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Comfort Reads

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Man and a woman against ocean background.

The slow editorial trudge continues.

Saturday:

Sunday:

Mod R is my witness, I keep cutting and cutting and somehow there are more words.

Thank you for all of the encouragement. You guys are too nice!

I received an interesting question the other day: if you could choose a comfort read among your books, what would you choose?

It’s probably Silver Shark for me. It grew out of my experiences more than any other. Don’t get me wrong, when I think about my childhood, it’s sun-filled and bright. The garden, the flowers, the River Street with the huge river flowing slowly past, the parks, the friends…

However, the older I grew, the more aware I became and the bleaker my life looked. It’s normal for teenagers to be nihilistic, but everything was truly falling apart by the time I was 14, and it only got worse from there. My adolescence is desaturated in my memories.

I had a chance to Google-drive past the house where I grew up, and it was in ruins. It really hammered home the point: that life is over. The place of my childhood exists only in my memories. It’s bittersweet, but the place where I live now is wonderful. It’s vivid, and bright, and I’m grateful for it. Yes, US has its problems, and I will complain about them as much as any American, but it’s a huge upgrade compared to the life I left behind.

Which brings me to another question:

Could we get a post sometime where folks share their favorite comfort read portions of House Andrews books?

This sounds like fun. Of everything we’ve written, what scenes or books do you go to when you need a little bit of comfort? One lucky commenter will get a signed book from our shelves.

Please don’t recommend other authors, as we will have a separate thread for that.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. No need to cut, when BDH will read it <3

    Hidden Legacy is my favorite reread. There is just something about the family dynamics and witty banter that always brings a smile to my face.

  2. My comfort read is any of the Ilona Andrews books/stories. Depending on day and mode it could be a Legacy or Gertrude Hunt or Kate books or just a deleted snippet. Thank you. Relax and plan a vacay when editing is done.

      • I like ALL the books, but my favorito scene is the ferret heist. Everything about it is pure gold.

        No, strike that – everything about it is a big, sparkly diamond. Seeing Cornelius so connected to his animals reminds me of how awesome having a pet is, and how much life sucks without one.

      • Mine, too. It is the first series I started from House Andrews, and it is still my favorite. My husband and I read it together and would have “book club” over whatever chapter we were supposed to read that week and it was just an awesome, awesome time. We were still dating long distance at that point and so just to have a scheduled time together over Skype, talking about a book we both were enjoying, it just meant the world to me.

      • Yes. The two new Wilmington books are what I am re-reading. When she frees those caged children just really gets me. And the little girl’s burst of chatter really gives me hope for the resilience of children.

    • Same! In more ways than one 😋 but I’ve got to say KD is my little hidey whole I escape to when the world gets too much. I think the book that best does this for me every time is Magic Strikes. It was the first IA book I read (I blame my out of order read on my sister who got me into the books but also bless her because she introduced me to my favourite fictional world) and I was instantly hooked. I also relate too much to Kate’s need for connection and I love how it’s the first book you really see the beginning of what will become her family. Consciously chosen not just through something as random and unpredictable as blood. It’s the first time we see Kate and Curran start to acknowledge what they are/can be to one another: a home. A safe space where they will always find protection. And that reminded me so much of my parents and how their love was (lost my mom a few years ago) and what I want for myself in a relationship. So long story short, Magic Strikes. Especially cause that tub scene always brings a goofy smile to my face at the shenanigans of our two beloved hooligans that are Kate and Curran.

      • I have to concur with magic strikes. Although I truly love that first team match up when Kate, Curran, and Dali “accidentally” annihilate their opposition. It’s funny, and badass and really hits my love of competence porn. Each of their matches are really great scenes though, I’ve read them hundreds of times.

      • Magic Strikes for me as well. I love when she gets ready to sacrifice herself for all of them.

  3. Silver Shark is my favorite quick read. Claire’s journey from the grey and bleak to sunshine and dahlias slways cheers me up. And Ven, mmm!

    • ++

      It’s always been Silver Shark for me. I keep going back, because it was my first IA read, it remains my favourite.

    • +1

      I enjoy all HA’s works (even Steel’s Edge) and reread them periodically, Silver Shark is my go to comfort read.

  4. Oh, that is a tough question. I honestly reread all of your books (yes, all of them!) at least once a year and whenever I have a hard time. But all the scenes from the Midnight Games in Magic Strikes are a definite favourite!
    Also very excited that the new book seems to magically increase its word count despite your best efforts in editing. All the more to read for the BDH! 🥰

      • Kate Daniel is my First reading of the Andrews house, and my favorite ❤️. A lot of Fun moments and a lot of characters that touch me. Kate of course but Derek, Julie, Curran (Andrea and Raphaël) Dali… and a lot more.

    • Same! Midnight games are my comfort food. Something about the dynamic between the players, especially when Jim snapped the clipboard. What did he want me to do, catch him as he fell?? Bahahahha

      • The Midnight Games is pure gold. If you haven’t listened to it on Graphic Audio, you’re missing out. The whole scene where Jim loses it is even more hilarious when acted out.
        “Look you said sloppy. I didn’t even use my sword. I hit him with my head like a moron.”
        “A man with a sword attacked you and you disarmed him and knocked him out in two seconds”
        …
        “What the hell was that?
        “Crimson Jaws of Death”
        “And were you planning on letting me know you can turn people’s elbows backwards?”
        “I told you I do curses”
        “You told me they didn’t work!”
        “I said they don’t always work. This one worked apparently.”
        😂😂😂

        • Yes!!! This is my go to pick me up. I wish we could get a whole book that was just the games. So much in just a part of the book.

