[How it Works](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/how-it-works/) [Bookshop](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/books/bindery/) [Publishing](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/publishing/) [Team](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/team/) [Contact](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/contact/) Log in or Sign up Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife Deston J. Munden Save to Your Books Buy Direct [Paperback](https://indiepubs-us-refresh.myshopify.com/cart?isbn=9781964721651&publishername=bindery-books) [eBook](https://indiepubs-us-refresh.myshopify.com/cart?isbn=9781964721644&publishername=bindery-books) [Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/84139/9781964721651) 100% of affiliate revenue supports Celestial Consideration Editorial & Design Pre-order Published [See the journey](/content/book/7d851MaE32U4lVQVf198/index.html) **"A recipe for comfort with a dash of adventure!”** —Rebecca Thorne **An undead orc knight leaves battle behind for a new kind of afterlife—one with good food, good friends, and maybe even fatherhood.** Rottgor is worn out. Literally. Barely held together by dark magic, he has protected the Necropolis for centuries. When he’s forced into retirement, he’s faced with a new challenge: to forge a future guided not by obligation, but by passion. Following his heart (and stomach), he decides to open a restaurant where the city’s undead and living residents can share food and community. He’s helped in his quest by an unlikely assortment of neighbors, including elves, skeletons, vampires—and a young orphan girl named Astra, whose ancestry, if discovered, could put her and the entire Necropolis in danger. To protect Astra and the life he’s building, Rottgor must face his past and form new alliances built on friendship, loyalty, and love. As comforting as warm pumpkin bread, this gentle fantasy traces how even a dark history can rise into a bright future. Show more Get the Bindery app * * * Posts about this title from Celestial [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Feb 17](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [romance-free fantasy](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/ks9PMDHt7KAxaVpdbvuy/) another round of fantasy books with minimal-to-no romance! my valentine’s day gift to you hehe. 📚 books mentioned: \- Beasts of Carnaval by Rosália Rodrigo \- Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston J. Munden \- Undrowned by G.M. DiDesidero 👗💄: \- dress is from Hill House Home (rented from Nuuly) \- eyeshadow is Yeux Paint (Nuage de Lilas) from Violette FR and The Lord of the Rings Middle Earth Palette from Glamlite \- bottom eyeshadow is multiple Sparklestiks from Half Magic \- eyeshadow shimmer is a single (Unicorncore) from Half Magic \- lip combo is Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil (Toasty) from Makeup by Mario and Cloud Whip Liquid Lipstick (Storm Cloud) from Colourpop, topped with an eyeshadow shimmer from Ourbella \- bronzy shimmer is Sun Veil from Kopari \- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!) thank you to MIRA / HTP Hive, Bindery Books, and Chickasaw Press / Leaning Pole Press for the gifted copies! #fantasybooks #fantasybookrecs #fantasybookreviews #nycinfluencer #bookstagram @htp\_hive @readmirabooks @chickasawpress @hillhouse @violette\_fr @glamlite @halfmagicbeauty @colourpopcosmetics @makeupbymario @ourbella.us @koparibeauty . fantasy books • fantasy books that aren’t romantasy • books without romance • SFF with minimal romance • romance-free fantasy • book recommendations • unique book recs • diverse books * * * 3 books 1 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Dec 30 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [💭 do you have any goals for 2026?](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/h7q0N42lJLa7AGdq9wKQ/) 💭 do you have any goals for 2026? happy (almost) new year! here are some books about reconciliation, healing, or just generally fresh starts. three very different tones, too! 📚 books mentioned: \- Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier \- The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo \- Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston J. Munden 👗💄: \- dress is from CeliaB Designer, rented from Nuuly \- top eyeshadow is 3 Sparklestiks from Half Magic \- bottom eyeshadow is You Make Me Happy Palette from KimChi Chic Beauty \- lip combo is Lippie Pencil (Twisted) from Colourpop) and PhD Hybrid
Lip Glaze (Fig) from Haus Labs \- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!) thanks to Bindery Books for the gifted copy! #fantasybooks #fantasybookrecs #bookrecs #nycinfluencer #bookstagram @clarionbooks @henryholtbooks @harperkids @bindery\_books @celiabdesigner @nuuly @halfmagicbeauty @kimchichicbeauty @colourpopcosmetics @hauslabs . fantasy books • fantasy book recs • new years books • fresh start book recommendations • diverse books • Bindery Books • Clarion Books • Henry Holt and Co * * * 3 books 1 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Oct 15 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [fall mood book recs](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/Gpd0dqURF4E60pLqhH61/) whatever your fall mood may be … i’ve got you covered with a book rec! 