The Land Steward’s Daughter- Book Review

 The Land Steward’s Daughter by Becky Michaels

Publication Date: 10^th Nov 2020
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

3.7 Stars

Elaina is waiting for Will, her childhood sweetheart, to return from the Napoleon war. Letters keep them connected through the years as both feel love blooming between them.

But Elaina is the daughter of a land steward, and Will is the second son of a duke. It doesn’t help that Elaina feels grateful towards the duke and the duchess for caring for her from her childhood. With Elaina being pressurized to get married (she’s 25 years old already) and Will returning right on time, things seem anything but easy for these two lovebirds.

Thrown in Will’s elder brother and his already decided fiancé, a prospective suitor for Elaina, and a bunch of other characters and we have a decent story about their lives.

The writing is nice, and the flow is good. It took a while in the beginning, but I picked up the pace soon. None of the characters are perfect. They have emotions humans are expected to have. However, they do redeem themselves quite soon. We have no villains in the book. There is some drama, but nothing too complex.

In fact, there really isn’t anything complex or twisted in this book. It’s light and easy to read. If you are looking for a book where you don’t have to invest your emotions, this one should work well. It has various conflicts, all of which, get resolved quite easily.

I’m not sure if more books will follow this one (it says the book si snot a part of a series), but some characters just drifted in and out without much to do. Also, some characters probably need HEA someday. Either way, it wouldn’t make difference to this one. It ends well.

Overall, it’s a nice book, but not something that will stay with you for a while. It’s something you’d pick up one noon, read, smile, finish, and move on. Great for reading between two heavy books.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. 

The Haunting of Beatrix Greene- Book Review

 The Haunting of Beatrix Greene by Rachel Hawkins, Ash Parsons, Vicky Alvear Shecter

Publication Date: 28th Oct 2020
Genre: Historical Horror, Romance

3.8 stars

In Victorian England, Beatrix Greene has a reputation for being a trustworthy spiritual medium. She doesn’t believe in theatrics and keeps a low profile to avoid too much attention. James Walker, a scientist who’s been exposing fraud mediums, manages to get her attention. He offers her a proposal- stay with him (and two others) in the Ashbury Manor for a night to prove whether ghosts are real or not.

Beatrix, being a non-believer, feel wary of taking up James’s offer but goes ahead with it. She goes to the Manor with her childhood friend Harry, a smalltime actor, who’s acting services she uses from time to time for extra effect. She gets tiny bits of information about the terrible past of the Manor and the evil that resides in it. James has his own dark past and is desperate for answers.

What happens in the manor? Are ghosts real? Does evil have the power to control a person and their thoughts? What will happen to the blooming romance between James and Beatrix? Can James be rid of the weight of his past? Does Beatrix really have spiritual powers?

The book answers all these questions and more. I was quite torn when it came to deciding the rating. A part of me wanted to give it 4, and another wanted to keep it at 3.5. I found a midpoint and settled at 3.8 stars.

Reading a book written by three authors that has the narration from two points of view (J&B) in alternating chapters can be a mess. But this book makes it effortless. If not for the headings mentioning who wrote what, it would have been almost impossible to identify the parts written by different writers.

The POV shifts are smooth. There are hardly any jerks in the tone or the narration. I truly appreciate the authors and the editors who worked on this piece. I do wish they cut down a few adverbs.

Coming to the story, it’s quite predictable but still manages to hold interest. How will I know if my prediction is right or wrong unless I read it? The gore quotient is higher in the second half of the book. It is justified too, considering the storyline.

The descriptions are vivid (if you have a habit of imaging the scene, you might be a bit uncomfortable). The story reaches the end in stages, and that keeps us hooked. The climax is very well written, and I love the development of Beatrix’s character.

The ending (epilogue of sorts) hints at a solid happy ever after, which made me happy. The secondary characters are interesting, though it’s Beatrix who plays a crucial role. That leads me to the title. Though I was intrigued by it and the subtle cover image, I’m not sure how it fits the story.

Overall, it’s a well-written, fast-paced, historical fiction with a good dose of horror and enough elements of romance.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Serial Box. 