          • +1

            For me it’s the competence porn plus the found family banter. Especially with them all messing with Jim. It’s so funny and I just love it.

            • +1 all of this
              Magic Strikes, the Midnight Games, and the bonus Curran POV that starts to show why they work together.

              • YES. I just finished the graphic audio of this book and loved it. Kate Daniels was my first House Andrews series, and has a special place in my heart. Although, I also agree with someone below who said the first Edge book. And the Inkeeper series is just cozy…I can’t pick just one!

        • I’m sitting here giggling like a loon just reading this comment…
          +1 for Magic Strikes
          …I think I’ll go read it now. 🙂

    • Just last night I started Magic Strikes again on audiobook, (my brain can’t handle graphic audio), it
      is where the true partnership and live of Curran and Kate begins.

      I have honestly lost count of the number of times I have read the Kate Daniels series.

      But very close second is Magic Claims (Clams?), the family dynamic – the deep love.

  5. Hands down, it’s “On the Edge” for me. Rose and kid-Jack and kid-George have my favorite-est happy ending ever all time forever and ever and ever through all the re-reads.

  6. Not playing, ofc, but I love the topic too much!
    It’s Jack and William in On The Edge, when Jack brings him his safety chocolate bar:

    “You’re safe. You’re in a good place. Nobody can hurt you here.” He hesitated. “There’s some mushy love stuff that goes here, but it probably won’t work for you. The important thing is, this is a good place. It’s safe and warm and there is water and food.”
    Andrews, Ilona. On the Edge, The Edge 1. Ace Books 2009. Kindle edition, page 333

    Sometimes I have the anxiety of a rabbit that’s been to war and reading or remembering this scene just brings me peace 🙂

    • That is a really good part Mod R! I went back and re-read a couple of chapters there bookmarked that section. 🤗

    • +1 I love that scene so much – tho’ my favourite bit comes just before that, when William first finds out that Jack lives with them, and he sees the bedroom, and Jack offers him the chocolate. William is just so gobsmacked he can’t say a thing the entire time

    • William is one if my favorite characters. I was over joyed when he recieved his own story. My sadness for him was the only thing that made On the Edge less than perfect.

    • +1000, this scene is everything. Jack taking William’s hand, telling him he’ll be alright, that Rose won’t let anything happen to him, the chocolate…and then he thinks William is in really bad shape and he starts to go get Rose. Jack has so clearly been cared for and comforted and accepted and loved for him to be able to share it all with William in that one single moment. It’s love in action.

    • YES! This scene always tugs at my heartstrings the most. I love all of House Andrews offerings (Yea for more words!) but that scene is gooey melty S’mores for the heart and is my absolute comfort read.

  7. I have a couple. From the Wilingto years when Connor lifts up the pig head and roars, and everyone’s reaction at that moment and hiding it from Kate is hilarious. And when Arabella fights the bear guy. The whole scene of her like Oh yeah, you think you’re big and bed, well let me show you mine.

  8. I really like the scene in Burn For Me where Rogan is having dinner with Nevada and Catalina and Arabella tease him. It’s both funny and relaxed.

    • +1
      Mad Rogan, “I spend my days steeped in melancholy, looking out the window. Occasionally a single tear quietly rolls down my cheek.”

      A page later Grandma Frieda starts grilling him… “Do you have a girlfriend?”… “A boyfriend?”
      … “What about…”

      “No,” Mom and I said in unison. My son and I quote that one regularly.

      We also regularly quote Kate:

      Negotiate…Okay. I could do that.
      “Alright, Jeremy!” I yelled into the night. “Give me the salamander and I won’t cut your head off!”

      Is it odd to find this comforting? Kate is so consistently badass and yet protective (of Derek, Julie, Grendel, Andrea, etc) that I take comfort from that.

      And one more from Fate’s Edge, the first time George, Jack and Gaston worked together. Audrey and Kaldar’s first meeting. The Altoids get me every time.

  9. I can’t pick just one! That’s too hard, so I’m going with the Innkeeper Chronicles (the whole series). I love how Dina protects everyone, how Maud overcame everything, and I have hope that their parents will return for a happy ever after (I originally typed happy ending, but that made me laugh too much, so I had to change it 🤣🤣🤣).

    Thank you for all you both do to bring comfort to all of us! 🤗

  10. I can’t pick a single moment in them, but Catalina’s books are my go-to comfort re-reads when I’m between books or series. There’s just something about her story that feels like a warm blanket and cup of coffee/tea.

      • This is the one I reread most. It’s so nice having a story where the romantic interest isn’t the only relationship forged. As a kid who struggled to make friends with the other girls it’s nice to see a great female friendship forming. I mean the whole found family element of HL is wonderful, but I like this one especially.

  11. When Kate and Curran are having dinner while everyone is searching for the magic bomb box in book 5 and Kate asks Curran if he knew Roland was her father before they got together and Curran says of course, and I made provisions for us to run far away if you want to.

