding. It does give "Under the Whispering Door" vibes, but the story feels new and fresh. It does have some flaws, but overall I immensely enjoyed this story. 4.25/5 stars

What a heartwarming and lovely book. This book gave me all the feels and felt like coming home to a nice warm hug. The pacing in this was perfect and the characters were all so wonderful. I don’t know if cozy fantasy is a genre but that’s what it felt like to me. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you Bindery books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The House of Frank was an unexpectedly poignant and beautiful promenade through the process of grief, love, healing and support. The prose was so heartfelt and touching that it made this book incredibly easy to read and a delight to enjoy. I thought the book was extremely well-written and that the pacing was excellent. I loved the multiple journeys of healing, the growth of the characters and the found family moments. I also loved that the topic of death and grief did not feel overwhelming or heavy. Synclaire did a fantastic job of making the story feel accessible and for me, completely relatable. I've seen others calling this a cozy fantasy and while I agree the vibes are low-key, this book felt like more than what that genre has given me in the past. I guess wherever this book becomes categorized, at it's core, it was warm and kind and full of relationships that are representative of real people and real dynamics, not always perfect, not always present, but always there..

This was an astonishingly moving, lovely story that so perfectly encapsulated grief... The writing is lyrical and yet also crisp (a tricky feat), moving the characters and plot along at a perfect pace without sacrificing the magic of the storytelling. I could not believe how wonderfully Synclaire captured what it is to love, to grieve, and to find your family and place in the world. It was a wholly original story that somehow managed to feel comfortable even while its story and characters felt fresh and new (again, no small feat that). The book is pure genius and I hope she is already working on another title!

I really enjoyed this book. It felt warm and cozy, or at least as cozy as you can get when the story revolves around grief. It also contains my favorite trope: found family.

Saika is feeling lost after her sister's death and we meet her after a couple years of travel as she arrived at the location her sister requested to be laid to rest. She meets the crew at Ash Gardens and ends up sticking around and helping out while waiting to feel ready to bury her sister's ashes. As she works, we start to learn more about her past, slowly unraveling what has led to her current state.

My big criticism is that the romance line between Saika and Oli doesn't feel very organic while they're flirting and getting together. I honestly was hoping it wouldn't happen. Once they were established, it was fine, but I didn't feel chemistry between them that got them there.

House of Frank by Kay Synclaire was a grief heavy but magnificent story that managed to balance themes of fpound family and connecction as well as queer storylines. There is a perfect blend of greif and love, sadness and companionship that feels like a creative communal home for processing difficult emotions in a safe and supportive way. I feel like there is no other war to describe this novel but brave and transformative.

When Saika travels to the Ash Gardens to bury her sister as per her dying request. She finds that she struggles to let go of her and fulfill her promise. Instead Frank the keeper of Ash Gardens offers her a place in his home in return for her help until she is ready to lay her sister to rest. Saika finds herself among a rag tag bunch of individuals, including but not limited to cherubs, witches, a ghost and a dragon, all who have lost something or someone in their lives and have found purpose at Ash Gardens.

Cozy fantasy is the vibe and House of Frank does it perfectly. With a hint of mystery added in and the slow unfolding of our main characters past. I was kept intrigued the whole way through.

I have struggled to find 5 star reads this year, but something about House of Frank just filled a gap that I wasn't aware required satisfying.
I got wholly attached to the characters and Ash Gardens. I adored each and every one of them and their unique personalities. The sapphic representation and budding romance was perfectly created and felt so natural and beautiful. While this book does deal with heavy topics, it never feels overtly depressing. Instead it explores the themes of grief with a touch of whimsy.

The narration was hard to get into at first as Saika continuously talks to her deceased sister Fi about everything that is going on, which removed me from the story at times. However, this improved as the book went on and was a stylistic choice that made sense, given that those who are grieving often crave ways in which to feel close to the deceased. For Saika this was talking to her sister.

Overall House of Frank is a bittersweet story of loss, grief and the measures we go to for the ones we love. It was a total winner in my opinion and has become one of my new favourite comfort reads. If you enjoyed the likes of The House in the Cerulean sea then House of Frank is right up your alley.

Big Thank-you to Netgalley, Bindery Books and Ezeekat Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"What's a gift?"
"Life. Especially after seeing how fragile it can be.
You're broken for some time, yes. But then you pick yourself up again."

There are so many things I wish I could say but I try to limit myself a bit because review pages have a word limit.
Let me start with how you grow attached to all and any of the souls you meet in the House of Frank, of the way the cherubs are the way are, how Hilde will sit down with you over a cup of tea and Oli will tell you about pirate stories, how Saika will try to help you no matter what and how everyone. And I mean everyone. Will sneak into a place in your heart.
This story is extremely heartfelt. And I loved it with every page I read. Grief and loss are such important matters. And it is shown in many of its forms here. Which makes it so gripping. So understandable. And yet it also shows very wonderfully but also messy healing can be.

The House of Frank is a story that will break your heart but also heal and rebuild it. The story follows Saika, who finds herself at Ash Gardens after spending some time grieving the loss of her sister. Her sisters wish was to be buried at Ash Gardens, but Saika is still grieving and is struggling following through her sister's wishes. Frank, the owner of the house, offers Saika a job in the meantime. Little does Saika know, that she's not the old one harboring a secret.

This story goes over grief and love in the best ways. I struggled on the public transportation while reading this, being on the verge of tears with every page. The characters are all so special and have really great backstories. This is definitely a book i plan on buying for myself, and maybe as a gift for someone who might need it.

Perfect for fan's of TJ Klune's Te Whispering Dorr, House of Frank is going to wealcome readers in with open arms. A tale about grief, and how moving on doesn't always mean letting go, this book addresses hard topics with compassion and kindness. Full of diverse, interesting characters House of Frank is a story that will warm your heart and wishing you could read it again for the first time.

When you lose someone, you lose a part of yourself too.

I finished this book in one sitting and it made me ugly cry. Fans of cozy fantasy will find much to love in "House of Frank." It is a tale that balances whimsy with profound themes of grief and hope, ultimately leaving readers with a renewed sense of optimism and wonder. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a possibility of finding light, beauty, and family.

Content Warnings: Grief, Memory Loss (Alzheimer’s/Dementia level)

The novel was a great read. It’s a gentle, but engaging, story of navigating and overcoming grief. I loved the amount of LGBTQ+ representation present, which included men loving men, sapphic romance, asexual, and trans. These are all just portions of the characters, but to have such a diverse array interacting within the same space really made it feel queernormative. People of color are also well-represented, especially in the main character, Saika. I wish there had been a bit more world building at times (see also: if Architecture and Music Witches exist, what other kinds exist?), but overall I really liked this book.

This is a must read for anyone who has lost someone close to them. A cozy fantasy that will make you *feel*, House of Frank is a beautiful debut.

Saika shows up to Ash Gardens to plant her sister's ashes like she wanted, but Saika isn't really ready to let go. Frank offers her a deal to stay at the house and work until she's ready to do the ceremony. Along the way, Saika gets to know the other residents, including a fairy, a pair of cherubs, a couple other Witches, an elf, and a ghost. Each has their own reason for being there.