#TheHauntingofBeatrixGreene #NetGalley

If You Cherish Me- Book Review

 If You Cherish Me by Ciara Knight 

Book 3 of Sugar Maple Series (Standalone) 
Publication Date: 15th Sep 2020
Genre: Romance- Small Town/ Wholesome Clean Romance, Women’s Fiction 

3.8 stars 

We have Declan, an ex-con out on parole and a stranger in Sugar Maple, Felicia, the owner of Tranquil Maple Nursery, her Nana, her friends (the Famous Five), and a bunch of other characters who play varying roles in this small-town romance. 

The concept of the book is quite simple and sweet- sometimes all a person needs is a second chance. Not because they messed up the first time, but because they deserve to show their side of the story. 

There are times when one doesn’t want to read anything too heavy or introspective. But what if one still wants to read a nice little story? That’s where this book scores points. The writing is engaging and easy. The storyline is more or less predictable and doesn’t drag at unnecessary places. It goes at a steady pace, touching various aspects of life. But none of them are dealt in depth to make it a heavy and somber read. 

The characters are quite typical. We know what they will do and how they’ll react. Felicia, despite being referred to as a softie has enough spine to handle most of the stuff thrown at her. Her kind heart is a result of experiencing complexities rather than being a pushover. 

Declan is again the typical hero with a troubled past and present insecurities. However, he doesn’t come across as rude, only sad, and resigned. I wasn’t sure how friendly the Famous Five friends were, but they managed to redeem themselves. Book one and two deal with the stories of two of these five ladies. Felicia gets the third book. 

How Felicia and Declan help and get to know each other and how they make a difference to the lives of others around them form the plot. 

Overall, it’s a nice book one can finish without stressing too much about what’s and why’s. Just remember- don’t look for surprises in this book. Look for comfort and familiarity. 

Trigger warning: Mentions of racism and domestic abuse (nothing explicit). 

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Author Collective 20. 

#IfYouCherishMe #NetGalley

No Room at the Little Cornish Inn- Book Review

 No Room at the Little Cornish Inn by Nancy Barone

Publication Date: 5th Nov 2020
Genre: Romance, Christmas Romance, Women’s Fiction

3.7 stars

The book is a sweet Christmas romance between Rosie Anderson and Mitchell Fitzpatrick, the Irish manager at The Old Bell Inn in Cornwall. Rosie is sent undercover to the place to investigate the manager and the sudden reason for the bad reviews about the inn.

Rosie and her almost 8yo son Danny, go to the inn where the story takes place. From meeting the staff to noticing that something is not right, falling for the Irishman, and dealing with the father of her son, Rosie has to find a way to set things right, even as Susan the Sacker, her boss, is hell-bent on firing Mitchell.

The premise was cute, and the setting was a definite bonus. I’ve always been a fan of Christmas stories, especially the ones set in the countryside.

Rosie is our narrator, who takes us through the book in the present tense. She’s what I call a rambler who can go on and on about her feelings, doubts, insecurities, and whatnot. This gets annoying when she is, in reality, doing a great job of bringing up her kid in the circumstances.

While she has every reason to be wary, how many times does the reader want to know the same things about her stupid ex? Her thoughts aside, she is someone who knows how to do her job and is very good at it. Even if she doesn’t stand up to Susan, she stays true to her cause of helping the staff and Mitchell while trying to find out the root cause of the issue.

The romance part is predictable but sweet. The kid is damn cute. The secondary characters are engaging and warm (except Susan, of course). The ends tie-up quite well, as the story picks up pace after 75% of the book. We also get to see Mark, the father of her son, and well, he isn’t interesting or engaging (I don’t think he was supposed to be, so that's fine).

I’ve skimmed through at times and didn’t miss any important details. Rosie just needed to be a little less rambling, and I’d have liked the book even more. I also wished the Christmas celebrations were more detailed, but that’s fine. Not everyone likes to read descriptions.

Overall, it is a sweet and light romance to pick up on a cozy afternoon. Don’t have too many expectations, and you’ll enjoy this one.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Aria & Aries.