    • oh the same for me!! it’s so nice to see what’s going on inside Kate’s head (he just wants to use me for my powers and to fight Roland) and the Curran is like we can run away to any number of safe houses and just disappear. He truly loves her for her and wants to keep her safe. love love love!

    • Totally my favorite too! You can feel when she just melts when he tells her they can go anywhere. Sigh

  12. I feel that. My hometown burnt down. Everything is gone. I’m going to visit my sister and dad next week. We will be at my sister’s house that she and my mom bought before my mom passed. I keep referring to it as going home, even though I’ve never even been to that town. I’ve decided home is where my family is.

  13. I reread Kate Daniels. I like to be in a totally different world where there are heroes that are better than me at battling the monsters.

  14. My absolute favorite comfort read is Blood Heir. I love everything about that book and have lost count of how many times I’ve read it.

    Then comes Sweep of the Blade. Maud KA and takes names. Fabulous.

    Currently rereading Hidden Legacy, and I absolutely love the interplay within the family, and between Catalina and Alessandro, and with the new found family members of House Harrison and House Etterson. It’s just wonderful, every bit.

    • I also know where you’re coming from with the previous life. I return to Maryland, where I spent over sixty years growing up, working, and raising a family, about once every couple of months at this point. It’s so bittersweet driving around, remembering all the good times and the bad ones, and knowing that life is gone forever. Sweet because the bad times are gone, and bitter because the good ones are too. As the saying goes: You can’t step in the same river twice.

    • Blood Heir – I loved reading the snippets weekly during Covid- and the whole book“does he know it is her?” mystery. Finding out he always knew- I love that. I’m sad for the people who don’t like this book. Seeing each other for who they and loving them anyway is something that resonates with me in all the IA books.

  15. I love Sweep of the Blade, the relationship between the Maude and Arland is so fun to experience. In addition the interaction with the secondary characters, Helen, Arland’s family and the visitors with hidden agendas make this one of my go to rereads. The Innkeeper novels are all great but this one stands out for me.

      • It’s funny this topic came up as I was just thinking what a comfort these books have been to me since I lost my parents this spring. I relate to so many of the comments above. I have read nearly everything on the list so far, and have enjoyed the mix of great characters, their relationships (the heart of the books), humour, and wild adventures. I might have a small crush on Curran. My favourite series is probably the innkeeper chronicles, however, as wouldn’t it be wonderful if it were true? Minus the world-destroying flowers , etc., of course. Posted with thanks and appreciation to House Andrews. ❤️

      • I love to see Kate and Curran in a happy (if peaceful) family in Magic Triumphs !

        THE PROBLEM WITH having a son who’d discovered he was a shapeshifter was twofold. First, Conlan was a hyperactive toddler. Second, lions are cats, and cats like pouncing. They especially like pouncing on their happily sleeping parents and then bouncing up and down on the bed, flexing their claws. “It’s six . . .” bounce “in the morning.” Bounce. “I thought . . .” bounce “you hunted . . . in the evening.” “We’re . . .” bounce “adaptable.” Bounce. “Lions . . . are . . . crepuscular . . . active in . . . twilight.” “Can we . . . make him . . . less active?” Curran grabbed Conlan and pinned him down. “Stop annoying your mother.” “Rawrarawara!”

        • +1 for Magic Triumphs.

          I love reading about Kate freaking out over Conlan, and seeing her demonstrating total control over her magic.
          “On one hand, a clean Conlan eating cereal. On the other, Conlan covered in blood gnawing a deer leg.”
          “Which one seems more like your kid?” Curran asked.

          I also love to reread the Nevada/Connor HL books. If I were still reading paper instead of ebooks, I’m sure I’d have worn out a few sets already.

  16. Innkeeper, hands down. The funny thing is that the first time I read Clean Sweep, a couple of years ago now, I loved Dina and didn’t particularly care for Sean. I’d have thrown him out of the inn, too, lol. And then Sean grew on me through each successive book as his character expands, particularly since I’ve listened to the Graphic Audio versions (is it January, when SWOTH comes out on GA, YET?) that add a little more humor to his voice than I picked up on when reading. Apparently that whole “doomed hero trapped by honor” thing with Sean as Turan Adin then “rescued” by Dina is one of my reading hot buttons, who knew? Now they are one of my favorite pairings and any scene with the two of them interacting is one of my favorites.

    I also love Maud and Arland’s book.

    I’d also have to say that I am in no hurry for the series to end/fully resolve. There are plenty of adventures to be had.

    • IA had me at the apple tree poisoning in “Clean Sweep” and I have joyfully watched the relationship growing between Dina, Sean, and Beast ever since.

      Including the additional charming cast of characters … Innkeeper is my squee-fest. Deadtree, electronic, one narrator, or many, I reach for Innkeeper, and Dina driven storylines.

      And, perhaps not so surprising, I come to this little found home corner of the internet, to bask in the everyday shenanigans and observations of: Ilona, Gordon, Mod R, Kid 1, Kid 2, pets, Jeaniene, their circle of friends and family, and the BDH.

  17. My favorite comfort read is Fated Blades. I loved everything about it from the cool cover art to the end with both families screaming at them. My mother’s favorite is Graphic Audio’s Sweep of the Blade. She says it helps to keep the nightmares at bay when she sleeps.

