I am so in love with this sweet, whimsical book! Found it impossible to put this one down, and I honestly cannot wait to read it again. Everything about this was so elegantly crafted, from the characters to the story, and the emotional moments really hit me like a truck. Tao! I want to hug her - I want to hug everyone in this lovely found family, actually. Please don't miss this one! My eternal gratitude to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
5 stars
A very satisfying and wholesome book. The protagonist is a
Touches on the struggle all of us feel when part of us belongs oneplace but also elsewhere, as a British born Indian descendant I wholeheartedly get it and feel that the author portrayed the feelings of loss of our past, unsure where we belong, but also the joy of double the cultures to play and dabble with. I loved the book, it could've very easily read young however the lack of a romantic interest for the protagonist, I think, saves it. The storyline was fab, full of adventure and again just so heartwarming and wholesome. A great warm read to set you up for joy.

Title: The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

Release Date: November, 5th, 2024

4.5 Stars


Wow oh wow what a story! Im still feeling all fuzzy inside…. What did Julie put in this?!

Tao, an immigrant fortune teller, lives a solitary life, traveling from village to village with her trusty mule, predicting small fortunes that never overstep into the realm of significant consequences. Her fortunes might be small—like forecasting weather or romantic prospects—but they are enough to keep her life simple and free of the complexities she left behind.

However, Tao’s world is turned upside down when she becomes entangled in the lives of a semi-reformed thief and an ex-mercenary on a quest to find a lost child. Along the way, they are joined by a baker with a hunger for adventure and a slightly magical cat, forming an unlikely band of companions.

As Tao opens her heart to this newfound family, she is confronted by the shadows of her past and must decide if she is willing to risk everything to keep the family she never thought she’d have.

What I Loved:

* Endearing Characters: Each character is vividly portrayed and brings a unique charm to the story. Tao’s journey from solitude to finding a family is beautifully depicted. The character development and build up was so beautifully written and developed.

* Whimsical and Magical: The small fortunes Tao tells are whimsical and the magical elements, including the slightly magical cat, add a delightful touch to the narrative. I love cats! And this made this story so much better. A magic cat? Yes please!

* Poetic Writing Style: Julie Leong’s writing is poetic and flows effortlessly, making it easy to get lost in the story and feel the emotions of the characters. Everything was so well detailed and explained, but easy to follow.

* Adventure and Mystery: The quest to find the lost child and the adventures along the way keep the plot engaging and filled with intrigue. There was never a dull moment.

The Teller of Small Fortunes is a cute and fulfilling read, perfect for anyone who enjoys a blend of fantasy, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling.

Julie Leong has crafted a magical tale that not only entertains but also warms the heart, reminding us of the importance of family, friendship, and the small moments that make life special. This book had me grinning and feeling fuzzy inside! Its such a beautiful story that I think everyone should read at least once in their life.

Thank you to The Publisher Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape ,The Author Julie Leong & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

As an immigrant teller of small fortunes, Tao lives a solitary life, always on the road, never staying more than a few days at the same place. She has her mule to keep her company, but longs for human connection, deep in her bones, to feel like belonging. As she travelled, she meets two travelers, an retired mercenary and semi retired thieve, both looking for the mercenary's daughter, lost six months ago. They decide to travel with Tao, and are soon joinded by a baker and a cat.

'The teller of small fortunes' a a sweet, cosy fantasy while still keeping depth of characters and pain. But rather than focusing on the pain and making the book about it, it strive for a tale of healing and finding your home among friends and connections, aknowledging your hurts without becoming a person defined by them.

It was a quick, easy, soft read, with fun characters, well enough crafted setting. I can't say I was strongly moved by it, or that it will stay in my mind for a long time, but it is definitely a book managing to give a sense of respite in your life and all its challenges. As such, I consider it a success and a great debut.

The Teller of Small Fortunes By Julie Leong
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 5 November 2024

Tao, an immigrant fortune teller, leads a solitary life traveling between villages with her mule. She sticks to "small" fortunes, aware of the consequences that come with bigger predictions. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is recruited by a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary to help find a lost child. Joined by a baker and a slightly magical cat, Tao embarks on a new path filled with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she opens up to her newfound family, the shadows of her past threaten to engulf her, forcing her to decide whether to risk everything to protect the family she never thought she could have.

"Teller of Small Fortunes" is a bright and brilliant tale filled with philosophising trolls, charming little magics, and delectable baked goods. The cast of characters, including the unforgettable found family dynamics, adds to the story's charm. For those seeking lovely ace/aro-spec representation, this book is a treasure trove.

Reading this heartwarming, funny, and thought-provoking book is an act of great kindness to oneself. It leaves you feeling more whole and serves as a reminder that amidst life's imperfections, there are still good things to be found if one dares to reach out and hold onto them.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and the author, Julie Leong, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.