📚 books mentioned: \- Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston J. Munden \- Killer on the Road / The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones \- The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi \- A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury 👗💄: \- sweater & headband are from Walmart \- eyeshadow is two Sparklestiks from @halfmagicbeauty \- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!) thank you Bindery Books, Saga Press, William Morrow, and Simon Teen for the gifted copies! #fallbooks #fallbookrecs #fantasybooks #fantasybookrecs #cozyfantasy #horrorbooks #horrorbookrecs #gothicbooks #gothicbookrecs #darkacademia #SagaSaysCrew #sagapressbooks #SagaSays #SimonTeenInfluencer #binderybooks #celestial #WilliamMorrowpartner #HarperCollinsPartner #starrysteph #nycinfluencer #diversebookstagram #nycbookstagram #bookstagram @bindery\_books @sagapressbooks @williammorrowbooks @simonteen * * * 4 books 1 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Sep 23 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [![ [CLOSED] GIVEAWAY! Free ticket to BinderyCon!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fbinderybooks-prime.appspot.com%2Fimages%252Fcontent-items%252Fy1SkDxMMRVm6z2TJAAlb%252Fthumb&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_F2Dnudkf9Z3ynkPuPUcvnQqipW1r)](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/y1SkDxMMRVm6z2TJAAlb/) [\[CLOSED\] GIVEAWAY! Free ticket to BinderyCon!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/y1SkDxMMRVm6z2TJAAlb/) * * * 19 [38](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/y1SkDxMMRVm6z2TJAAlb/#comments) [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Aug 9 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [look at these gorgeous gorgeous books & boxes!! yay for disrupting publishing!!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/D46efsa2Zuwzj4FbDmmJ/) look at these gorgeous gorgeous books & boxes!! yay for disrupting publishing!! 📚 books mentioned: \- Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston J. Munden \- Orange Wine by Esperanza Hope Snyder thank you to Bindery Books for the gifted copies! #binderybooks #mareas #cozyquill #recipesforanunexpectedafterlife #orangewine #indiebooks #indiepublisher #indieauthor #celestial #starrysteph #nycinfluencer #diversebookstagram #nycbookstagram #bookstagram #nycbookstagram @bindery\_books @megs.tea.room @mynameismarines * * * [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Jul 12 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [WHICH ONE DO I READ FIRST??](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/VDiTYrXzfKAXGnkFZi6V/) WHICH ONE DO I READ FIRST?? 📚 books mentioned: \- Cry, Voidbringer by Elaine Ho (Left Unread Books) \- Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston J. Munden (Cozy Quill) \- Dust Settles North by Deena ElGenaidi (Boundless Press) \- To Bargain with Mortals by R.A. Basu (Skies Press) \- Orange Wine by Esperanza Hope Snyder (Mareas) \- Local Heavens by K. M. Fajardo (The Inky Phoenix) \- Tempest’s Queen by Tiffany Wang (Violetear Books) thank you to Bindery for all the gifted copies!! @bindery\_books #binderybooks #indiebooks #binderypublishing #celestial #fantasybooks #cozyfantasy #literaryfiction #scifibooks #starrysteph #nycinfluencer #bookstagram #nycbookstagram * * * 1 Posts about this book from across Bindery [Chanterelle Solace\\ \\ Sabie\\ \\ • Jun 5](https://cozysabie.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [12 Cozy Fantasy books about Belonging & Finding your place in the world 🤎](https://cozysabie.binderybooks.com/item/m7f2lF5H3LNPJ23TLDGX/) What are some of your favourite books that centre found family and finding your place in a community? While this is a theme that you can find in so many different type of genres/sub-genres, I feel that Cozy Fantasy is the perfect place to explore themes of being othered, not fitting in and finding a place where you do! A quote that I love from one of the books in here (The Moonsingers by Robyn J Pritzker) that focuses on this theme says: “In fact, what she most wanted, and could never before articulate, was to find the place where she made sense and help others do the same.” and I think every single book in here helps you see how the MCs find their place in their own community and feel accepted🥺🤎 Here’s to the people who accept us just the way we are and become a part of our community just as much as we are a part of theirs 🤎🤎 * * * 12 books 1 [Stardust Books\\ \\ Joy\\ \\ • Jun 4](https://stardust-books.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Good morning Readers!!\\ \\ I am so excited. I just placed an order for a bunch of Bindery books. I am so happy to finally have them at the shop and share them with my readers. We will have \\ \\ House of Frank by Kay Synclair\\ \\ Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil\\ \\ Crueler Mercies by Maren Chase\\ \\ Devil of the Deep by Falencia Jean-Francois\\ \\ Our sisters Keeper by Jasmine Holmes\\ \\ Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston Munden\\ \\ To Bargain with Mortals by R. A Basu\\ \\ Just to start! Ill keep you posted on when these increbible books come in.](https://stardust-books.binderybooks.com/item/uMnwZCPtMptTFEGQ7hRS/) [Bindery Titles on the Way!](https://stardust-books.binderybooks.com/item/uMnwZCPtMptTFEGQ7hRS/) * * * 7 books 5 [Reads with Rachel\\ \\ Rachel\\ \\ • Apr 16](https://readswithrachel.