    • +1 !!! I also favor Fated Blades. I either read or listen to it every second or third week or so. It has yet to pale for me.

    • YES! to everything you said about Fated Blades. I know it’s fairly new, but I’ve already read it 3 times. They’re being together brings me great joy.

  18. I love all the series but my comfort read out of all is The Innkeeper, specifically Sweep of the Blade. Maud is taking such chances traveling to Daesyn. She confronts her doubts,deals with her past experiences and betrayals, and fights to be valued. And in a bloody finale she wins it all, vindication, vengeance and valuation! Every chapter is a gem taking you through her journey from betrayed to beloved. For me it’s the best story. I’m looking forward to their wedding!!!

  19. I read Nevada’s books. Something about how she had to grow up really fast just resonates with me. Also, Rogan lol Though I gotta say all three Kinsmen are a close second, they’re a fast read but I love how they pack a punch even being short.

  21. I have so many–Silver Shark (Claire’s journey is awesome), the Kate Daniels series (Kate’s arc is just as awesome), and Blood Heir. I also love Sweep of the Blade and Arabella and Mikhail’s fight in Ruby Fever.

  22. Any Innkeeper scene with Orro after he becomes the Gertrude Hunt chef, but favorites are his trip to the TV celebrity chef’s studio and his efforts to appease Officer Marais’s wife with all the donuts…

    I also particularly love when Catalina manipulates Alessandro into eating a hot pepper when she’s making salsa.

    Yes, there is a food theme here…

  23. For me it’s the Graphic Audio versions of the Innkeeper series. I listen to them over and over as I work. I’ve actually lost count of the number of times I’ve listened to them. They make me laugh and cry the exact right amount and I just love them to bits. I’m so looking forwards to when the new one finally gets its GA. I’ve already got it on pre-order.

    • I love love love the innkeeper series. but the graphic audio version just made me love them even more. it’s just so perfect!!

  24. sweep of the blade…. the ripper cushion and little fangs. just love the spirit and resilience of Maud. as well as her adaptability and smarts.

  25. I don’t know if these are so much for comfort, but they do bring me joy: If we are talking scenes – I love reading the hot tub scene in Magic Strikes. It’s such a fun scene. As for series – I love re-reading the Innkeeper Chronicles over and over.

  26. Glad to see I am not the only one with a soft spot for Sweep of The Blade. Maude being so competent, Helen being adorable, Arlan being all in on his girls. This is the book I turn to when the brain weasels get to be too much.

    • Not only are you not the only one, you are actually in the majority here. Me, too! Maud – yes. Also, there is something about the trip to the Black Sea and the scene in the mountains where Curran has to confess what he is up to.

  27. Hidden Legacy – Catalina’s arc in particular – was my comfort listen through the global pandemic. I would put in my earbuds and go for a walk and the world would steady a bit.

    Currently, the Innkeeper series are on auto repeat because they are cozy but exciting as I slog through my own personal pandemic of grief and stress.

  28. I have so many! But a particular favorite is in Iron Covenant when Elara finally decides she wants Hugh more than she wants to kill him. After all, they could always poison him. Oh, and when Kate blows up the kraken and calls Hugh and he laughs at her. Priceless.

    • Also, when Kate tells Hugh what happened at the Farm, inferred she was a former Iron Dog, and left his cohort. Hugh asks Kate why she left, she said she had a problem with authority, and he said that would do it. I laugh every time I read that in Magic Tides.

  29. It’s the scene in ONE FELL SWEEP before the aliens arrive. The gang is having breakfast, Helen is being cute with the bacon stealing, Arland is mock-growling at her, Maud is trying very hard not to notice Arland. The inn feels like a family.

    This is why I’m so happy by the final reveal in SWEEP OF THE HEART. It coldor

    • Oops, it submitted before I finished my comment.

      ***

      This is why I’m so happy by the final reveal in SWEEP OF THE HEART. It comforts me to know that Maud/Helen/Arland will easily visit Gertrude Hunt for a relaxing meal prepared by Orro. Helen will practice creating rooms and play with the fish. I spend way too much time thinking about this. 😭

  30. I go to the Innkeeper series, specifically where Oro receives his “redemption” with Chef Adri. It’s such an uplifting moment!

  31. My favorite comfort read and/or listen is the Innkeeper series. I love the growth of the characters, the compelling story arc mystery of their parents/inn’s disappearance, and zany characters. My favorite comfort read is Sweep with Me and the Treaty Stay.

  32. There are so many scenes from so many books but Kate and the gang are my favorites. I have multiple paperback copies in the car and house for emergency reads. I have them in ebooks and audio and now Im collecting GA versions as well.
    The parts that stand out for me is when Curran literally and figuratively had her back during that claiming of Atlanta. I loved them as a couple so much!
    Then I think in Magic Shifts when Curran asks (Im paraphrasing) why dont you do what I say, and our girl says you dont ask you tell. Before reading this book I had that almost exact conversation with my husband. He was an Active Duty Marine then and had trouble turning off the ordering. I laughed so hard and sent him a message saying see I do have something in common with Kate. Her husband forgets we arent your subordinates 😂😂

    • Not just the military, Keera. 😉 Mr. Wife is now a retired corporate manager — the training is also OODA: orient, observe, decide, act. The first action being to inform the team what needs to be done and who will do what. But the training only polishes the innate approach to the universe, bless their decisive little hearts!

