So I heard you're looking for books to pre-order in preparation for 2026?👀

So you may have heard about pre-orders and you may have heard WHY its important but let's get into it a bit more, in a summarised manner! I will attach the resource of why you should pre-order the books, especially by marginalised authors who depend on these numbers to release more books, get a larger marketing budget (or a decent one), and show that there is a readership for their books!

THE GRAPHICS ARE ALL THE WAY IN THE BOTTOM WITH A BOOKSHOP.ORG UK AND US SHOPS to browse through!!!!

Why are pre-orders important?

Thank you to authors who continue to educate us readers and the community on why Pre-orders are important! As someone who has been learning this throughout the year and advocating for it,

1. It shows publishers that we, as readers and well buyers, are interested in the books BiPOC authors are publishing

2. The more the book sells (yes, as a pre-order) the more marketing effort goes into it

3. It alerts bookshops, book subs...etc. that the book is doing well and they should stock more of it (this is so important because it shows it'll sell if they do buy it AND this allows more reader to find the book)

4. It helps the authors hit a best seller list (which does wonders for the author and the book)

In a world where SWANA authors make up less than 1% of the trad pub world (thank you to Jananie from Boundless Press for sharing this stats on threads, check her Bindery page out in here and check out Dust Settles North by Deena which was one of the SWANA 2025 releases) we need to continuously share and advocate for the authors who are here now and show that we want more of them!

So, what SWANA books are we pre-ordering in 2026?

Here's a list and attached to this blog post are the books you can click on to pre-order easily if you're in the US or access my bookshop.org list and get clicking! If you're in the UK, here is the bookshop.org list for you guys but some books are missing so I have added the link to get them elsewhere (some are affiliate).
Keep in mind, for some of the books, it is too early as they're not on the list YET but I will update and let you guys know when it is!

Here are the ones missing from bookshop.org:

• Our Ex's Wedding by Taleen Voskuni: Amazon (UK)

• Where No Shadow Stays by Sara Hashem: Amazon (UK), Blackwell's (UK)

• In the Country I Love by Alaa Al-Barkawi: Amazon (UK)

• Everything Comes back to you by Jackie Khalilieh: Amazon (UK)

• Letters from the Last Apothecary by Bita Behzadi: Amazon (UK)

• Ungodly Chaos by Selma Soren: Amazon (UK)

• Bashir Boutros and the Forgotten Realm by George Jreije: Amazon (UK)

AND FINALLY, here are the graphics of the list:

Thank you for subscribing to Chanterelle Solace and Ifrits & Ink! Please do consider joining as a paid member to help us become an imprint and support/uplift marginalised authors in the future for either $5 or $12

Friends, I can’t express how grateful Tatiana and I are for everyone who shared the cover reveal for What Feeds Below! Thanks to you, we earned a Top New Releases banner on Amazon which means people are definitely pre ordering!!! (just FYI, What Feeds Below is cheaper on Bookshop right now if you haven’t pre-ordered yet!)

You’ve seen the outside of the book, now we want to give you this early look at the first page (before we share it publicly!)

Let me know below if you’d sign the waiver and enter the Void.

Happy Holidays folks!

Whatever you celebrate (or don’t) this time of year, I hope you have a happy cosy time.

And for an alternative seasonal option for you monster lovers out there, here are two very short novellas I highly recommend - one spicy, one acespec.

What’s a Girl Gotta Do to Get on the Naughty List? By Kimberley Lemming.

A Black woman is very angry at her cheating spouse and sister, and Krampus might just be the distraction she needs…

This was so funny and so hilariously hot.

Naughty & Nice by Azalea Crowley

I LOVED this adorable queer seasonal novella, a Santa x bigender Krampus acespec romance.

What happens to the human manifestations of Christmas spirits from January to June? They go on a romantic foodie holiday to Portland, of course!

This one is out on 31st Dec.

Much love folks,

Disco x

The closest McKay Used Books is in Manassas, Virginia. On our road trip, we stopped there.

I always love stopping there because I truly never know what I'll find. That makes it super fun. They offer new and used books along with other collectible items like records and video games.

I go for the books (even though if I ever run into a copy of Gallop Racer 2006, I will surely pick it up).

Aisles and aisles of every genre fill the huge store.

I gravitate towards fiction and they often have special editions. My score was the Fairyloot Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron! It's so pretty.

From there we went to Buc-ee's. I'd never been to one before and had no idea what to expect but even what I encountered still wasn't what I imagined. Amazing.

I. Discussion Guide: Mystery, Memory, and Morality

Use these questions to prompt a conversation about the historical details, the character motivations, and the complex ethical choices made during the war.