My dad passed away last year, and reading this book healed part of me. It's about grief and moving forward and not letting the grief consume you. I loved all the characters, and the Sapphic romance subplot is sweet. The story remained interesting throughout and had me wondering what brought everyone to Ash Gardens. Finding out is a journey, and it highlights how grief can be a shared experience even when not knowing who the other person lost.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bindery for the opportunity to read and review!

Thank you, Kay Sinclaire and Bindery Books/Ezeekat Press for making this ARC freely available via NetGalley.com. They have not influenced my review.

I gave this book a try because I was curious about Bindery Books' publishing/marketing model. I am pleased to say that I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The author handled the heavy themes of love, loss and grief in a way that was surprisingly comforting. The intimacy and uniqueness of the setting (a magic-infused arboretum for the departed) and the imperfect yet interesting characters (various magical beings of various types) was whimsical without being overly precious. I also appreciate that the in-book world was queer-normative without ever feeling preachy.

I recommend this to fantasy fans who want something "cozy" but that still deals with serious subjects.

House of Frank is a beautifully moving cozy fantasy that dives into themes of grief, loss, and love. Our main characters, Saika, is experiencing grief after losing her sister and travels to the Ash Gardens to lay her to rest but finds that she doesn't want to let her go. The garden's caretaker, Frank, who I was not expected to be a big fluffy monster invites Saika to stay for as long as she likes.

Saika helps around the house and over times finds herself with a new family and falling in love. This story helps build appreciate for the beauty of life and left me feeling warm and cozy. I didn't realize I would be so moved by this book but here I am. It is a wonderful break from the craziness that is real life and to enjoy finding happiness in it all.

Thank you so much to Kay Synclaire and Bindery Books for the ARC!

In House of Frank by Kay Synclaire we meet Saika, a witch, who has come to Ash Gardens to plant her sister in their magical arboretum. Saika, however, is not ready to say goodbye and instead takes an offer from the owner Frank to stay and work for as long as she wants. Ash Gardens is falling apart and Saika and the other magical inhabitants are working to keep Frank’s home and dream standing. Everyone at Ash Gardens has been touched by loss and grief in some way.
This book does a great job showing the different ways we all handle grief and loss. As well as the dangers of holding on too tight and the comfort that can come with time, perspective, and connection.
With such a large cast of characters and found family it does take awhile to learn about everyone, but once you finally get there you are not left wanting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever experienced loss or felt alone or just wants an emotional story. Overall, it is a satisfying read where you can take comfort even in loss.

Thank you Ezeekat Press/Bindery Books, Kay Synclaire, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a great book!! I loved the story and the writing style. Such a good cozy fantasy ! It was exciting from page 1! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! My first for this author but will not be my last!

I adored this book!

We follow Saika, who has lost her sister to illness and, according to her sisters last wish, travels to Ash Gardens Arboretum in order to plant her sisters ashes there.

This story packs an emotional punch the likes of none I have read before. I laughed, cried, cried-laughed and everything in between.

It’s very well written, well thought out, with wonderfully fleshed out characters that were likable and with a depth that made you care deeply about each and every one of them. I especially loved watching the romantic subplot between Saika and Olivie grow. Characters are flawed and feel real, as well as the banter between them.

It’s a story about life as opposed to living, grief and death, healing and those left behind. It’s about forgiving yourself and finding your place in the world and where you belong.

I would note that though this is a cozy low stakes book, you do have to make sure you’re in the correct frame of mind to read it. There’s joyful emotions but there’s some rather painful ones too. It deals with serious and meaningful issues that you have to be at a point where you can read and keep an open mind.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Thank you to Bindery Books and NetGalley for the Arc. These opinions are my own and I am posting them voluntarily.

This was brilliant! I went straight online to order a physical copy. This is a great start for Bindery

A cozy fantasy filled with found family, learning to cope with grief and a magical arboretum. This book will make you feel all the feelings, and I recommend it to T.J. Klune fans!

Saika arrives at the infamous Ash Gardens to have a burial for her sister’s ashes and sticks around to help rebuild the house after a massive storm. The magical beings inhabiting the home come in all shapes and sizes, my favorite being Evette.

I really enjoyed the story overall, even though it took me a bit to adjust to Saika's narrating style. She often uses a second-person POV when speaking to her sister, but it catches on after the first few chapters.

I recommend House of Frank to anyone looking for a cozy fantasy this fall and if you are a fan of emotional, diverse, found family stories!
I would also suggest looking into potential triggers before starting this book

3.75 ⭐️ rounded up

Thank you to Netgalley, Bindery Books, and Kay Synclaire for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Incredibly heartwarming. Such Incredible commentary on grief and moving on, but not letting go.
I love the found family vibes, and each character was truly lovable. For such a large cast that's a rare accomplishment.

Saika is a witch who has lost her magical powers following her sister's death. She has arrived at an arboretum to plant her sister's remains at the Ash Gardens. Consumed by grief, she is taken in by the beast, Frank, who owns the sanctuary. She begins to help the magical creatures that run the garden. Saika uses the power of a fallen star to perform enchantments to protect the refuge and the magic beings from powerful storms. She gradually comes to terms with her grief and begins to reconnect with her sense of magic and self-worth and discovers that love and grief can coexist.

The book explores the slow, painful process of healing and the importance of community. Saika's vulnerability and self-doubt make her relatable and resonate with the reader. I identified with her struggle; she gives us hope to find joy after loss. The story's whimsical and mystical atmosphere balances the deep emotional themes of the story. It is perfect for readers who love cozy fantasy and the healing power of love and found family.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Bindery Books, Ezeekat Press.

House of Frank by Kay Synclaire dives into family secrets and supernatural twists with an engaging narrative. The setting and character depth are strong, though the pacing slows down at times. Despite this, the blend of drama and eerie elements makes it a captivating read, leaving me keen to check out more from Synclaire.

Reading this book felt like watching a Ghibli movie in the best way possible! I even noticed some similarities between this and my favorite Ghibli movie Howls Moving Castle, which made for a fun and lovely reading experience.

The ever growing home/found family and the shooting stars imagery are the two most prominent similarities I noted, but I also think that Sophie (from Howls Moving Castle) and Saika had a few similarities as well. Both are somewhat flawed main characters who are stubborn and do things they believe to be in the best interests of their hosts (Howl & Frank) even if their hosts don't appreciate it much and even have minor meltdowns over it lol (think about Howl sliming everthing when Sofie cleaned the bathroom and then with Frank & Sophie something similar happens regarding a dragon 👀). In the end though they both grow tremendously as characters and are fiercely loyal and well loved by their new found families.

Please note that while this book reminds me of a Ghibli movie, be warned this is an adult book and you should be prepared to cry! House of Frank has very strong themes of grief, loss, depression etc. and is obviously much more of an adult story. However, while the "heavier" parts of the book did make me cry, it still felt like a warm hug and was immensely comforting, cozy and an all around beautiful story.

I absolutely loved all the characters in this book, Hilde especially has a warm place in my heart. There were times I was frustrated with Saika, Oli, and even Frank, but I know that's because the narrative needed to show how each of these characters deal with grief in their own ways and I was really happy to see them each grow and learn.