      On the other hand, they respond so beautifully to challenges that play to their strengths — he’d been fussing at me for not managing the budget well while he worked a series of factory start-ups around the world, despite knowing that money is not what I am good at, and that I really was trying. Instead of fighting with him anymore, I challenged him to do for our budget what he did for his employer. He froze for a minute while pondering that paradigm change, then his eyes lit up and he charged forth To Do Battle With Our Finances. Seriously.

      Since then, regardless of the intensity of his work/travel schedule, he gives me an annual report presentation with multicolour graphs in several shapes, backed by data tables, complete with goals and stretch goals for the next year and next five years, not to mention a summary of how far we’ve come since the year of challenge. And we haven’t fought about the budget since. 🙂

      • Oh my word. Truly want to grab my opera length pearls so I can clutch them…dramatically. How wonderful in resolving the financial situation.
        My hubby does 98% of our finances because 1) I’m numbers dyslexic 2) I can be a tad airhead with said numbers 😬

      • Teheehee and another giggle or three. “goals and stretch goals…” Wow.
        OK – deep breath. I’m good.
        Nope…laughing again.

      • An article by the head of a financial advisor firm discussed how to avoid the financial hit of divorce after retirement. His thesis was that prospective retirees should be proactive about avoiding divorce. One point was that upon retirement, managers and supervisors often believe they should either manage the household, or supervise the person who has been managing the household all along. In the author’s words: “That rarely ends well.”

      • Um… I think we would need to see example of the graphs. That sounds intense – but in a good way. Good for you!
        I now realize I am really relaxed with my family finance mgmt style….
        *eyes wide*

  34. Always, always it is Sweep of the Blade. It has taken me through COVID as a doctor, being told my husband was divorcing me the day after I told him I had terminal cancer and all the cr*p that has followed. When life gets too much, I turn to this book and life seems a little brighter

  36. A Mere Formality is my go to read. In the midst of her diplomatic career nightmare, Deidre finds love with the Lord Nagrad of the Reigh. It’s witty, funny, smutty, and short. It never fails to make me laugh and feel better! It’s a great short read when I am overwhelmed with oh so little time.

  37. the innkeeper series, especially 1-3 and my favorite, most comforting scenes are in Sweep in Peace (the presentation of the room for Turan Adin, the scene at the start of chapter 15 and the scene at the koi pond).

    For me, it’s a bit less about the series itself, but the memories I have of reading the books when I was in a very black hole mentally and the pause from my thoughts they afforded me.

  38. Both Magic Triumphs (Kate refusing to negotiate with the oatmeal-denying terrorist, Conlan singing the sad song of his people, Hugh) and Sweep of the Heart (phenomenal world building – so many many worlds).

    House Andrews, thank you for helping us through all the rough times.

  39. I reread Innkeeper the most as my comfort read, with Silver Shark coming in a close second. Visiting Gertrude Hunt is like getting a warm hug and Silver Shark takes me back to my earlier days. Although, there are times I revisit Kate and Curran too…

  40. Silver Shark for me too, as well as the other Kinsmen Universe books—there’s just something so uplifting about the people there—even those worn down by violence and bleakness—finding and choosing joy nevertheless, and walking their own paths, however unconventional, at however their stage of life or family situation—so much hope there. I reread these more than any of your other series, I think, for the comfort hope, joy—and I reread all your series!💜

  41. sapphire flames – when allesandro eats the pepper and when he has dinner. the hidden legacy dinners I general are a fav

  42. I always go back to the humor, the scenes where the stakes are high but then you get Rogan calling for pressure sensors on the dryer vents…

    • This whole scene with Augustine saying he’s in the middle of a Disney movie, and Harrison saying pretend I practice with my animals as much as you practice, then Rogan making the call!! It’s one of my favorites.

      And Orro trying to make a bad hamburger- just genius!

      Innkeeper books are my favorite. So many wonderful scenes and then the HEA once all the life ending battles are done.

  43. The ending of “On The Edge.” Where Rose arrives at the castle, unable to believe that nobles will find her acceptable.

  44. Innkeeper, the whole series, closely followed by Hidden Legacy. Rereading Burn for Me right now.

  48. What can I say? I love anything written by the dynamic duo. Both Hidden Legacy and Innkeeper series are neck and neck for favorite series of books. If I had to choose one though? Sweep of the Blade. I never get tired of Helen and her “rippercushions” lol!!

  49. sweep of the blade the scene, where Maud arranged the Tachies food. I like food preparation scenes, because to share food is to share love.

  51. I consider all your books comfort reads; Going back to them is like meeting up with old friends. The story I re-read the most is Alpha Orgins in the Angles of Darkness anthology

  52. I don’t normaly re-read books. Too many books too outthere to read. Yet I keep re-reading Iron and Magic again and again. It’s my one true comfort read.