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://readswithrachel.binderybooks.com/item/dBwC9skomlBoWjFJKQZS/) [COZY TALK with Author Deston J. Munden and Meg's Tea Room](https://readswithrachel.binderybooks.com/item/dBwC9skomlBoWjFJKQZS/) Get the book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/recipes-for-an-unexpected-afterlife-deston-j-munden/de2020150e1cb1ab?ean=9781964721651&next=t Please check out Meg and Deston's socials! Deston- @SirBuffaloKnight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordjmunden/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authordjmunden Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/sirbuffaloknight Website: https://djpublishing.store/ Meg- @MegsTeaRoom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megs.tea.room Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megstearoom?lang=en Bindery: https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/ * * * 1 book 7 [1](https://readswithrachel.binderybooks.com/item/dBwC9skomlBoWjFJKQZS/#comments) [Fat Forward Books\\ \\ Samantha Puc\\ \\ • Mar 20](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [📣 Bookshop.org Discount Alert! 📣](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/item/jZEKJPUXZsLi3UovVsJH/) * * * 10 books 4 [Reads with Rachel\\ \\ Rachel\\ \\ • Feb 17](https://readswithrachel.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://readswithrachel.binderybooks.com/item/x9GNQsfgsgyvabs1iqwN/) [A DOWRY OF BLOOD \| Let's discuss](https://readswithrachel.binderybooks.com/item/x9GNQsfgsgyvabs1iqwN/) Head to https://squarespace.com/readswithrachel to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using readswithrachel ! 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Resources: -Massive list of places and people to donate to: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/where-to-donate-for-black-lives-matter.htm -Find a protest or fundraiser near you: https://www.facebook.com/BlackLivesMatter/events/ \*Find literature to read\* Watch Vee Kativhu's video on recommending books to learn about racism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPX7nhpuJ3s -Support some Black youtubers by watching Myonna Reads' playlist of Black booktubers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz1aECHUN0DR2-8otiw5OzcpVK3W-lcIZ \*Support my channel\* -Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/readswithrachel -Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/readswithrachel -like my clothes? use my code to get $30 off your first Nuuly box: https://share.nuuly.com/rachel93236 \*Follow me on socials\* TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelwithreads INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/readswithrachel BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/readswithrachel.bsky.social WEBSITE: WWW.READSWITHRACHEL.COM * * * 2 books 5 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Feb 17](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [romance-free fantasy](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/ks9PMDHt7KAxaVpdbvuy/) another round of fantasy books with minimal-to-no romance! my valentine’s day gift to you hehe. 📚 books mentioned: \- Beasts of Carnaval by Rosália Rodrigo \- Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston J. Munden \- Undrowned by G.M. DiDesidero thank you to MIRA / HTP Hive, Bindery Books, and Chickasaw Press / Leaning Pole Press for the gifted copies! . * * * 3 books 1 [Cozy Quill\\ \\ Meg\\ \\ • Dec 31 2025](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ \\ \\ **JANUARY: _THE MAID & THE CROCODILE_**\\ \\ In the magic-soaked capital city of Oluwan, Small Sade needs a job - preferably as a maid, with employers who don't mind her unique appearance and unlucky foot. But before she can be hired, she accidentally binds herself to a powerful being known only as the Crocodile, a god rumoured to devour pretty girls. Small Sade entrances the Crocodile with her she is a Curse Eater, gifted with the ability to alter people's fates by cleaning their houses.\\ \\ The handsome god warns that their fates are bound, but Small Sade evades him, launching herself into a new career as the Curse Eater of a swanky inn. She is determined to impress the wealthy inhabitants and earn her place in Oluwan City . . . assuming her secret-filled past - and the revolutionary ambitions of the Crocodile - don't catch up with her.\\ \\ But maybe there is more to Small Sade. And maybe everyone in Oluwan City deserves more too - from the maids all the way to the Anointed Ones.\\ \\ \\ \\ **FEBRUARY: _THE ORNITHOLOGIST'S FIELD GUIDE TO LOVE_**\\ \\ Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.\\ \\ Beth Pickering is on the verge of finally capturing the rare deathwhistler bird when Professor Devon Lockley swoops in, capturing both her bird and her imagination like a villain. Albeit a handsome and charming villain, but that's beside the point. As someone highly educated in the ruthless discipline of ornithology, Beth knows trouble when she sees it, and she is determined to keep her distance from Devon.\\ \\ For his part, Devon has never been more smitten than when he first set eyes on Professor Beth Pickering. She's so pretty, so polite, so capable of bringing down a fiery, deadly bird using only her wits. In other words, an angel. Devon understands he must not get close to her, however, since they're professional rivals.\\ \\ When a competition to become Birder of the Year by capturing an endangered caladrius bird is announced, Beth and Devon are forced to team up to have any chance of winning. Now keeping their distance becomes a question of one bed or two. But they must take the risk, because fowl play is afoot, and they can't trust anyone else—for all may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology.\\ \\ \\ \\ **MARCH: _SWORDHEART_**\\ \\ Halla has unexpectedly inherited the estate of a wealthy uncle. Unfortunately, she is also saddled with money-hungry relatives full of devious plans for how to wrest the inheritance away from her.\\ \\ While locked in her bedroom, Halla inspects the ancient sword that's been collecting dust on the wall since before she moved in. Out of desperation, she unsheathes it—and suddenly a man appears. His name is Sarkis, he tells her, and he is an immortal warrior trapped in a prison of enchanted steel.\\ \\ Sarkis is sworn to protect whoever wields the sword, and for Halla—a most unusual wielder—he finds himself fending off not grand armies and deadly assassins but instead everything from kindly-seeming bandits to roving inquisitors to her own in-laws. But as Halla and Sarkis grow closer, they overlook the biggest threat of all—the sword itself.\\ \\ \\ \\ **APRIL: _I GOT ABDUCTED BY AN ALIEN AND NOW I'M TRAPPED IN A ROM-COM_**\\ \\ Dorothy Valentine is close to getting her PhD in wildlife biology when she’s attacked by a lion. On the bright side, she’s saved! On the not-so-bright side, it’s because they’re abducted by aliens. In her scramble to escape, Dory and the lion commandeer an escape pod and crash-land on an alien planet that has...dinosaurs?\\ \\ Dory and her new lion bestie, Toto, are saved in the nick of time by a mysterious and sexy alien, Sol. On their new adventure, they team up with the equally hot, equally dangerous Lok, who may or may not be a war criminal. Whether it be trauma, fate, or intrigue, Dory can’t resist the attraction that’s developing in their trio....\\ \\ As this ragtag group of misfits explore their new planet, Dory learns more about how and why they’ve all ended up together, battles more prehistoric creatures than she imagined (she imagined...zero), and questions if she even wants to go back home to Earth in this hilarious and steamy alien romance adventure comedy romp.\\ \\ \\ \\ **MAY: _THE HALFLING'S HARVEST_**\\ \\ For most halflings, the annual harvest festival is a time to revel in life's simple pleasures—hearty feasts, flowing wine, and warm hospitality. But for Marigold Bramblefoot, owner of the Dew Drop Inn and Vineyard, it’s the busiest—and most stressful—time of the year.\\ \\ Juggling an inn full of quirky guests, preparing for the bustling festivities, and managing her vineyard would be enough to overwhelm anyone. But Marigold has her sights set on something bigger: winning first place in the annual wine competition and finally stepping out of her father’s shadow.\\ \\ The only problem? Her rival, Darkroot Cellars, has dominated the competition for a decade thanks to the druidic magic behind their wines.\\ \\ With her hands full and her heart set on success, Marigold must balance the chaos of the festival, a budding romance, and unraveling the vineyard's hidden mysteries, all while discovering what it truly means to craft her own legacy. Because in Willowbrook, the harvest festival is more than a celebration—it’s a season for transformation, and Marigold’s is long overdue.\\ \\ \\ \\ **JUNE: _SCORCERY & SMALL MAGICS_**\\ \\ Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics.\\ \\ He can summon butterflies with a song, or turn someone’s hair pink by snapping his fingers. Such minor charms don’t earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic.\\ \\ That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. But Grimm casts spells, he doesn’t undo them, and Leo doesn’t mess with powerful magic.\\ \\ Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws alike. To dissolve the curse, they’ll have to uncover the true depths of Leo’s magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and—much to their horror—work together.\\ \\ Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them.\\ \\ \\ \\ **JULY: _FOR WHOM THE BELLE TOLLS_**\\ \\ Lily isn’t exactly thrilled with her arrival in the Afterlife, but what awaits her there is more fantastical than she ever could have imagined: Deities wait in line at the coffee shop. Fae flit between realms. Souls find ways to make death a beginning.\\ \\ As she explores the many corners of the Afterlife, Lily finds herself surprisingly drawn to a place most people would avoid at all costs: Hell. Armed with years of customer service experience and pent-up sarcasm, Lily carves a job out for herself amongst Hell’s demons, sending souls to their rightful circles with more than a hint of sass.\\ \\ Lily’s expectations are subverted every day in Hell—especially by Bel, a demon general with a distractingly sexy voice. The two meet by chance and form an immediate, deeply healing friendship, but the undeniable heat between them threatens to combust.\\ \\ Meanwhile, something stirs beyond the boundaries of their world, threatening to destroy everything they’ve known and everything that could be…unless they fight like Hell to stop it.\\ \\ This debut novel from BookTok sensation Jaysea Lynn invites you to lose yourself in a world where love ignites in the unlikeliest of places, magic defies the rules, and the Afterlife proves more thrilling than anyone could imagine.\\ \\ \\ \\ **AUGUST: _A WITCH'S GUIDE TO MAGICAL INNKEEPING_**\\ \\ An enchanting novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches .\\ \\ Sera Swan was once one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her magical Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps Aunt Jasmine run an inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep the talking fox in check, and longs for the magical future she lost.