I wish there had been a bit more information on the magic system of the arboretum and would love to see more of Kye's journals/backstory on how she built the arboretum. I also wish Saika had been a bit more communicative and honest with everyone earlier on, but again she is MEANT to be flawed and it didn't annoy me *too* much.

Frank's story also hit me hard and reminded me of what my grandma went through in her later years.

Sometimes you need a book that will make you ugly cry in the best way possible and this is that book. Cozy and Cathartic are the best adjectives I can use to describe my experience reading House of Frank. I can't wait to see what Kay Synclaire writes next!

House of Frank is a delight. It's cozy, it's heartfelt, it's perfectly imperfect. A lovable cast of found family and such an interesting world of beasts and magic really take the edge off of such a beautifully raw depiction of grief. I love the idea of Ash Gardens, it's unique and well done. At first the mixture of first and second person was rather jarring, but you get used to once you get settled into the novel. I thought it was a rather clever to do that, given the topic. (:


I wish so badly to go searching for that red door and find peace within my grief at the House of Frank. A wonderful debut from Kay Synclaire! Thanks NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!

How do you grieve? Everyone does so a little differently, but sometimes, grief will take you to unexpected places. like the House of Frank, where people who grieve seam to linger, comforting each other, as well as the others who come to bury their loved ones in a remarkable garden that turns the ashes of magical folk into brilliant plants to live on in a new way. this book is filled with emotion, a cast of amazing characters, and a thrilling mystery that has to be solved before the magic of the house vanishes, and Frank, it's owner, succumbs to a mysterious illness no one seams to notice. all the while, dealing with a loss not properly grieved, and grief that has been too heavily clung to.. the pain of loss is heavy, and the themes of mourning are heavy in the book, but there is also a lot of hope, found family, cozy vibes, and a lot of coming together to overcome adversity. a brilliant book from start to finish.

Honestly I loved this book so much. I cried, but I felt like I was getting a hug each and every step. It was really lovely and I don't know what else to say.

Maybe add a TW/CW list? This book was filled with grief and loss. Those aren't things that all people can manage at every point in their lives.

This was such a delightful story! I loved getting to hear the story of the house of Frank and just the dynamic of the characters and the complex emotions and issues that this author addresses. I think they did a beautiful job. I will definitely be telling others about this book and asking them to read it as well.

A fantasy book about dealing with grief and finding found family. I laughed, I cried. This book needs to be on any cozy fantasy lovers TBR, right now!
Synclaire will be on my auto buy author list moving forward, and am excited to see what else she creates.

This story is incredibly touching, offering a profound exploration of grief and the journey of healing without forgetting. The sense of found family is beautifully portrayed, and each character is genuinely endearing. It's impressive how the author managed to create such a large cast of characters, all of whom are so easy to love.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and ‎Bindery Books for sending me an ARC in exchange for review!
5 ⭐️s, utter perfection 🤩

House of Frank follows Saika, a witch consumed by grief as she arrives at Ash Gardens to fulfill her late sister's final wish of having her ashes planted in the magical sanctuary. Sensing her loneliness and lack of direction, the sanctuary's owner, a mythical beast named Frank, offers her a job as a caretaker. Along with a whimsical cast of characters that includes a purple witch, squabbling cherubs, a mute ghost, and a grumpy old elf, Saika rediscovers hope and purpose in the midst of despair.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I picked up House of Frank. It is a quiet and quirky fantasy novel that is quite different that the action-packed, fast-paced stories I'm usually drawn to. I'm happy to say I was blown away. I think I cried throughout the entire second half. (I was on a plane and two flight attendants gave me concerned looks, lmao.) House of Frank punched me in the heart in the best way. It is a beautiful exploration of grief and love. It doesn't shy away from harsh realities, but manages to demonstrate how love can grow in the middle of the worst kind of pain. The novel makes space for all kinds of dark emotions and mental anguish, while offering hope and a promise that joy can be rediscovered again. I was also delightfully surprised by the sweet sapphic sub-plot.

With one read, House of Frank has become a new favourite of mine. I will definitely be going back for a second (and probably third and fourth) helping. If I were the type to highlight books, my copy would be full of colour. There are so many moments that will stay with me.

House of Frank is a fantasy about grief and love.
Saika is grieving the loss of her sister, and travels to Ash Gardens to lay her to rest in the magical arboretum
Saika struggles to let go though.. and is invited by Ash Garden’s caretaker Frank to stay for as long as she needs.
I loved all the characters, especially Frank and thought the pacing was super well done.
I read this book over a couple of days and didn't want it to end.
I would recommend House of Frank to any fantasy readers.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC!

House of Frank wasn't quite for me, but I think this very sweet, cozy fantasy will hit big with fans of Becky Chambers' Long Way To A Small Angry Planet and the 90's Sabrina the Teenage Witch series.

3.5 rounding up.

"I spoke the truth, and the world didn't end."
4.5☆|5

When I saw the cover for the first time, it felt like a warm hug. With soft colours and a gorgeous design, I wanted to crawl inside of it. And that is part of why I requested this one from Netgalley. That, and when I read the summary, I knew deep down that this book had a lot of potential. And you know what? I was right.

This book was truly amazing, it felt like a hug, one with tears on the cheek, it felt like learning to let go but also learning to let new things in. This is a debut novel about grief, and I believe that the author managed to deal with her subject incredibly well. Multiple characters are dealing with grief here, all in their own ways and, without feeling too heavy, it felt right. Reading this book felt right, as if I was learning to let go as well as Saika, our main character. During the book, she often addressed her dead sister, Fi, who she is grieving and for whom she went to Ash Gardens. She addressed her in the second person, and it gave a particular type of writing that fit well, it helped me to get inside the book, but it also made sense and went very well with the thematics. We could feel her pain and grief even better that way, I liked it a lot.

This book is a cosy fantasy, and I would like to thank the author for making me realize that I like those a lot. After turning the last page, I just wanted to crawl back inside and stay curled up in a corner of the universe. Ash Garden is, simply, such a lovely place with such wonderful characters. My favourites were probably Oli and Hilde, but the truth is that I loved them all, in one way or another. This book was filled with magic and love, and it was absolutely beautiful. I loved the fantasy aspect of the book and how the magic worked. I am also utterly fan of the concept of the arboretum, it is beautiful.

Last but not least, the relationships in this book!! Between the soft and small sapphic romance and the incredible found family that made my heart warm. Globally, this is a perfect read if you want a cosy book that will make you feel things with a nice cast and a touch of magic. Thanks to Netgalley and Ezeekat Press for sending me an ARC, the book will be out on October 15th and I deeply recommend it!

TW: Grief; Past death (including past death of a child); dementia; past suicide and terminal illness

I adored this. The story centers around a found family of magical creatures who heal together. They are each grieving the loss of a loved one. The grief is raw at times, and light and lovely at times. This was such a unique setting and cast of characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Spoilers below!

Let’s be honest, I requested this book because I loved the colors of the cover. It was so pretty and so soft, I instantly did that thing we’re not supposed to do where we judge a book by its cover. Guilty as charged. Thankful as hell.