    • glad to see someone else say Iron & Magic is their favorite. For some reason Hugh struggling to find himself just resonates with me. Him finding the strength day after day to make himself a better person & in small ways cancel out what Roland made him do all these years ago…is heart breaking.
      His fights with Elera are hysterical in so many ways. This section is one of my favorites..”If it comes back, Hugh will kill it. That’s what he does. He protects us.” to me that is when Hugh finds himself..as it states, Now he had a place,here in the castle, and a purpose. Chapter 10, page 185 on NOOK

      • This, the way Hugh stares in the abyss and finds the determination and courage to go on.
        Iron and Magic is my book to go to when times get tough.

  53. Ok I seriously just do rereads of the entire catalog when I’m trying to escape or cope but my favorite scene is the trials of House Baylor. Arabella’s frustration with the math delights me as a parent of older teens.

  54. magic breaks. it was the first I had both physical and digital copy of. the whole book was just the turning point for both Kate and Curran to step into their own power and selves. the story is just non stop anticipation and ends with the the claiming and curran stepping it down. it to be it was just this big “yes now we really get to see who they are” i think thats why i like magic claims so much, they are mirrors of each other.

  56. Oh, tough question… it’s both Kates Atlanta or the Magic Inn, depends on my mood. I read them so often, both are like home somehow.

  57. Silent Blade – the dahlia gardens and wars are a treat. We started a farm this past year, including rows and rows of cut flowers and, specifically, dahlias. Life overwhelmed (two family deaths, overcommitting to weekend art festivals while also doing gallery shows, regular jobs, etc etc) and something had to give. Sadly it was the flower fields. Reading about the dahlia wars, and the vividness of the backyard gardens, is both restorative and inspirational. I would totally nuke a hated rival’s garden…

  58. When I’m in need of comfort, Innkeeper is great – any part with food, tiny vampire children cooking with Quillonians, good doggies and mysterious cats, and… well, every part. Silver Shark is also good; a new hairstyle and trying new fruits always brightens things up. Then, a meal with the Baylor’s is nice, normal, and hilarious. Aurelia/Julie describing her new house reminds me of my own treasures and I also love reading about the inner workings of Elara’s castle. They’re all comfort reads! My favorite scenes are when the couples/future couples are being sassy to each other or the guys are prematurely smug. So funny!

  59. although I haven’t reread them in a while, I find the relationship between Rose and Jack and George in the Edge series to be the most relatable and therefore comforting to me. My older sister is 10 years older than me, without her I don’t think I would have made it. I was a weird kid. My sister loved me fiercely despite that. I am one lucky duck for sure.

    • Hey Maria, you don’t have to make separate comments for scenes, there is no limit on how many you can mention in one 🙂

  61. Great choices all. I gravitate between KD and Innkeeper because you write gems like this (Magic Breaks, Chpt 17):

    “Oh screw it. “I mourn my sword, but that’s alright. Grandmother gave me another one.” I pulled Sarrat out of its sheath.

    Landon spun the wheel. The Land Rover nearly careened, turning off the road. Landon parked and bolted out of the car, slapping the driver’s door closed behind him.

    Awesome. I’d terrified the Legatus of the Golden Legion just by showing him my sword. If I waved it around, he’d probably explode.

    Sarrat smoked on my lap. Its magic wasn’t subtle, like Slayer’s. No, this sword emanated power. It coiled around me. It liked me.

    Landon paced back and forth, his eyes a little wild.

    “Well, he took it worse than I did,” Curran said.

    “I don’t see what the big deal is.”

    “It’s a sword made out of your grandmother’s bones, Kate.”

    I shrugged.

    Landon stared at me through the windshield, turned around, paced back and forth, and stared at me again.

    “Do you know what most people have from their grandmother? A tea set. Or a quilt.” Curran smiled. “If your family had a quilt, it would be made out of chimera skin and stuffed with feathers from dead angels.”

    “Are we talking Judeo-Christian angels, because those don’t exist, or pagan angels like Teddy Jo?”

    “Kate,” Curran said.

    “Hey, I warned you from the start it would be weird. I sat in that bathtub with you and told you that this was a really bad idea. You said you loved me and stayed in the tub. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve made your bed. You have to lie in it.”

    “I’ll lie in any bed as long as you’re in it, but this is still weird.”

    I don’t know how many times I’ve read that but I still chuckle every time. Thank you for all the comfort reading. They have come in particularly handy for me this year.

  62. Magic Triumphs scenes with Conlan are comfort reads for me. The love and protection from Kate and Curran for Conlan warms me up.

    Iron and Magic scene where Deirdre screams for Hugh and he comes running to protect Elara.

    Sweep of the Blade as whole as it’s one of my fave House Andrews books bc of the dynamic between Maude and Helen

    I don’t know what it says about me that fight/killing/protection scenes are comforting. Now I feel like the dog Era hated that ran to her for protection from thunderstorms. Might need to talk to my therapist about this 😩

  63. My favorite comfort read is Clean Sweep. I just adore the interpersonal dynamics, the handsome interstellar vampires, & the secretly beastly fluffball. ♥️♥️♥️

  64. So many, BUT… That scene where Gaston describes George and Sophie’s courtship arc where they finally make it work. So happy for their happy ending!

  65. My comfort reads are Sweep of the Blade and Silver Shark. Lots of your characters are survivors, but on some level, I really connected emotionally with the characters in both books.