The Mystery and the Past

1. The Catalyst: The discovery of the necklace in a secondhand shop triggers Louise's investigation. What made the necklace such a powerful symbol, and how did its initial appearance set the tone for the journey back to the past?

2. Franny's Death: Louise is driven by the mysterious death of her friend, Franny. What did you initially suspect about Franny's involvement in the war and the cause of her death? Did the truth surprise you, and how did the revelation impact your view of her character?

3. Keeping Secrets: The novel explores secrets kept for a decade after the war. Why were certain truths buried for so long? Do you think the characters who chose silence were acting out of protection, shame, or fear?

Historical Setting: Lévitan and Wartime Paris

1. Lévitan Department Store: The story is inspired by the true history of Lévitan being used as a Nazi prison. How did this unusual setting, a place of consumerism and glamour turned into a place of confinement affect the atmosphere and the characters' experiences?

2. The Parisian Resistance: The novel deals with sacrifice and resistance. In what ways did the characters Helaine, Louise, Ian, and others show resistance, and which form of resistance overt action vs. subtle survival did you find most compelling?

3. Post-War London 1953: Louise begins the story in post-war London. How did the shift in setting from occupied Paris to 1953 London highlight the difference between memory and the reality of post-war life for women like Louise?

Character, Love, and Sacrifice

1. Louise's Transformation: Louise transitions from a post-war housewife back into a determined investigator. How did this journey allow her to confront her own past, including her romantic history with Ian?

2. Helaine and Her Husband: Helaine's story centers on her separation from her husband. Discuss the sacrifices and choices Helaine made during her imprisonment. How does her love story contrast with the love story between Louise and Ian?

3. The Power of Love: The book explores the power of love to transcend even the darkest hours. In this context, does love primarily mean romantic love, or does it include platonic love and familial bonds?

II. Themed Menu: A Taste of Paris

The menu is inspired by the Parisian setting and the elegance of a department store café, but with a focus on simple, classic flavors.

🍽️ Themed Snack: Parisian Cheese & Radish Bites

A simple, classic French appetizer that combines the elegance of Paris with the simple ingredients of wartime survival.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 stick 8 oz good quality unsalted butter, softened

• 1 bunch fresh radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp flaky sea salt 

• Optional: Soft Goat Cheese or Cream Cheese

Recipe:

1. Toast the baguette slices lightly if desired, or serve fresh.

2. Spread a generous amount of softened butter or cheese on each baguette slice.

3. Top the butter/cheese with 3-4 thin slices of radish.

4. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the radishes for texture and flavor. Serve immediately.

🍷 Themed Drink: Le Crépuscule The Twilight Spritzer

A refreshing, slightly romantic drink named after the twilight in the book's title.

Ingredients per serving:

• 1/2 cup dry rosé wine or sparkling white grape juice for a non-alcoholic option

• 1/4 cup club soda or sparkling water

• 1/4 cup cranberry juice for the twilight color

• Garnish: A lemon twist or a few fresh raspberries

Recipe:

1. Fill a wine glass or a tall tumbler with ice.

2. Pour the rosé or juice and the cranberry juice over the ice.

3. Top with the club soda or sparkling water.

4. Gently stir once and garnish with a lemon twist or raspberries.

III. Themed Activity: Deciphering the Clues

Engage your book club members in a quick mystery challenge based on the idea of decoding the past.

🔎 Activity: The Codebreaker Challenge

Setup:

• The Clue: Prepare a short, cryptic message The truth lies where the light once shone or a short quote from the book.

• The Code: Use a simple substitution cipher like the Caesar Cipher where you shift every letter by 3 or 5 places to encrypt the message. Example: A=D, B=E, C=F, etc.

• Print the coded message on a decorative piece of paper labeled Lévitan Clue.

• Provide scratch paper and the Key  "Shift 5 letters back to decode."

The Challenge:

• The Goal: Challenge the club members individually or in pairs to quickly decode the message using the provided key.

• The Discussion: The first person or team to correctly decode the message wins a prize. Use this activity to discuss how difficult it must have been for resistance members to communicate under constant threat.

IV. Themed Door Prizes

Award prizes based on the novel's key settings and objects.

1. The Necklace Clue Prize: A small, elegant vintage-inspired locket or a delicate silver necklace.

2. The Parisian Elegance Prize: A tube of high-quality French hand cream or a small box of French macarons.

3. The Codebreaker Prize: A beautiful leather-bound journal for documenting their own mysteries or memories.

4. The Lévitan History Prize: A history book about Paris during WWII or a gift certificate for a subscription service that focuses on historical fiction.

➡️Tap link to download the kit!

https://tinyurl.com/2w2da7wn

❗️Don't forget to come back and tell us how your meeting went and if there anything else you would like us to add to our book club kits!

