Books, Boots and Bakeries

Closing the final chapter of the Lumatere Chronicles with Quintana of Charyn feels like leaving behind a part of myself, even as I know these characters and their stories will always be with me. Froi, my favorite character, comes full circle in this book, and it’s a journey I’ll never forget. His flaws, his struggles, and his capacity for love make him deeply human, and watching his relationship with Quintana unfold is nothing short of breathtaking.

But as much as Froi holds my heart, it’s Phaedra who stays with me long after I turn the final page. She’s the embodiment of a life lived with kindness, and her quiet strength speaks volumes. I often think of the mantra, “When you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind,” and Phaedra feels like its living, breathing proof. If I could be like anyone, it would be her—steadfast, selfless, and impossibly compassionate.

With this series, I’ve also found myself thinking about the books that influence your life. Growing up in the Harry Potter generation, I can trace the evolution of my reading through the years. Magical worlds like this one feel like coming home, a comforting reminder of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

Quintana of Charyn isn’t just the conclusion to an incredible trilogy—it’s a testament to the power of love, resilience, and humanity. It reminds us that the most broken people often have the strongest hearts, and that redemption and healing are possible, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

If you’ve ever wondered about the kind of series that becomes a part of you, the Lumatere Chronicles is it. And while I’m always sad to say goodbye, these books have become my safety blanket, a place I can always return to when I need to feel the full range of human emotion and be reminded of the beauty of choosing kindness.