    In Sweep of the Blade my favourite parts were about Maud’s love for Helen. I love the whole sentiment about being a parent and what we do for our children. It’s really evident during and after Maud’s fight with Ilemina, “I couldn’t let her kill me,” Maud said, “I couldn’t leave Helen”. Helen’s defense of Maud is also a so wonderful.

    With Silver Shark, it’s that Claire has to present herself one way, but on the inside there was a vibrant person trying to get out. My favourite scene in where Ven shows Claire how he sees her on the bionet – okay, he doesn’t know it’s Claire, he shows her a glorious sea serpent (if only he wasn’t so blind!).

  66. It’s hard to pick just one, because all the HA books are my comfort reads. I am currently rereading Catalina’s story and just started Emerald Blaze. I recently finished the Innkeeper series…again. I just love them all and go back to them at different times for different things.

  67. Kate Daniel’s Magic Strikes. This is the book I will always go towards if I’m feeling down or need an escape. I can’t give you one reason why just something about this one makes me forget for a while and soothes my soul in a way that other books can’t.

  68. Sweep of the Blade – I love both Maud and Arland; Silver Shark; Fated Blades (re-read recently because of the naming-the man-marathon). I am an avid reader and read a lot (A LOT); it is the pure truth that your books are among the best I have ever read. Your skills in building worlds and characters are exquisite; you always craft engaging story plots; and, above all, I love the way your stories are interwoven with beautiful values – love, friendship, loyalty, kindness… Oh, and the sense of humor and delicious sarcasm! According to mood and circumstances, all of your books are comfort read.

  69. My comfort read has to be the entire Kate Daniel series. I do a reread every year and I love how I’m still able to discover things I missed previously or how certain scenes gets me emotionally like reading it the first time.

    • +1 on the things I missed previously. As many times as I’ve read these, you’d think that wasn’t possible, but it still happens almost every time.

  70. The whole scene where Maude meets the Tachi in Sweep of the Blade and makes them dinner. The “ripper cushions” incident and the “coincidental run in with the lees. I adore this whole book- out of all of yours I’ve re read this one probably 20 times! The traditions and world building- just extraordinary!

    • That Tachi scene is my favorite in this book, my second favorite after Blood Heir. The entire book is awesome though, every bit.

  71. My comfort read is all of the Innkeeper books. if I’m particularly stressed, it’s Sweep of the Blade. Maude and Helen make me so happy.

  72. My favorite is Innkeeper. I love them all but this is the one I come back to for comfort
    Specifically, One Fell Sweep
    ‘We’re being besieged by murderous poultry!’
    But my favorite scene is when Orro is explaining to Wing about Christmas:
    ‘The young men go out in small packs, they brave the cold and come into conflict with other packs and they have to prove their dominance through physical combat. Their fathers teach them lessons in the proper use of swear words and the young men have to undergo tests of endurance, like holding soap in their mouths and licking cold metal objects….
    I suppose Small Helen could substitute for a male, I’m sure we can get her a proper gun,’. We can’t She’ll put her eye out…’

    I love the depth of the characters and the effort to reinterpret different cultures to others. This scene makes me laugh every time! Of course any scene with Orro makes me happy!

  73. Both Hidden Legacy and The Innkeeper. I just start at the first book of each of them, and relax and enjoy reading them all the way through.

    I love the Hidden Legacy family, and how they stick together and support each other, no matter what. And I love the funny moments in the family, as well. The teasing and the in-fighting which really make me laugh, because the fighting is over things that aren’t important but does seem to relieve stress.

    And the Innkeeper and Gertrude Hunt with all the changes in the Inn and the Universe. I love the story of Maud, Helen and Arland and ripper cushions, which is priceless in so many ways. It’s such a joy to re-read them and experience the wonderful world you have built for them, and for us.

    Thanks, House Andrews.

  74. I have Magic Cla(i)ms downloaded on my phone. I read bits of it every time I have a chance. The opening scene with Kate and Era is a particular favorite.

  75. Kinsman Universe if I don’t have a ton of time but want to feel good.
    Hidden Legacy if I have even the teeniest bit of time (because, and I freely confess my failings, I can’t put down an IA book until I’ve read it entirely lol)
    The family dynamics always sucker me in, they’re just so warm and wholesome….IA seriously write THE best kids/teens!

  76. Innkeeper! There are so many things that make my heart happy: Dina revoking Sean’s welcome. Arland drunk on coffee. Anytime Arland starts a “I am but a humble warrior” speech. Sean and Arland interactions. Sean in poet mode. Orro when he drama llamas. Dina surprising folks with her brand of strength. Maud surprising folks with her strength. I’ve been listening to the Graphic Audio during some long drives and it just makes me SO HAPPY.

    As a step-daughter, I ABSOLUTELY adore Arland’s relationship with Helen. There’s a line when Arland says “when you see your daughter and the woman you love” to describe Helen and Maud. Maud hasn’t agreed to marry him at this point, but he already thinks of Helen as his daughter. (I mean, we know it’s going to happen, but still. He’s all in with both of them.)

    Hidden Legacy is my next comfort read. The comfort read part is all the family interactions . . . the family by blood and how they also sweep in Cornelius, etc.

    Thanks, House Andrews, for such great go-to comfort reads.

