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** spoiler alert ** Thank you to Netgalley, Breanne Randall, and Random House publishing for the advanced copy of Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things.

Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things was an enjoyable and cute read. I found the pacing of the story to be a bit slow. This was my second book I have read of Randall's. Where Randall flourishes is with her unique story concepts and the world she creates for her characters. I love books with small town settings and a community that takes care of each other. I really enjoyed the idea of the sisters' tea and bookshop. It would be a place I would wish to frequent had it been a real place.

I gave Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things a three star rating the main reason being, I was not invested in the characters of the story. I would have liked having the perspectives of the two sisters, Thalia and Eurydice shown more presently throughout the story instead of them appearing to be written as background characters. Given their connection to Calliope and their roles in the story, they should have had a bigger presence. The character that I felt was best developed overall was Lucien. I found I liked him and his role to play in the story. I wanted to like Calliope, but I couldn't relate to her character.

My second reason for my rating is the story ended with quite a few questions unanswered. I feel this is a stand alone book and the likihood of there being a second book to answer these questions is unlikely. I would change my rating to 4 stars if the questions surrounding Calliope's mother and her aunts were answered. We understand what happened to the two aunts, but where is Penelope? Is she still alive? Will she return? Penelope's departure from her daughters' life is a huge part of the back story. These questions should be answered in the conclusion. As is, Randall has written a decent, but predicatable ending.

Overall, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is a well rounded story. What can be praised the most is how inclusive Randall is with Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things. There is a binary character and a LGBTQIA romance. While this particular romance isn't my preferred cup of tea, I know many will enjoy and appreciate the inclusion. I will be recommending this book to others as it is worth the read. It will be published in March, but I highly recommend reading this book in the fall season as it is a cozy read with witches and magic.