\\ \\ When she learns about an old spellbook that holds the secret to restoring her power, she turns to Luke Larsen, a gorgeous historian who might just be able to help her unlock the book’s mysteries. Luke, who has his own reasons for staying at the inn, never planned on getting involved in the madcap goings-on around him and certainly had no intention of letting certain grumpy innkeepers past his icy walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he not only agrees to help, but also finds himself thawing .\\ \\ Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone... and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.\\ \\ \\ \\ **SEPTEMBER: _THE ENCHANTED GREENHOUSE_**\\ \\ Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.\\ \\ This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.\\ \\ But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.\\ \\ This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.\\ \\ \\ \\ **OCTOBER: _THE GHOSTS OF ROSE HILL_**\\ \\ Sent to stay with her aunt in Prague and witness the humble life of an artist, Ilana Lopez—a biracial Jewish girl—finds herself torn between her dream of becoming a violinist and her immigrant parents’ desire for her to pursue a more stable career.\\ \\ When she discovers a forgotten Jewish cemetery behind her aunt’s cottage, she meets the ghost of a kindhearted boy named Benjamin, who died over a century ago. As Ilana restores Benjamin’s grave, he introduces her to the enchanted side of Prague, where ghosts walk the streets and their kisses have warmth.\\ \\ But Benjamin isn't the only one interested in Ilana. Rudolph Wassermann, a man with no shadow, has become fascinated with her and the music she plays. He offers to share his magic, so Ilana can be with Benjamin and pursue her passion for violin. But after Ilana discovers the truth about Wassermann and how Benjamin became bound to the city, she resolves to save the boy she loves, even if it means losing him—forever.\\ \\ A love letter to Latin American and Jewish diasporas, based on the author's experiences working to maintain Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe. The Ghosts of Rose Hill is a tender and empowering read that you will devour in one sitting. Steeped in history and the experiences of immigrant families, especially Jewish families, each carefully-chosen word of this magical verse novel casts a spell.\\ \\ \\ \\ **NOVEMBER: _RECIPES FOR AN UNEXPECTED AFTERLIFE_**\\ \\ Rottgor is worn out. Literally. Barely held together by dark magic, he has protected the Necropolis for centuries. When he’s forced into retirement, he’s faced with a new to forge a future guided not by obligation, but by passion.\\ \\ Following his heart (and stomach), he decides to open a restaurant where the city’s undead and living residents can share food and community. He’s helped in his quest by an unlikely assortment of neighbors, including elves, skeletons, vampires—and a young orphan girl named Astra, whose ancestry, if discovered, could put her and the entire Necropolis in danger. To protect Astra and the life he’s building, Rottgor must face his past and form new alliances built on friendship, loyalty, and love. As comforting as warm pumpkin bread, this gentle fantasy traces how even a dark history can rise into a bright future.\\ \\ \\ \\ **DECEMBER: _BRIGANDS & BREADKNIVES_**\\ \\ Fern has weathered the stillness and storms of a bookseller’s life for decades, but now, in the face of crippling ennui, transplants herself to the city of Thune to hang out her shingle beside a long-absent friend’s coffee shop. What could be a better pairing? Surely a charming renovation montage will cure what ails her!\\ \\ If only things were so simple…\\ \\ It turns out that fixing your life isn’t a one-time prospect, nor as easy as a change of scenery and a lick of paint.\\ \\ A drunken and desperate night sees the rattkin waking far from home in the company of a legendary warrior surviving on inertia, an imprisoned chaos-goblin with a fondness for silverware, and an absolutely thumping hangover.\\ \\ As together they fend off a rogue’s gallery of ne’er-do-wells trying to claim the bounty the goblin represents, Fern may finally reconnect with the person she actually is when there isn’t a job to get in the way.](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/SXvI8XIDHVBUeXDjIGUn/) [2025 Book Club List 📚](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/SXvI8XIDHVBUeXDjIGUn/) * * * 12 books 8 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Dec 30 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [💭 do you have any goals for 2026?](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/h7q0N42lJLa7AGdq9wKQ/) 💭 do you have any goals for 2026? happy (almost) new year! here are some books about reconciliation, healing, or just generally fresh starts. three very different tones, too! 📚 books mentioned: \- Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier \- The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo \- Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston J. Munden thanks to Bindery Books for the gifted copy! . fantasy books • fantasy book recs • new years books • fresh start book recommendations • diverse books • Bindery Books • Clarion Books • Henry Holt and Co * * * 3 books 1 [Children of Diaspora\\ \\ Rae the Reviewer\\ \\ • Dec 26 2025](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Hey y'all, \\ \\ I know it's been a while. The holiday season and work turned me every way but lose in December so I'd like to show my appreciation for this community by hosting a flash giveaway of the _Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife_ by Deston J. Munden book box. \\ \\ If you'd like a peek into what's in the box, check out this unboxing I did a little while back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLTjEZVvpc\\ \\ To enter, all you need to do is comment here what you're most excited to read in 2026!