    • I totally agree! I just re-read Innkeeper up to SOTB. So satisfying. And, Catalinia has been peeking around the corner at me…

  77. oh, I love this question! I comfort read entire books, however…a single scene is never enough for me. My favorite so far is Ruby Fever for the ‘feel goods’. It so thoroughly wraps up the emotional strings of the major characters and I really love the Catalina/Alessandro dynamic.

  78. Clearly it has to be „ Sweep of the blade „!
    It is my absoluter favorite book, I adore Maud and her strong mind!

  79. My favourite comfort read has to be the Innkeeper Chronicles, in particular Sweep in Peace, Sweep with Me, and Sweep of the Heart.
    Love the world it opens up for the imagination!
    Special shout-out to Orro, the best chef there is 💕

  80. If I need something to cheer me up, it’s the ferret heist scene. The kinsmen universe in general is a go to for me for when I need something to relax with at the end of a long day due to their shorter length. That way I don’t stay up all night re-reading like I might with hidden legacy.

  81. I started reading Burn for Me, my first House Andrews book ever, in March of 2020 when I desperately needed an escape from the world and it gave me that so it’s the one I tend to reread when things start to get too heavy in the real world.

  82. Silver shark as well. 100%. I don’t know what it is about that book but it just hits me right.

    I also love the end of Swine and Roses. It makes me want more of their story!!

  83. The banquet scene from Sweep of the Blade when Maude connects with the Tachis and ends with Helen and rippercushions. I just never get tired of it.

  85. Every night I listen to one of your books and I switch between Hidden Legacy and the Inkeeper Chronicals (sometimes I listen to them in English, sometime in my native tongue). But when I feel really low I read Kate Daniels Number 3, the Midnight Games are amazing. Because it is the first time Kate really reveals her power to save someone she cares about. It is a huge turning point in her story (and of course the hot tub scene :D).
    I also love the scene in the last book where there is this conversation “The consort is ever merciful.” “Yes, HE is”. I love it so much!!!!

  86. The most recent comfort read section is Ramona and Matias talking about their summers at the summerhouse by the lake, chasing fireflies, climbing trees and eating cherries off the tree.

    Certainly my childhood was nothing like that growing up in an urban jungle, but I remember one magical summer where the moms of several family signed all of us kids up for ballroom dancing class, math tutoring class and swimming lessons at our pool. When you hang out with your besties all summer that no matter what you did together would be extra fun, and it was the last year we spent our summer together. That passage always brings me back to that one last magical summer.

  87. My favorite scene is when Kate returns from Mishmar with her “advising knife”, and Erra (re)appears. To bounce from that, any subsequent scene with Kate and Erra, or Kate, Julie, and Erra is total catnip. The role that Erra was able to fill for both of them, and their similar senses of humor is the BEST!

    • Erra after Derek and Curran practically run into each other: “You want to marry that? Is there a shortage of men?”

      Along with other scenes, I laugh every time I read that part.

  88. For me all of the Inn Keeper’s Chronicles are my comfort reads. I have literally read each book at least 10 times. I read the last one each week you sent out the chapters on the blog and then bought the book the minute it came out. My daughter, who loves your books too, actually gets frustrated when she asks me what I’m reading and I say, “I’m back with Dina and Sean.” Or, “I’m hanging with Maud and House Krahr again.” But, you love what you love and your Inn Keeper books are my warm blanket when I can’t people anymore and I don’t want to adult anymore, your books help me unwind enough that I’m willing to try again the next day!

  89. I’d just reread sweep of the blade yesterday
    It has strong massage about second chance (with love and with life in general).
    I find it really comforting that even if your life sometimes seems like Karhari, there is an Arland waiting for you in the end 🙂

  90. When I want a bit of a giggle I read the bit where Kate and Curran face down Roland and then Gastek realises who Kate really is. He is soo oblivious.

  94. InnKeeper is my comfort read. There is something about the control and wonder the inns can give you, but that it doesn’t solve all problems that really comforts me when life gets hard. I get to imagine the wonder of an inn and everything that can be created, while being reminded that problems can be overcome with some hard work and a willingness to dig in. Waving the magic wand (or magic broom in this case) doesn’t solve all, but finding wonder in the everyday life and the magic we can created in our own world really reminds me to appreciate life.

  95. For me, it’s the Hidden Legacy series–specifically, Catalina’s first book Sapphire Flames. Watching Catelina be forced to grow and adapt into a powerful, confident woman–the Head of her House and her family’s business–is so inspiring. It always makes me feel like I too can conquer sentient swamp monsters and find a hot Italian assassin of my own.

  97. Comfort read (if I had to pick just one): Steel’s edge. All your books are a wonderful escape, but i really love the more mature Charlotte and Richard love story

  98. Lol @ comfort read scenes… Its never going to be a scene but the entire book and for me its the Hidden Legacy trilogy. The entire arc of Nevada coming into her own and Rogan’s mad-intense action scenes with movie hero finales…

  99. Silver Shark also my fav comfort read. I enjoy all of the shorts from that particular IA world. I wish there are more.

  100. We really can’t go home again.

    I go back to the sections in Sweep in Peace where Dina creates the rooms for the delegations and the conference. There is something about interior design in books that I find soothing. And Dina is so thoughtful about it! Universal design at its best 🙂