This is a story about grief and living with that grief. It is a story about found family. It is a story about magical creatures and a magical house. Saika, our narrator, finds herself at Ash Gardens with a deep sense of loss—her sister and best friend is dead and her final wish was to be laid to rest in the magical arbortorium that exists within the property of Ash Gardens.

But Saika carries so much grief that she’s unable to do what she initially set out to do. Enter Frank, the knit-cardigan wearing, massive magical beast who runs the place. Frank was a compelling character, especially as he started to lose his memory and the house went into disarray. I loved the found family aspect of this story. Each character brought their own unique personality to the table and was crucial to the plot in their own way. And their care and compassion for each other was evident in the writing.

I think the topic of grief was handled well in this story. It became clear that each character was dealing with grief in their own way. While the story focused on Saika’s grief, mainly, everyone got a chance to grow in their own grief.

I think my biggest hangup with this story is that sometimes I was pulled out of the narration when Saika addressed her sister, Fiona, in text. Fiona was her inner monologue, which is always important to a story, but it just broke the flow for me a few times when I was deep in my feels.

Overall, this story was full of heart. The found family aspect was so well done. There is casual queer representation sprinkled throughout the novel and a sapphic romance that’s very sweet. Losing a loved one is devastating, but what they offer at Ash Gardens is nothing short of magical. I think the topic of grief is handled well in this story.

Look for this book on October 15, 2024!

House of Frank is a touching story of a young woman grieving for the loss of her sister and her journey of healing. On her journey Saika discovers and develops a bond with a new found family, many of whom are dealing with their own grief. The story takes place at the titular House of Frank, Frank being the widowed owner of the home. The house itself is a character in this story and its fate is tied up with Frank's. Both Saika and Frank have made sacrifices to spend more time with a loved one but at a steep price.
The cast of characters is endearing and each has their own story to tell. The quirks of the supporting characters make them stand out as individuals and are easy to keep straight as a result. I would love to read a continuation of the story of the house and it's motley crew of inhabitants.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

<i>House of Frank</i> is a queer, cozy fantasy that delves deep into hearty emotional issues around death and letting go.

Saika is a witch without magical power, a fact that she hides just as she hides her hair and her hands. She goes to the Ash Arboretum to at long last fulfill her sister's final wish that she be interred there, magicked to grow into a beautiful tree. Saika is defensive and angry, resistant to the overtures of the diverse staff of a household headed up by Frank, a unique monster. As Saika's heart softens, she realizes that the house and its residents hold many secrets, and their pasts--like hers--will soon be exposed.

I really like the vibe of this book. I love a good found family story, and this setting is incredibly original: witches are common, as are extraordinary beings. I was frustrated, though, because details about the greater world are teased but never explained. Such as, there is never an explanation for how death and grief are usually handled in this setting (much less how religion works as a comfort, if it does), which means context is nonexistent around the arboretum's beautiful work.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

House of Frank by Kay Sinclaire is a first person-POV Queer cozy fantasy centered around grief. Saika’s sister, Fiona, has passed away and left the task of taking her ashes to the Ash Gardens to be turned into a tree to Saika. The Gardens are run by Frank, who lost his wife years earlier, and a team of witches, cherubs, and more.

One thing that I was not expecting but really loved was how the narrative voice is an internal dialogue of Saika talking to Fiona. Throughout the book, there are lines like ‘You’d make this right, Fi.’ It was a really nice touch that helped to sell the grief narrative as many people do indeed hold an internal dialogue with a recently lost loved one, looking for guidance or just trying to hold on to a connection or even pure habit if you shared everything with that person as Saika and Fiona did.

I loved the falling star aspect and how it related to Saika’s magic and the climax. I love stars and I love the creation of new mythology and folklore around them, so for a star to be a power source and a secret kept between two sisters was very cool. I also loved the Ash Gardens being a way for a loved one to be reborn as a tree, to not only return to the earth but to become something wholly new and beautiful.

We have witches, a half-gargoyle, cherubs, a beast man, a fairy, elves, a dragon, a spirit wearing a bowler hat, and humans running around this world and it never feels like a lot. Sometimes a lot of different species can be overwhelming as you try to remember what each character looks like, but Kay Sinclaire slowly added each character and subtly reinforced their appearances throughout, such as mentioning Evette’s height or Oli’s purple skin. Phil, the spirit, was one of my favorites despite his minimal dialogue because he is a very sympathetic character who cares about everyone at the Ash Gardens.

I would recommend this to fans of cozy fantasy with grief narratives, readers who love casts of characters with diverse species, and those looking for a cozy fantasy in a Queernorm world

Oh my God.. Bring tissues!!! In the very best possible way.

What did you do to me, Kay Synclaire?? Just.. ugly crying/can’t stop reading/so many feelings/end result - completely stripped to the core reader with a heap of tissues. The kind of cry that you don’t ever want to get caught in, but makes you feel 100 times lighter right after. I felt this author to the core, it felt like they put a part of themselves into “The House of Frank”.

Sai is a Music Witch who’s grieving the loss of her sister - Fiona. Fiona’s last wish was for her ashes to be buried by Sai, in a specific place and to be turned into something beautiful after her death. Look for a bright red door, complete your sister’s last wish…

As the story continues you’ll be submerged into the magic that is The House of Frank. I couldn’t help but fall in love with all the creatures whose paths lead to the red door. Each one of them is lovely in their own way and complex and quirky. The story is beautifully laid out by the author and intertwined with the topics that touch us all - loss and grief.

Thank you for the therapy and for allowing your readers to feel it all. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy ahead of the release date.

P.S. Phil is the best.

This is the story of Saika who is a music witch that lost her sister recently and wants to go to Ash Garden- a place where they plant the ashes of the departed and trees grow from them. That’s what her sister Fiona wanted her to do. But it will prove for her to be hard to do it so she will stay there and navigate her grief.

It was a unique concept that I particularly enjoyed. The characters in Ash Garden were lovely, funny and just a big family that you want to be a part of.

I caught myself almost crying at multiple times during the book. It was well-written and even though at first I had a hard time with the main character using the “you” I grew used to it.

Towards the middle, I thought it was getting a bit long, but it got my interest soon after.

I would recommend it!

The setting of Ash Gardens, with its enchanting arboretum, provided the perfect backdrop for Saika’s journey of healing and self-discovery. The characters, especially Frank (a charming, cardigan-wearing monster), were endearing and brought a lot of warmth to the story. The way the narrative balanced themes of grief, community, and renewal made it a truly memorable read.

The pacing felt just right, allowing me to connect deeply with Saika’s growth. Fans of cozy fantasies with rich world-building and character-driven stories will find this book hard to put down. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy stories that feel like a comforting escape.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this wonderful book!

