Adenashire Series by J. Penner

A human, a dwarf and an elf walk into a bake-off…. In the heart of Adenashire, where elfish enchantments and dwarven delights rule, Arleta Starstone, a human confectionist works twice as hard perfecting her unique blend of baking and apothecary herbs. So when an orc neighbor secretly enters her creations into the prestigious Elven Baking Battle, Arleta faces a dilemma. Being magicless, her participation in the competition could draw more scowls than smiles... moreA human, a dwarf and an elf walk into a bake-off…. In the heart of Adenashire, where elfish enchantments and dwarven delights rule, Arleta Starstone, a human confectionist works twice as hard perfecting her unique blend of baking and apothecary herbs. So when an orc neighbor secretly enters her creations into the prestigious Elven Baking Battle, Arleta faces a dilemma. Being magicless, her participation in the competition could draw more scowls than smiles. And if Arleta wants to prove her talent and establish her culinary reputation, this human will need more than just her pastry craft to sweeten the odds. While competing, she'll set off on a journey of mouthwatering pastries, self-discovery, heartwarming friendships and romance, while questioning whether winning the Baking Battle is the true prize. Escape to for a delightful cozy fantasy where every twist is a treat and every turn a step closer to home. less

Spilling the tea has never been so cozy…In the quaint town of Adenashire, Doli Butterbuckle, a people-pleasing sunshine dwarf, is content with her simple tea magic and circle of friends. It’s true she’s never quite lived up to family expectations, but life is just fine—until her parents arrive with an inherited dragon egg and a charming gargoyle harboring a secret stroll into her life... moreSpilling the tea has never been so cozy…In the quaint town of Adenashire, Doli Butterbuckle, a people-pleasing sunshine dwarf, is content with her simple tea magic and circle of friends. It’s true she’s never quite lived up to family expectations, but life is just fine—until her parents arrive with an inherited dragon egg and a charming gargoyle harboring a secret stroll into her life. As Doli grapples with her newfound responsibility and discovers a long hidden side of herself, she must face an overbearing family, a sinister plot, and a mischievous dragon that refuses to stay out of trouble. But with the help of her loyal friends and newfound love, Doli embarks on a heartwarming adventure, revealing that embracing her true self is the most enchanting path of all. Escape to Adenashire for a whimsical, cozy fantasy where every steaming cup of tea holds the promise of inner strength. (Please note that the Nov. 5, 2024 release date is intended as a placeholder only. I hope to release A Fellowship of Librarians & Dragons much sooner). less

From cold rivalry to hot cocoa and warm hearts. Jez, a grumpy Fennex, wants nothing to do with the cold, snow or bustling winter games descending on the charming town of Adenashire. She’d rather curl up for a nap. But a drunken boast lands her smack in the middle of the festivities and, even worse, fake dating her friend, Taenya, a woodland elf. Plagued by chronic fatigue and past heartbreak, Jez has long guarded her heart. Not to mention she has a secret she’d rather not share... moreFrom cold rivalry to hot cocoa and warm hearts. Jez, a grumpy Fennex, wants nothing to do with the cold, snow or bustling winter games descending on the charming town of Adenashire. She’d rather curl up for a nap. But a drunken boast lands her smack in the middle of the festivities and, even worse, fake dating her friend, Taenya, a woodland elf. Plagued by chronic fatigue and past heartbreak, Jez has long guarded her heart. Not to mention she has a secret she’d rather not share. Yet, Taenya’s warmth and patience begin to melt her icy exterior. Together, the two women tackle challenges—from ice sculpting to scavenger hunts—and their pretend relationship sparks genuine feelings. With the unwavering support of her friends, and amidst the cozy, festive cheer of winter, Jez discovers that love and acceptance are within reach, even for those who would rather hibernate in the shadows. Escape to Adenashire for a heartwarming tale of friendship, romance, resilience, and the magical spirit of the season. less

The cat distribution system has struck again. .. and this time it's magical. When a spell gone wrong brings more than just magic to Theo Brylar’s life, things in Adenashire get a little… purrplexing. Suddenly, cat of all shapes and sizes are drawn to the elf like catnip, much to the amusement of Faylin the forest lynx (and Theo’s “house cat”). But when someone suggests opening a cat café next to Arleta’s bakery, Theo finds himself juggling more than feline antics... moreThe cat distribution system has struck again. .. and this time it's magical. When a spell gone wrong brings more than just magic to Theo Brylar’s life, things in Adenashire get a little… purrplexing. Suddenly, cat of all shapes and sizes are drawn to the elf like catnip, much to the amusement of Faylin the forest lynx (and Theo’s “house cat”). But when someone suggests opening a cat café next to Arleta’s bakery, Theo finds himself juggling more than feline antics. Between his mother’s showing up unannounced and the lingering grief of his brother’s death, Theo’s family drama surfaces at the most inconvenient time. With Arleta pregnant and facing her own fears, Theo must untangle his emotions and reconcile with his past… all while keeping his cat café (and family) from spiraling out of control. Escape to Adenashire for a heartfelt, cozy fantasy filled with warm drinks, the power of love, friendship, and the healing magic of furry companions. less

What if sharing a cookie with your enemy made your dreams come true? Verdreth and Ervash, both orcs, are about to embark on the most “terrifying” adventure in their lives together… becoming grandpas. Their adopted human daughter, Arleta, is ready to give birth in mere hours. Of course Verdreth is thrilled to take on this new role with his long-time partner since he never imagined they’d experience such an honor… particularly with the rocky start to their relationship... moreWhat if sharing a cookie with your enemy made your dreams come true? Verdreth and Ervash, both orcs, are about to embark on the most “terrifying” adventure in their lives together… becoming grandpas. Their adopted human daughter, Arleta, is ready to give birth in mere hours. Of course Verdreth is thrilled to take on this new role with his long-time partner since he never imagined they’d experience such an honor… particularly with the rocky start to their relationship. To pass the time, one of their friends asks Verdreth to tell the tale of how he and Ervash met. He’s reluctant, since they were very different orcs when they met over thirty years prior. But with Ervash’s permission, (and to help him calm his nerves) he starts at the beginning…. Since, in fact, it’s always a good place to start. Escape to Adenashire’s past for a touching cozy fantasy story about family beginnings, new experiences and finding the people who bring out the best in you. less