❄️Happy Tuesday, my friends! So many of you were enthusiastic about my Christmas Book Baubles over on Instagram - I thought I'd give TWO away. These will be custom to the books you've read this year (2025) and it doesn't matter how many books you've read, I have multiple sizes of glass bulbs!

❄️ What is it? I've created a Christmas ornament with tiny replicas of each book read within the span of a year! This is totally custom.

⪼ How to Enter:
❄️ Comment below with how many books you have read this year!

⪼ Bonus Entry
❄️Follow @amanda.the.bookish on IG
❄️Like + share (you can share to stories or repost, both count!)
❄️Tag your bookish friends (1 name per comment)

(link to the post on my Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/p/DSnfu79Ep5n/)

⪼ One winner will be chosen from the comments here
⪼ One winner will be chosen from the comments on IG

⪼ International! I will cover shipping to the US, Canada, and Mexico, and contribute to shipping internationally

⪼ Boring Rules:⁣⁣
-GA begins December 23rd and ends 9 PM MST on January 1st. Winners will be drawn soon after⁣ 
- you must be willing to share your Goodreads/ Storygraph / book journal list of books read in 2025
-Not affiliated with IG or Meta, or any book tracker app, just me
-I will contact one winner through this account , and one through the email you provide to Bindery
-Private + public acc welcome⁣, 18+/ parental permission
-I reserve the right to disqualify any account for breaking the rules⁣⁣

Love stuff like this? Become a paid subscriber for less than a cup of coffee a month. Supporting me here means I get to work toward making this imprint a reality; and in the meantime you get to access cool perks like my bookclub, videos deep diving into books, and my sommelier knowledge!

⭐Book Club Review: Last Twilight in Paris⭐

The way Pam Jenoff blends her stories spotlighting pieces of history many people have never heard of and turns them into heart-clenching, emotionally rich reads is nothing short of stunning. This story delivers powerful character development, immersive dual points of view, and an unforgettable atmosphere that sweeps you straight into both women’s lives. It’s fast-paced and full of heart, hope, betrayal, love, twists that hit hard, and moments that stay with you well after the final page.

⭐️And now our individual reactions:

Kaci a.k.a. I-swear-this-necklace-is-a-sign:

The minute I picked up that dusty little box in the secondhand shop, my world tilted. I knew that necklace from a place I don’t talk about much. And suddenly I’m hopping across the Channel to Paris like it’s no big deal because apparently I can’t resist a good mystery or unfinished business. Or certain old coworkers. Ahem.

Stacey definitely-not-still-invested Stacey:

Kaci showing up at my door after all this time with a necklace and a look that says, “we’re about to ruin our peace again”? Yeah, I should’ve expected it. One mention of Lévitan and I knew we were chasing ghosts again. And honestly? I’d follow her into the thick of it every time.

Lisa survivor, fighter, absolute icon:

I remember the department store before the Germans took it before it became a place where hope went to die. Before they tore me from the man I loved. My story isn’t gentle, but it’s real. And that necklace? It holds pieces of a truth buried for far too long. Watching Kaci and Stacey dig into the past felt like an old wound finally receiving air.

Ashley gone, but not forgotten:

If I could speak to them, I’d tell them I never meant for the secrets of that time to linger like ghosts. But wartime truth rarely dies quietly. Kaci always had the biggest, most stubborn heart. I’m grateful she didn’t let my story fade into rubble and silence.

Alisha yes, I get a POV I’m the necklace:

Hi. It’s me. The real MVP. I’ve seen more drama than a whole season of prestige television. If humans would stop boxing me up and actually listen, these mysteries would go so much faster. Until then, I’ll keep being the sparkly breadcrumb trail leading everyone to truth, healing, and maybe even love. You’re welcome.

Jess Paris herself eternal drama queen:

Ah, mon chéri, my streets hold secrets older than heartbreak. Kaci walks my cobblestones like she’s chasing ghosts and perhaps she is. I never give answers gently, but I always give them. In my shadows, truth waits patiently for the brave.

⭐Final Thoughts from all of us! Last Twilight in Paris is a gripping blend of mystery and history fast-paced, emotional, and rich with resilience, sacrifice, and deeply human moments. Jenoff delivers characters you feel, a past you can almost touch, and revelations that linger long after the last page.

❓If you discovered a mysterious object from your past sitting in a thrift shop, would you…

A) Go full detective mode,

B) Pretend you saw nothing and moonwalk away

C) Buy it immediately because this is clearly the start of your main-character arc?

What are you choosing? 📚✨

❗️If you are in a book club and need a book club kit for this book then come join The First Editions! A discussion guide, themed menu, activities and more!