Get your tissues ready, this one will have you crying so dang hard! I should have known, I'm a mess at funerals, even for strangers. And this book is one. long. funeral. But oh my god is it beautifully told! Every type of grief is covered here, not just loss of a sister. Please read the trigger warnings and understand that there is very little light hearted fare in this story. This is a house full of people in pain who are trying their best to heal while running a literal funeral home. SO, yeah it gets deep and sad. I had to pause reading this 3 times to pull myself together. All of this may sound critical, but this was honestly the best representation of grief that I've ever read. There are full character arcs, a huge variety of cast, and an abundance of compassion that, while not cozy, is very reassuring as you are down in the dumps crying. If you can handle stories of grief, this is one worth reading. But proceed with caution, because this one will stick with you for a while!

**Thank you NetGalley and Ezeekat Press for the eARC**

This was a cozy fantasy about grief, love, and found family. I really liked the setting and the characters although some of the side characters did not have much depth. I also did not really enjoy how the MC and her love interest fell so quickly, there didn’t seem much basis for their love. Even with these drawbacks, I still really enjoyed the book. The magic and different types of characters and representation was a joy to read.

I wish I had read this book sooner. It was just such a warm comforting book although it does deal with grief and the loss of a loved one. Read it, it is a delight.

I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did!! Each character was so thought out that I by the end of the book I truly felt like I knew everything about them. There were moments in the story when I was slightly confused what was happening but overall it was pretty coherent and the plot was definitely different from anything I’ve ever read!

Wow.

This was a stunning cozy tale of grief, and love. The cast of characters and the overall atmosphere pulls you into a tight hug. The house and the arboretum had a magical feel to it. I feel like if there was an arboretum, we would all love to be planted in it. Saika was the perfect main character, and I loved seeing her perspective and grief grow throughout the story. The romance was great, I love Oli and I feel like she, and the rest, are exactly what Saika needed. Frank broke my heart, It was so hard reading about his curse. Keep in mind that this book deals with a lot of loss, grief, and the things we do because of it.

I feel so honored to have been chosen to read an ARC of this magnificent book, and I can't wait for more people to read it.

This was so cozy. I wasn’t crazy about the parts where Saika talks to Fi. But I do understand how they were a self soothing grief technique & that that may be important to some. I would love to see this as an animated film. Thank you to Bindery Books & NetGalley for the complimentary copy.

To be honest, books from debut authors are either hit or miss for me, but the premise of this book was intriguing enough to jump to the opportunity to read it before its release. House of Frank by Kay Synclaire acts as a love letter to grief. While the book is whimsical and sweet, it holds a lot of heart and sadness. It was sometimes difficult to get through to be honest, because having lose someone very dear to me, I could understand the MC better than I could've imagine.

With that being said, I can't say I completely enjoyed the writing style. The changes between first person and second was jarring to say the least. I wish the author would've sticked with just one. Other than that, I will check out her next release in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I had to sit on this review for a while, just to make sure I was accurately encapsulating my expering whilst reading House of Frank. In a way, it felt almost as though I had lived the grief experience of Saika along with her, and once the book came to a close, I had to continue that journey and detox to fully comprehend what it was that I had just read.

To start, I will fully acknowledge that House of Frank is not a book for everyone. In fact, in some ways, I can see how readers may find the novel to be stale, slow and the character unlikable. But that was not my experience. I think to truly appreciate the core of House of Frank, you must first have experienced a significant loss or trauma to best understand Saika as an individual and narrator. There is some nuance in her reluctance to let go of her sister, despite promises that were made. I understood Saika in a way that I have never understood a novel character, and it was just as easy to put myself in her shoes.

There is something to be said about taking a tragic experience and spinning it into a cozy tale of wonder, hope and betterment. Despite the unfolding of Saika’s backstory, and her perceived unlikability as a result, Saika felt real. Her stubbornness, propensity for putting herself where she didn’t belong, and instigating some of the altercations in the book were all completely in character, and whereas normally I would be wholly annoyed, I found myself marveling at how real she felt in the moment. And, I think, that was part of the intention. We were supposed to identify with and recognize that much of what Saika does is a result of grief, and the every day person has done crazier things in moments of high emotion or desperation.

The diverse cast of characters further adds to the ambiance of what House of Frank has to offer, as we learn over time that each worker at the Ash Gardens is dealing with their own form of loss or grief in their own way. Each of these characters, too, is pivotal to Saika’s story as she herself becomes a caretaker to the Gardens in an effort to prolong burying her sister and allowing her to “become something beautiful.”

The writing, too, was unique. Primarily written from a first-person perspective, there is the occasional drop of a second-person passage where Saika speaks directly to her deceased sister, another trait of someone suffering from a loss and coping with it as best they can.

Overall, I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. I believe the grief was handled masterfully and respectfully and the novel felt wholly magical despite its content. Did it have its moments and qualities that weren’t as enjoyable? Yes, as all books do. But those moments weren’t enough to detract from the love I have developed for this story.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Kay Sinclaire, and Bindery Books/Ezeekat Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘚𝘢𝘪, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭.

This cozy fantasy story is moving, heartbreaking, and beautifully explores the different ways people face grief and their journey towards healing. Paired with heartwarming moments of found family and a touch of sapphic romance, House of Frank by Kay Synclaire has captured my attention from the very first page and has kept me emotionally invested till the end.

𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩, 𝘍𝘪. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘥. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

Told in the protagonist's POV as if she were writing a letter to her deceased sister, the story brings us to Ash Gardens - a place where ashes are planted and eventually grow into beautiful trees sustained with magic. Saika meets the owner, Frank - a fury beast, and the rest of the Ash Gardens staff: twin cherubs, an old witch, a light fairy, a ghost, a half witch, and an elf. As Saika wasn't ready to plant her sister's ashes just yet, Frank invites her to stay with them in exchange for her services as a witch. Thus begins her journey to rediscovering herself and learning to love again with the help of the people she now calls her family.

...𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘶𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥..., 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘣𝘪𝘨."

This book has left me heartbroken and hopeful in unexpected ways. It's definitely a 5⭐ read! This book is set to be released on October 15, 2024.

I discovered this book through @ezeekat and I knew I just got to dive into it. Thank you @netgalley and @bindery_books for this ARC!

This was such a beautiful book. By the time this story was coming to a close I was in tears turning the last page. The way the fanciful characters which range from cherubs to witches are written is masterful in taking the reader through a story of grief. I will be shouting my praise for this book for years to come.

When Saika arrives at Ash Gardens to fulfill her sister’s final wish—to have her ashes planted there—she gets a lot more than she bargained for. Ash Gardens is home to a variety of magical beings, including a light fairy, a ghost, and several other witches.

I loved the found family aspect of this novel! It was beautiful to see Saika open up and to learn about each of the characters and what brought them to Ash Gardens. This book was really an exploration of grief, family, and aging, and it was done beautifully. There was a bit of a mystery involved, and some romance.

If you liked the Seven Year Slip & how it handled grief, and you’re looking for a witchy book for autumn, this might be for you! Check the trigger warnings though!


A great debut from Kay Sinclaire! Thank you to Bindery and NetGalley for the arc.

I could give a review with endless, flowery words about how beautiful this book is; what I loved about it, what moved me, and what brought me to tears (multiple times). However, I think the best and most honest review I could give is as someone who has read hundreds of books, "House of Frank" is sincerely one of the best books I've ever read. It was a privilege to live in this space and I cannot wait for the world to live in it, too.