\\ \\ I'll reach out to the winner on Sunday. \\ \\ XoXo - Rae\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/item/eNLaZVHWPrpszXfLs8Wi/) [\*Flash Giveaway\* Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/item/eNLaZVHWPrpszXfLs8Wi/) * * * 1 book 4 [4](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/item/eNLaZVHWPrpszXfLs8Wi/#comments) [Fat Forward Books\\ \\ Samantha Puc\\ \\ • Dec 23 2025](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [✨ Our January Book Club Pick ✨](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/item/t3CuyizUn6je48KjOuR0/) * * * 1 book 2 [Fantasy & Frens\\ \\ Zoranne\\ \\ • Dec 8 2025](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [And The Winner Is...](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/item/uWoGEQdAKp1KNMeqhtYj/) * * * 7 books 7 [3](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/item/uWoGEQdAKp1KNMeqhtYj/#comments) [Cozy Quill\\ \\ Meg\\ \\ • Dec 8 2025](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/jrByUJdIU1DCsOpJmKHH/) [Q&A with Deston Munden ✨](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/jrByUJdIU1DCsOpJmKHH/) Join us for live Q&A and interview with author of Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife, Deston J. Munden! This is a SPOILER-FILLED chat, so be sure to listen after you've read the book. Thank you so much to everyone for your support! * * * 1 book 10 [Fantasy & Frens\\ \\ Zoranne\\ \\ • Dec 2 2025](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [GIVEAWAY! Win a set of all Fall Bindery Titles!](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/item/3nXIxaF32iksvk099Qr5/) Who wants free books? * * * 7 books 36 [99](https://fantasyandfrens.binderybooks.com/item/3nXIxaF32iksvk099Qr5/#comments) [Cozy Quill\\ \\ Meg\\ \\ • Nov 7 2025](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Hi friends! We recently had our monthly _"Reading Recap"_ hang with our Cozy Quill paid members and, boy, did they come through with recs!\\ \\ I wanted to share all these book recommendations with you asap because they just kept coming and they kept getting better. Thank you to everyone who popped into the virtual recap this month and shared the stories you're loving! Your contributions were very generous and I'm excited to offer the list to everyone in our cozy crew.\\ \\ Scroll down and you'll see all 38 books our Cozy Quillers recommend this season! You can purchase them right from the Bindery site (I do earn a commission on that, I think? I haven't yet so I'm not sure ha!) or just add them to your TBR. Love you all! Until the next reading recap...\\ \\ x, Meg\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/9c4JMh80PlKFSM7uicW9/) [38 Reads We're All Obsessing Over 📚](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/9c4JMh80PlKFSM7uicW9/) * * * 38 books 16 [chronicallybookish\\ \\ Kaley\\ \\ • Nov 4 2025](https://chronicallybookish.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [october wrap up--yes no maybe](https://chronicallybookish.binderybooks.com/item/afY20Ol157XBzbfVvteX/) As always—remember to check TW if needed 🫶🏻 #booktok #bookreviews #yesnomaybe #readingwrapup #romancebooktok * * * 20 books [Alex (Pucksandpaperbacks)\\ \\ Alex (he/him/his)\\ \\ • Oct 26 2025](https://pucksandpaperbacks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://pucksandpaperbacks.binderybooks.com/item/V4ywhrbE20lrOStr4dwh/) [The Paperback Post -- WEEK OF 10/26/2025](https://pucksandpaperbacks.binderybooks.com/item/V4ywhrbE20lrOStr4dwh/) * * * 3 books [Alex (Pucksandpaperbacks)\\ \\ Alex (he/him/his)\\ \\ • Oct 25 2025](https://pucksandpaperbacks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://pucksandpaperbacks.binderybooks.com/item/VrnPh5R9HpjL2pZLqoyW/) [Weekend readathon vlog \| behind the scenes](https://pucksandpaperbacks.binderybooks.com/item/VrnPh5R9HpjL2pZLqoyW/) Reading vlog for our first weekend readathon! (Oct 17-Oct 20) * * * 4 books [Children of Diaspora\\ \\ Rae the Reviewer\\ \\ • Oct 23 2025](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Unboxing Bindery Boxes + My New Favorite Mug](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/item/TBWQ4gzlNC4W52GTK3cC/) I'm so excited to share these 2025 Bindery releases with you! Check me out on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raethereviewer/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raethereviewer Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/raethereviewer Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20898931-rae-the-reviewer My Website: https://raethereviewer.com/ and services (sensitivity reading, freelance writing, copywriting, case studies) https://raethereviewer.com/services/ Bookshop Affiliate: https://bookshop.org/shop/raethereviewer 00:00 Intro 00:59 Orange Wine 01:47 Dust Settles North 03:01 Cry Voidbringer 06:55 Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife 10:35 Outro * * * 4 books 5 [Boundless Press\\ \\ Jananie\\ \\ • Oct 21 2025](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [new releases & upcoming books that sound cool (& that you should add to your TBR) 