I received an ARC of this book. I originally noticed it because of it's beautiful cover, which led me to read the description and request the ARC. When Dreams Aren't What You Expect Them To Be The Scarlet Alchemist is a fantasy that is set in a China like world when alchemy is real. You get a taste of Chinese culture in a fantasy setting. Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist to help her family beat poverty. She fights her way up to achieve her dream, only supported by her cousins and a powerless prince, as everyone one else tries to continuously tear her down. Only for reality to come crashing down on her hard. Without spoiling the story, it's a page turner where you simultanously root for Zilan, want her to save the world, while totally understanding both the good and bad choices she makes to survive. It's an interesting fantasy that really plays on the readers' emotions as Zilan faces many moral choices that determine who she becomes. I look forward
Philliya's Neighborly Assistance Philliya's shop is once again at risk when a new neighbor brings trouble to her door. Without a moment's hesitation, Philliya investigates with her trust companion to come up with a golden solution that is somewhat legal to help her new friend and keep her customers. It's always enjoyable to see Philliya's thought process as she needs to come up with out of the box solutions for some interesting, and sometimes all too common, problems. Another great magical story that makes you wonder what will happen next. All I know is that I'd like to have Philliya on my side the next time I've got to deal with a creep. Go Philliya! Interested? You can buy it on the author's website and check out more in the series. https://store.annamittower.com/b/aDpSz?fbclid=IwAR1kjJ8EkOnleu4D5yonhvu5_M6PMbdZtYz8paUS6JarPmVsAf85yMWBRKg