Thank you endlessly to NetGalley who gifted me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

House of Frank is a delightful cozy fantasy novel that focuses on grief. Honestly, the narrative gave me Ghibli vibes and the prose flows very well. The characters are relatable and I adored Frank.

Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC

This book was really beautiful. Thank you so much to Bindery Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this book! This is perfect for fans of “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Somewhere in the Cerulean Sea” we have a fun cast of mythical characters while also highlighting the heavier aspects of death and grief.

We follow Saika as she finally goes to plant her sister’s ashes in Ash Gardens, a magical arboretum run by a beast named Frank. While there, she meets a variety of creatures and as Ash Gardens starts crumbling at the seams, she is determined to help. As she watches everyone around her move through her grief, she finally starts to understand the importance of letting go.

The narrative style of this story is definitely interesting and it took me a bit to grasp. It’s told in 1st person, but as if Saika is talking to her sister, Fi, using the 2nd person. I thought it was an interesting concept but overall it’s a little bit jarring and really pulled me out of the story at some points. I think this could’ve been done through letters and made a lot more sense and just flowed better overall.

I also felt like the romance was a bit underdeveloped and rushed. This story would’ve done perfectly fine without the romance that appeared out of seemingly nowhere. I really like the relationship arc that Oli and Saika go through, but it could’ve ended with friendship and have been just as good (if not better) in my opinion.

I do really like the story as a whole. The world is very fantastical and it’s developed just the right amount. We have the basics of the world without getting into the nitty gritty of maps and species and whatever else may exist. The plot of the story itself is also very intriguing, but I wish there was more explanation of “Death” as we see him portrayed.

Overall, this book didn’t absolutely blow me away, but it did have its good parts and it was overall a fun story with lovable characters.

Ever since losing my dad, I have been drawn to books that do grief and grieving well. I am SO thrilled to report that this special little book absolutely knocks it out of the park! The cozy fantasy plus the very real, nuanced reflection on grief worked for me on so many levels. I adored this one and cannot wait to share it with my audience for spooky season!

I've been looking for a perfect book centred around grief and this truly helped me so much. It was such a wonderful read, a love letter I never knew I was missing out on.
Synclaires writing was so beautiful and wholesome. The acceptance around such a hard topic is something so difficult to navigate but I felt this done it such an honour.

4.5 stars

House of Frank by Kay Synclaire is a beautiful story about grief, acceptance, and learning to let go. Saika lost her sister Fiona, and she is at the magic arboretum to plant Fiona's ashes in order to fulfill her last wish. As Saika is not ready to let go of Fiona, she can stay at the house to help with chores until she believes it is time to plant the ashes. There, she meets a diverse group of characters who eventually become found family.

I thought the depiction of Saika's grief was so beautifully and serenly done. I feel like this book is unique in the respectful and realistic way it depicts grief, yet still being quite a cosy story. I definitely recommend this!

*The following content warning can be found within the book: "This book contains portrayals of grief, death, mentions of death, the death of a child (off page), the mention of suicide (off page), minor ideation of suicide, and mental illness."

*Thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was so beautiful and cozy and wholesome. A lovely fantasy that dives into the complexities of grief and love. I really don't have proper words to express how special this was.

I loved the little mysteries around the inhabitants and the house, and how it all unfurled so sweetly, despite some troubles. I loved the bright cast of characters - really, some of the most memorable I've read all year - and their stories. I loved the romance, and I loved Frank. What a wonderful read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

House of Frank with the aid of Kay Synclaire is a heartwarming and resourceful story that delves into issues of grief, love, and the recuperation energy of found circle of relatives. The tale follows Saika, a powerless witch, who is grappling with the loss of her sister. Her journey takes her to the Ash Gardens, a magical arboretum, wherein she meets Frank, a mythical beast, and a diverse organization of characters who help her rediscover her magic and herself.

Pros:
Engaging Characters: The e book functions a rich solid of characters, every with particular personalities and backstories. From the bickering twin cherubs to the mute ghost, each person adds intensity and allure to the narrative.
Emotional Depth: Synclaire masterfully explores the complexities of grief and recuperation. Saika’s adventure is both poignant and relatable, making it smooth for readers to connect with her struggles and triumphs.
Inventive Setting: The Ash Gardens is a beautifully crafted placing that feels alive with magic and thriller. The descriptions are vibrant, making it smooth for readers to immerse themselves on this captivating world.
Themes of Love and Acceptance: The book emphasizes the importance of affection, attractiveness, and the energy discovered in network. It’s a touching reminder of the power of human connections.
Cons:
Pacing Issues: At times, the story’s pacing can feel uneven. Some sections may also drag, at the same time as others rush through big events, that may disrupt the general float.
Predictable Plot: While the characters and placing are particular, the plot can be incredibly predictable. Some readers might discover the storyline follows familiar tropes without many surprises.
Limited Character Development: Although the characters are attractive, some of them should gain from deeper improvement. Certain secondary characters experience underexplored, leaving readers wanting extra.
Conclusion: House of Frank is a lovely examine that mixes fantasy and emotional depth. Despite minor flaws in pacing and predictability, its engaging characters and heartfelt topics make it a profitable addition to any bookshelf. Kay Synclaire has crafted a tale that resonates with the pain of loss and the pleasure of locating love and recognition in unexpected places

House of Frank is a cosy fantasy about grief and finding a family. The writing is beautiful, and I truly love every character, each with their own unique traits. Overall, I adore this book and highly recommend it. Also, the cover is stunning, and I can't wait to see it on my shelves. Thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books | Ezeekat Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Saika finally has to fulfill the promise she made to her dying sister: to bury her in Ash Gardens, a place where the ashes of the dead aren't just layed in the ground, but bound to a tree that will grow and thrive forever. It's a beautiful resting place, and Saika has taken her sweet time with gathering up the courage to even travel to Ash Gardens. But when Frank, the magical creature who founded the place with his deceased wife, opens the door for her, she can't let go of her sister just yet, so she takes on a role at the house; as a music witch, she will play for the guests burying their loved ones. The other people living and working there are great; Frank, two more witches, a fairy, a ghosts an elf and two cherubs. But no one knows her secret and the source of her magic, and Saika desperately wants to keep these things hidden.
This was such a lovely read. The gentle way this book deals with grief and even it's ugly sides was very comforting, the characters all three-dimensional and Saikas growth through and with grief and her mistakes was lovely to witness. It reminded me a lot of Howl's Moving Castle, the whimsy and magic and love for details were absolutely heartwarming. The reveals and twists were well placed and surprising (enough) so that it felt like a suspenseful story without uprooting all the worldbuilding. I would even call this a cozy book, even with the heavy themes and character flaws. Will definitely pick up another book by Kay Synclaire.