📚](https://boundless.binderybooks.com/item/MvpyL4j2cgTOxbtUeadF/) are your excited for any of these releases?! * * * 19 books 9 [Children of Diaspora\\ \\ Rae the Reviewer\\ \\ • Oct 19 2025](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/item/dCbmNLJBapFzU1PFdXXJ/) [\*EARLY ACCESS\* Bindery Books Unboxing!](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/item/dCbmNLJBapFzU1PFdXXJ/) I'm so excited to share these 2025 Bindery releases with you! Check me out on: 00:00 Intro 00:59 Orange Wine 01:47 Dust Settles North 03:01 Cry Voidbringer 06:55 Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife 10:35 Outro * * * 4 books [Ezeekat Press\\ \\ Jaysen\\ \\ • Oct 17 2025](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/item/herMhHAEUy5CwibzM03R/) [Ezeekat's Book Club November Book Announcement!](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/item/herMhHAEUy5CwibzM03R/) * * * 1 book 14 [2](https://ezeekat.binderybooks.com/item/herMhHAEUy5CwibzM03R/#comments) [Cozy Quill\\ \\ Meg\\ \\ • Oct 15 2025](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/Du2eHFlw93mLL37UUiJa/) [A COZY FALL GIVEAWAY! 📚🍁🎁](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/Du2eHFlw93mLL37UUiJa/) Share a photo or video of Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife on your social media and you'll be entered to win a Cozy Fall Goodie Box! * * * 1 book 23 [6](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/Du2eHFlw93mLL37UUiJa/#comments) [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Oct 15 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [fall mood book recs](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/Gpd0dqURF4E60pLqhH61/) whatever your fall mood may be … i’ve got you covered with a book rec! * * * 4 books 1 [Chanterelle Solace\\ \\ Sabie\\ \\ • Oct 14 2025](https://cozysabie.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Happy release day to Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife!](https://cozysabie.binderybooks.com/item/FlvCCfUNezC67o0txYe4/) What would you do as a second chance in life if you’ve been brought back from the dead and have protected your city for many centuries? 👀 Happy release day to Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife by Deston and published through Meg’s Imprint with Bindery! I finished this books a few weeks ago and it was SO cozy and wholesome! It is truly a book that feels like a hug and talks about so many important aspects in life while still focusing on food, found family and building a community I’ve shared a full review in my blog post and in summary, I think this book shows us a strong growth in Rottgor through a beautiful journey and when we met Astra, aww what can I say about her? It was truly adorable to get to know Astra and see her become part of the community. I think the book also dives into deeper themes like division between different classes of people in the book and how resentment can build up in the community. We talk about hate and how easy it is to spread it in one community, how it poisons minds and turns people against each other! And honestly? This book is a must read in your cozy fantasy with a bit of heavier topics! AND this cute PR box from Bindery? Guys the spoon is adorable, the cover of the book is beautiful and the tea is SO good (which is from @clichetea ) Thank you to Bindery, Meg and Deston for this lovely PR box! #recipesforanunexpectedafterlife #cozyfantasy #books * * * 1 book 3 [Cozy Quill\\ \\ Meg\\ \\ • Oct 14 2025](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [A Release Day Thank You💕](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/817C29qEB7GpmSgws76C/) HAPPY LAUNCH DAY! 🎉 This book would not exist without YOU and we are so deeply grateful. * * * 1 book 24 [2](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/817C29qEB7GpmSgws76C/#comments) [Cozy Quill\\ \\ Meg\\ \\ • Oct 13 2025](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Poll:\\ \\ I'm here to spread the love! Here's how:\\ \\ \\ \\ Hello loves! \\ \\ **Tomorrow is the big day, can you believe it? _Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife_ officially releases!**\\ \\ Deston and I are so grateful for all your support this year as we put out this story. Your input and encouragement along the way has not only sustained our hearts, but pushed us to release the best version of this book we possibly can. I believe in this story and I truly can't wait to get it into your hands!\\ \\ If you'll permit us, we have one more ask as we look to release day. We'd would love your help in making this celebration extra special. Here are three ways you can spread the love:\\ \\ **Share the Joy** – Snap a photo of your book. Share any posts myself, Deston, or Bindery puts up to your own stories/socials. Tag friends who might enjoy it. Every share helps the magic travel farther!\\ \\ **Leave a Review** – Reviews on review sites, but also Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or anywhere you shop books are so meaningful. Why? Because store-based reviews help the book reach more readers and even wider distribution. Your words truly make a difference!\\ \\ **Send Some Love to Deston** – We both know how much he poured his heart into this story. A little note, comment, or message of encouragement goes a long way in helping him feel seen and celebrated tomorrow. His comment section can sometimes feel really disheartening, so let's flood it with LIGHT.