The back of the paperback calls this "a novel of high fantasy and low stakes," and that's just what Legends & Lattes is. Viv, a battle-weary orc, decides to retire from fighting and open a coffeeshop. She encounters fierce resistance, old enemies, distrustful townsmen, and ancient prejudice against her kind. She also enounters some lovely customers and coworkers, delicious baked goods, a local boss who isn't nearly as fearsome as expected, an (eventually) welcoming community, and a found family.

It's a cozy, easy read, sweet as the cinnamon rolls Viv serves. It helps to have an affection for the genre and a high tolerance for whimsy--if you do, you'll likely enjoy and take comfort in the story.

NOVEL: Legends & Lattes

AUTHOR: Travis Baldree

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2022

IMAGE: book cover, Tor Books