4.5
House of Frank is a cozy fantasy about grief and loss, with a cast of unique characters, all endearing in their own ways. All of that delivered with a somewhat strange type of prose that combines 1st person and 2nd person. The plot of the book is nothing special, as is the case with many cozy fantasy books out there, but it works, and the ending is a very satisfying (and emotional) one, if there's one complaint about this book it's the fact that some plot developments can feel a bit contrived and too convenient, but it's not that big of a deal for a book so focused on the characters (instead of the plot).
Not all of the characters in the ensemble are equally compelling, some of them are just comic relief, but most of them are three dimensional characters that feel like real people, with their own unique quirks and traits. the characters are definitely the main stars of the show here, which is why, the relationships in the book are also excellently done. There are a couple of different relationships here, and they're very different from each other, but all of them are so good. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a compelling character-centric fantasy that tackles themes like founs family and grief.

Looking for a heartfelt story with queer representation and a sprinkle of magic? Then I definitely recommend reading House of Frank!

This story is a cozy and heartwarming exploration of grief wrapped in a beautifully crafted fantasy setting. The story follows Saika, a witch without magic, as she navigates her profound loss and the emotional journey of fulfilling her sister's final wish. The diverse cast of characters, especially the cherub brothers and the endearing Frank, create a wonderful sense of found family. Each character feels richly developed and relatable, showcasing various ways to cope with grief.

What struck me most was the gentle yet powerful way the book handles themes of remembrance and letting go. The writing is immersive, making the emotional weight of the story feel palpable without being overwhelming. I also loved the chemistry between Oli and Saika; their relationship adds a beautiful layer to the narrative.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a touching story perfect for cozy days, offering a comforting reminder of love, loss, and the enduring connections we share with those we've lost.

Thank you to Bindery Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another cover that I love SO MUCH and is the reason why I picked this up. It’s a cozy whimsical mystery fantasy in fact it’s kind of reminding me of The House in the Cerulean Sea. Our protagonist saika, lost her sister unfortunately and needs her ashes to be buried at a place called ash garden, she travels there and is greeted with a fun cast of characters including Frank a big furry beast who runs ash garden. There are witches, elves, cherubs, ghosts, all kinds of creatures living here and it was so heartwarming.

This was such a moving story, I felt so many emotions while reading. There were funny, happy, and sad parts. It was done so well and I loved the characters as well.

Will update with Instagram review link soon

House of Frank by Kay Synclaire was exactly what I wanted from a cosy fantasy. It’s a beautiful, tender read that somehow feels like gently poking a bruise—there’s a bit of emotional sting, but it’s heartwarming and hopeful all the same. The story has just enough mystery to keep you hooked, and I found myself completely immersed, devouring the book in one sitting.

There’s something truly special about the way it balances its warmth with a touch of melancholy. It’s a comforting, yet thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

House of Frank is a cozy fantasy, yes, but no one is opening up a cafe here. The characters are working through grief, both their own and that of the people that come to Ash Gardens to have burial ceremonies for their loved ones.

I loved the writing style of this book, and will absolutely read Kay Synclaire’s books in the future. I liked most of the relationships in the book- if I had a complaint, it was that with the number of characters in the house, it was tough to feel like we really got to know each of them fully.

I struggled with the second person interjections at the beginning, but eventually got used to them. I had some nitpicky issues with the book - can someone please get Phil a piece of paper and a pen, or something? - but overall, it was very sweet and made me cry just the right amount.

House of Frank is a cosy fantasy about love, grief, losing yourself, then picking yourself back up. It has a lovely cast of characters and a evenly paced plot.
My only problem was it was very hard for me to get into it with the POV.

“Sing for me,” you whisper. “Please. ”
Here are reasons to read the Cozy Fantasy book:

Dead Sister’s Burial - Saika has made her sister a promise in regards to her burial
Magical Arboretum - to be buried at the Magical Ash Gardens
House of loss - but Saika is not prepared for what she finds, as the whole house is filled with staff who has lost something
Save them - and with an impending storm threatening to destroy the house, Saika tries to work through her grief in order to save them

I had first heard about this book from Ezeekat as it was the first he published under his imprint on Bindery Press. And I think he picked a good first choice. Not only is it cozy and accessible fantasy, but it’s deep. The discussions of grief and loss were beautiful and I found myself choked up at the portrayal of it. It’s giving House on the Cerulean Sea vibes. Take some time this fall, and fall in love with these characters.

I loved this book! It has everything I am looking for in a story, strong characters, a great story, and fantastic writing. I really loved all the residents at Ash Gardens, especially Hilde, Frank, and Oli. I liked how Saika is kind of telling her sister what is happening or why she is doing certain things and why she reacts the way she does to things. The setting is awesome. I loved the house and the magic. The ending was tough because I did not want to leave this universe yet. I can't wait to read more by this author.

House of Frank follows Saika, a powerless witch who ends up at House of Frank to find closure after losing her beloved sister Fiona. She thought of only planting her ashes at Ash gardens however she finds herself unable to do so right away, so she accepts to stay. Here live a few random people including a ghost, a half witch, two cherubs and many more. Spending the days together gives Saika the means to grow and finally accept her sister’s absence.

I really loved this story, the writing style was super easy to read, the themes not so much at times. It talks about grief and how it can impact different people. I loved Saika’s story and also all the rest of the characters’ backstories as well. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

I highly recommend this story if you’re looking for a bittersweet cozy fantasy about overcoming loss. Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for an e-copy in exchange for a honest review.

I enjoyed the writing and the development of the characters. The setting felt real and well thought out.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this arc. It was a powerful story about grief, love, and loss. The characters were interesting and the array of representation was beautiful to read.
If you have experienced loss, grab a box of tissues, and enjoy.

4.5 stars

“House of Frank” is the delightful tale of grieving witch Saika, who is unable to move on from the loss of her sister Fiona. She has brought Fiona’s ashes to Ash Gardens, where the remains can be planted in a magical arboretum to become a beautiful tree that will serve as the resting place for her soul. When Saika arrives, she encounters a group of entirely disparate magical beings who are united by the fact that they’ve all lost people, and chosen to stay and work at Ash Gardens together; Saika opts to join them until she feels ready to let go. Their host Frank is a Minotaur grieving the loss of his wife, talented witch Kye. But Saika is not being forthright about the circumstances of her sister’s death, or the gradual decay of her body and her power; similarly, Frank is hiding secrets as the house begins to fall down around them, and Frank’s mind seems to be going with it.
This story is utterly charming and hauntingly beautiful. The cozy atmosphere, the lovely friendships, all is lovingly described and heartfelt. Saika’s journey, along with all the other denizens of Ash Gardens, is deeply relatable to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one or in search of family and community.

If someone were to ask me for a book recommendation, House of Frank would definitely be on the top of my list. When a book is described as a cozy read, I often find it hard to truly feel that cozy vibe. But with this one, I felt like I was wrapped in the biggest, warmest hug. I savored every moment of it, taking my time because I didn’t want it to end. House of Frank beautifully explores the theme of grief. Our main character, Saika, travels to Ash Gardens at the request of her late sister, who asked her to plant her remains there. Once she arrives,Saika meets other creatures who have experienced their own grief, creating a poignant journey of healing and connection.

Grief profoundly transforms individuals, and we witness its impact on the characters throughout the story. Some have lost their smiles and struggle to move forward, while others need time to process their emotions. Our main character, Saika, embodies this struggle; her moments of frustration and occasional unfairness toward those around her highlight her difficulty in navigating her grief. Although some readers may find her behavior frustrating—especially her frequent mental conversations with her sister—I believe she authentically represents the complexities of the grieving process. In addition to coping with her sister's loss, she grapples with feelings of blame and guilt. Despite the book’s fast pace, I appreciated seeing how Saika evolves from the beginning to the end.

