Mermaids and Meringue

by Danielle Garrett

[Berls]

This book was delayed a very long time and I was so excited to finally be able to continue this series with Rosella! Even after a long delay, I easily fell back in with this magical community, characters, and story.

In the first book we learned that Rosella has a unique magical ability - she can speak to any magical creature or animal. As is the norm when someone is unusual, this resulted in fear of her abilities and some dislike in her community. And she left to live in the human world - but after getting fired, she came home. And is still a bit uncertain of her place - for now, she's working in her family's bakery. I would have liked to see some more development in this storyline about her abilities, as I remember feeling like there was some potential there. But otherwise, I really enjoyed the way she was able to put her unique abilities into play in Mermaids and Meringue.

Turns out, her ability makes it so she can speak to mermaids! And when she encounters some as part of a party entertainment/decoration on New Year's Eve - she learns that things are not all on the up-and-up. This launches an investigation, with the help of her love-interest Orion. I loved as they embarked on the investigation and put all the pieces together. It was some solid detective work, plus they grew closer, and a romance is definitely blooming. I like Orian and am definitely hoping they make things work.

In addition, we see a bit of her family and friends. Her grandmother is hilarious! And then I also loved the reality of her trying to mend things with her friends after years away and estranged. There's a lot of potential for further character growth there.

The narration by Amanda Ronconi was a treat as always. She just knows how to bring these paranormal cozies to life! She has never let me down and I never hesitate to listen to a story she's narrated.