Read the Leaves

This whimsical gothic romance will appeal to readers who enjoyed the satire of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. Mary Hawke's family business is failing despite the popularity of her vampire romance serial, and her love life isn't faring any better. Mary wants to save Hawke Publishing before her family loses what little they have left. Unfortunately, their financial woes have lost them their printing press. Things look grim until a mysterious young lord appears. Not only does he have a printing press and the ability to save Mary's business, but he bears a striking resemblance to the bloodthirsty vampire from her story. Mary's infatuation with the man finds her growing embroiled in his secrets, including the death of his father under suspicious circumstances. Getting closer to the lord could put both her life and heart in danger next, but without a signed agreement Mary's story and business will be over. On top of it all the lord's aversion to sunlight and odd habits are getting harder to ignore. But vampires aren't real. Right? This cozy, quirky read is book 2 of the SerendipiTea series. Reading the series in order is strongly recommended.