I absolutely adored the protagonist and the wonderfully diverse cast of side characters. I found myself wanting to learn even more about their backstories because I grew so attached to each of them. The setting, with its enchanting house and serene arboretum, struck the perfect balance between melancholy and whimsy—an ideal sanctuary to say goodbye to a loved one after enduring such a profound loss.

A heads-up for anyone picking up House of Frank—while the cozy vibes are certainly there, be prepared for an emotionally heavy read. Grief is at the heart of this story, and it delves deep into the pain of loss. That said, if you're looking for a book that explores the complexities of losing loved ones while offering comfort and hope, House of Frank is a beautiful, heartfelt journey that reminds you that healing is possible even in the darkest times.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

This is a beautiful story about love and grief. I’m always here for cozy fantasy books and this is another great entry. I’m also a huge fan of the found family aspects. The fantasy genre could always use some WLW romance.

This story broke my heart and put it back together. I also love the cover. It’s so simplistic yet has a lot to say for the book. Thank you again to the publishers!’

This book is the perfect autumn book. It's cosy fantasy in a nutshell. I recommend reading it when it's raining outside and you have a hot cup of tea to warm your hands. Frank, the owner of Ash Garden, is my favourite character, he gives me so many safe space vibes. The love story in this book is just a side story (I personally like that more) but it was cute in its own way. I can't recommend this book enough. I just pre-ordered it for my bookshop.

House of Frank is a cosy fantasy about grief. I have to admit, the stunning cover is what initially drew me to this book. As for the story, I loved it from the first page. The writing is beautiful and the cast of characters were amazing. This book is an amazing debut and I can't wait to read more from Kay Synclaire. I highly recommend it if you want to read a heartwarming story about dealing with grief, finding amazing friends, and finding yourself along the way. Thanks to Netgalley and Bindery Books for the arc.

My favorite part of House of Frank was the different grief depictions. It’s a beautiful foundation to this book that I think will be relatable to so many readers. Grief doesn’t come in the same shape or size, and this is the first book I’ve found to show multiple representations.

I think it’s important to show the myriad forms of grief. I personally don’t think we have enough examples of it in media, so it was heartwarming and occasionally heartbreaking to read it throughout HOF.

Saika was a perfect protagonist to have because she essentially went through all stages of grief. She considers allowing it to overwhelm and destroy a part of herself, but because of Ash Gardens and the people living there, she slowly begins her healing journey. She even becomes a sort of stable force for Ash Gardens, which is currently going through its own problems and uncertainties.

Asking for help, especially during times of grief, was another underlying message from the characters. Time and time again I saw characters rejecting help because of their fear or insecurities or pride, but Saika and other Ash Gardens people repeat that they’re always there to help.

Overall, I do have complicated feelings for House of Frank (reason why there’s no rating), but the grief depictions certainly were the best part.

As my first Bindery title, I was very satisfied with my reading experience! I cannot wait to read more from this imprint and the publisher.

I am so glad to have gotten this book to review. What an incredible look into the ways people grieve. Magic realism all throughout, diverse magical and non-magical creatures, LGBTQ+ representation and done in such a way that it's completely normal in the world; something I absolutely adore. We walk through the FMCs pain and grief as she talks to her deceased sister. We get to know the other characters, their great losses, the way they have dealt or have not dealt with those painful blows. It was mysterious and dark and very emotional. Beautifully done.

House Of Frank
Kay Synclaire
4⭐️

“Young. Old. We all experience life whether we’ve had lots of it or very little.”

This was a beautifully touching story. Our FMC Saika is a witch who has experienced a terrible loss. We follow her journey managing that grief and the friendships she makes along the way.

I like that the story was very character driven. Although the character's are whimsical, their reactions to grief are so very human and relatable.
The pain & suffering that comes with loss can lead to some poor decisions , our cast of characters including our FMC are no different.
I felt their sadness and frustration, but also their hope that things could be better.

The style of writing interchanges from first to second person throughout the whole story. In other books I've read I have found this to be quite jarring, however (without giving too much away) this style of writing flows perfectly when you see how it is used in this story.

I believe this is the author's first novel, I'm very much looking forward to reading anything they write in the future.

This is a really sweet book that explores grief and found family. The characters are wonderful, and the worldbuilding is pretty on-point. There are a few minor issues with the pacing - it takes 70% of the book to find out what is going on with the MC - but the story itself does a pretty good job of making up for it.

This is like cozy fantasy, grief edition and I cannot wait to reread it once my audio preorder comes in next month! The story is super heartwarming and magical, featuring a diverse cast of creatures and histories. Saika, our main character, has suffered the devasting loss of her sister and is trying to fulfill her last wishes, to have her ashes planted at the ash gardens. When Saika finally works up the courage (or desperation?) to visit the ash gardens, she doesn’t expect to find such a group of welcoming characters and that’s where the bulk of our story takes place.

Told from the perspective of Saika sharing her thoughts with her dearly departed sister, Fiona, the voice of this story stands apart and feels so real and intimate. The cast of characters who live and work in the ash gardens are so well done and different, creating a wonderful found family. The story deals heavily with grief, but ultimately is a hopeful and heartwarming tale of life and death and what it means to live and love.



House of Frank releases next month on October 15th. It’s being published by Ezeekat press via Bindery and is the first book Ezeekat is publishing with his imprint.

Be sure to check out storygraph for the full blurb and content warnings:

https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/c8fe051e-5eeb-4f7e-b090-77026f6154f0

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and how it gently addresses grief. I do think there were some pacing issues, as it felt like the questions I had were answered fairly late in the book.

Thank you NetGalley, Bindery books and Kay Synclaire for the ARC of House of Frank.

I am still crying while writing this review. This was a magical heartfelt book that deals with hard topics but makes you want more. I fell in love with all the characters in their own way. They were all different but so special. This is a book that will stick with me long after and reminds me of TJ Klune. I will revisit this book over the years and most definitely read anything this author writes.

This was a lovely, gentle book. It does a good job of showing the different and sometimes desperate reactions to grief. It’s not plot heavy but the characters are nice to spend time with. I felt like explanations took too long to arrive for certain things and that often made the pacing slower at times. But overall I really liked it.

Be prepared to cry from start to finish.

This book deals heavily with grief and other intense subjects. There’s a lot of pain within these characters. And amazingly, there’s a good balance between cozy and soul destroying!

Hoping to fulfil her dead sister’s wish, Saika travels to Ash Garden, a magical place where the ashes of your loved ones turn to beautiful trees.

But is Saika finally ready to let her sister go?

Luckily Frank, the owner, offers her a position at Ash Garden for as long as she wants, or until she is ready to let go of her sister. But what can Saika help with? She is a useless witch that doesn’t have her power, but they don’t need to know that, right?

Another ARC I’ll absolutely have to buy once it comes out!



- review will be posted on instagram on september 27th and on amazon after publish