The Keeper of the Mist by Rachel Neumeier

She just wants to run her bakery but it's not to be.  The Timekeeper has come looking for her.  Her father has died and it's time for the magic to move on to another.  She knew this was possible but was sure one of her three stepbrothers would be the chosen one.  It was not and they are not happy about that.  She's just a female and a young one at that.  But she's the chosen one and will now be the Lady with the power.

Knopf Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published March 8th.

It starts a bit slow while Keri learns her new role and how to be a leader.  She has to go through the appointment process, try to make her stepbrothers her allies rather than her enemies, and she has trouble that she never even knew existed.  Their protective mist that keeps their country safe from the warring factions around them is coming undone.  Soon, they will be visible.  That can't happen or they will lose their peace and some of them their lives.

The only advantage that Keri has is that the Doorkeeper and the Bookkeeper who are her assistants are her very good friends.  They all have a touch of magic and they will have to learn how to use that to keep their home safe.

With magic, wizards, dragons, warriors and treachery from within as well as outside, Keri has her work cut out for her.  The tale takes a bit to get going but it's then "off to the races".  Most of the time Keri is winging it and hoping she's making the right decisions.  I've been there in life.  I just wish I'd had some of her magic.  Or maybe not.

It takes hard work on all sides by her supporting characters to overcome a direct attack from the wizard next door.  It's a good thing they got the King's attention because he corrects the wizard, but it's bad thing because the King comes after them!

This was a good read.  It's a grand adventure and everyone has to pull together to make it work.  Keri has more work to do but at least the mist is working again.  Who knows what new adventures might come to her?