\\ \\ From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this cozy, bookish community. Watching how this space has grown and evolved over the past year has been a GIFT. \\ \\ YOU ARE A GIFT and you make all the difference. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.\\ \\ With love, \\ \\ Meg](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/AasS2tXt8LTbkztchTxO/) [Be Part of the Magic Tomorrow!✨](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/AasS2tXt8LTbkztchTxO/) * * * 1 book 13 [2](https://cozyquill.binderybooks.com/item/AasS2tXt8LTbkztchTxO/#comments) [Chanterelle Solace\\ \\ Sabie\\ \\ • Oct 4 2025](https://cozysabie.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ > _"We leave too much hate in this world when all it takes is one person to remember your love and that they love you."_\\ \\ _GENRE:_ Cozy Fantasy (With darker elements)\\ \\ _Would I recommend to others?:_ Yes! This is perfect for those of you who enjoy cozy fantasy with darker elements in them\\ \\ **Review:** \\ \\ Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is a lovely story, one with a wholesome feeling in it. It feels like a hug in a book and like the author poured his heart into it. Cozy fantasy that features food and centres around recipes and food always has my heart and this book is no exception to this rule!\\ \\ I love that we get an insight into who Rottgor was in his past life and we get to see the way food and making it played a role in his life, how it built his relationship with his family and shaped his role as he got older. And the growth Rottgor goes through is amazing; the way he sheds his worries and learns that it is okay for him to take space in the world is a beautiful journey. He builds a community and finds love, comfort and the right people around him\\ \\ > "If you have a good foundation, you tend to find people who want to see it grow."\\ \\ And Astra? What can we say about Astra except that she is adorable and so thoughtful as a child! It is said in the story that Children have a way of peering into your soul and seeing what adults no longer see and I think Astra reflects this so well. The way she is brought into Rottgor's life and becomes an essential part of it is so wholesome and I dont want to give any spoilers away but the way they become a found family is done well in the plot.\\ \\ > "Children always had this way of seeing through a person, deeper than adults ever dared. Only the luckiest kept that when they were older."\\ \\ I think another think that is done well in this Cozy Fantasy is the way we get background information about Rottgor, Necropolis and the world building. It is done in a way that doesnt feeling like it is stealing thunder from the coziness of the story, and yet it provides essential information for us to get to know each character.\\ \\ And I think Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife touches well on the reality of things, the way society is when you have a division and classes from different backgrounds and the resentment this builds in the community. The way this is addresses in the story is that there is a faction of the living that is not happy that the undead and the summoned are taking from their own resources and it is said that:\\ \\ > "They have overstayed their welcome here. Their kind, the undead and the summoned - this is not their land. Why should they know happiness, love, and comfort when they aren't capable of any of it? Why should they take ours?" Vom paused, catching sight of Rottgor and Astra.\\ > \\ > He stared.\\ > \\ > He hated."\\ \\ Rottgor goes on to say that _"Hate is easy. I found that its the easiest and most contagious evil. A simple drop can poison a well."_ and I think this is done well in the book, the exploration of how a hateful group utilises their hate against another group. In fact, I think it touches a lot on how one person can spread hate and misinformation so quickly, that it comes to harm others. I know we see this in reality a lot and I think this was explored in a gentle way in this book.\\ \\ I could go on and on about this beautiful book but I hope you consider reading it and I hope it welcomes you in its arm, feels like a hug and opens your eyes to the world in a cozy and wholesome way.\\ \\ Thank you to Bindery, Deston and Meg for the Arc in exchange for my honest review.](https://cozysabie.binderybooks.com/item/rG0KgKLqDxgNNMERyfV1/) [Review for a Cozy Fantasy: Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife](https://cozysabie.binderybooks.com/item/rG0KgKLqDxgNNMERyfV1/) * * * 1 book 6 [The Inkborne Society\\ \\ Azhangia\\ \\ • Oct 3 2025](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/item/7yIVUIbPELjhWaR02aGj/) [October 2025 Book Releases (Fantasy & Sci-Fi)](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/item/7yIVUIbPELjhWaR02aGj/) * * * 14 books 9 [2](https://azhangia.binderybooks.com/item/7yIVUIbPELjhWaR02aGj/#comments) [Fat Forward Books\\ \\ Samantha Puc\\ \\ • Oct 2 2025](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/item/6rO9hYqiM8X9qLG2R1WY/) [Happy October! 👻🎃 Some Housekeeping & Book Recommendations](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/item/6rO9hYqiM8X9qLG2R1WY/) * * * 6 books 5 [3](https://fatfwdbooks.binderybooks.com/item/6rO9hYqiM8X9qLG2R1WY/#comments) [chronicallybookish\\ \\ Kaley\\ \\ • Sep 28 2025](https://chronicallybookish.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [my fall ARC tbr](https://chronicallybookish.binderybooks.com/item/hMbE0Pb1r25h82dF11dr/) I have overcommitted, and I’m scared of the size of this stack #booktok #advancereadercopy #arcreviewer #tbr #toberead * * * 13 books 2