#LittleCornishInn #NetGalley

The Bluebell Girls- Book Review

 The Bluebell Girls by Barbara Josselsohn 

Lake Summers Book 2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 25th Sep 2020
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance

4.2 Stars 

“Three generations. One summer that will change everything.”

This line on the cover says it all. It is a book of second chances, of introspections, of understanding, compassion, and accepting life and love with a smile. 

Jenna and her daughter Sophie, an eleven-year-old, come to Lake Summers, Jenna’s home. Jenna is in the middle of a messy divorce, her self-esteem all-time low. Sophie starts as a typical pre-teen but grows into a girl with more depth and layers to her characters. Sweet, Jenna’s mother, happens to hold the key to happiness and is a delightful person. 

We see Chloe, Jenna’s elder sister, who appears to be dominant and controlling, but then we learn her thoughts and see her in a different light. Jenna meets Troy, her first love, and she begins to think about her life, her decisions, the past, and the present. Troy himself is battling with his demons and finds it hard to listen to his heart. 

It’s been a while since I read romances, but I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as one. There is love, but it’s more in thoughts, in the past, and the words and gestures rather than two people being impulsive. 

The writing is mellow, a bit slow in the beginning, and picks a little pace a while later. It doesn’t rush off towards the end but walks at a steady pace. 

The book doesn’t have villains, baddies, or typical mean characters that throw a spanner just for the sake of it. The character arc of Jenna, from doubting her every action to become who she was once, a confident and bright woman, was crafted very well. 

Sweet’s secret love story from her past, her bonding with Sophie, and how the threads tie-up at the end of the book were heartwarming without being too gooey. I did guess a few things (no spoilers), but that’s fine. The book isn’t based on the reader guessing anything. 

Jenna has a lot of thoughts and conflicting emotions. She goes back and forth between past and present, but she doesn’t ramble. There are no repetitions in the story (except in one place). There is no information dump, either. We get to know bits and pieces of who Jenna was and how she let circumstances take away her spark. But she’s never bitter, sad, yes.

There are times when one needs to read something positive, hopeful, and sweet that’s not preachy and overly dramatic. This book fits the bill. The ending isn’t a perfect HEA. We know there will be issues. But we also know that the characters are now at a place where they are confident of finding ways to love and be happy. 

I wish Troy had a better arc just as Jenna did. He is almost predictable, and that does cut down the points a bit. Lake Summers seems like a wonderful place to live, and boy, I love the use of bluebells in the story. 

Overall, it’s a nice and satisfying book for those looking for something warm and cozy without too much drama. Isn't the cover super cute? 

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Bookouture. 

#TheBluebellGirls #NetGalley

In My Attic- Book Review

In My Attic by Line Hansen

Book 1 of Magical Misfits Mystery

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
3.8 Stars

Myrtle’s Aunt Eve dies soon after calling her for help. Myrtle feels guilty for not listening to her aunt and helping her when she needed it. She visits the Witch’s Retreat, a B&B in Avebury, owned and run by her aunt. She knows for sure that her aunt’s death wasn’t an accident (or was it?).

All her life, she refused to believe in anything paranormal, often telling her aunt to not talk about witches. But Myrtle’s visit to the village results in a series of events that seem both manmade and mystical. Do witches exist? Why are people around her talking in circles? Who killed her aunt? Will Myrtle accept her aunt’s last wishes?

The story starts with Aunt Eve’s call and continues o take us through the next few days until the mystery is solved. Myrtle, the narrator, lost her parents when young and was adopted by Aunt Eve. She works as a teacher and definitely doesn’t believe in witches as her aunt does.

Avebury is lovely. The B&B is a tangible part of the story. The unpredictable weather also is wonderful to read about, even if Myrtle is not a fan of it. We have a good number of characters, some of whom are better developed than others, even our heroine. We have the usual suspects and two good looking men, one of whom might not be who he claims to be.

The guessed the culprit right before I reached half the book. Still, I enjoyed reading the book on the last page. The narrative style is descriptive but not overly so. I like to get a feel of the place, the atmosphere, and the author gives me that.

The pace was decent, though I wished it was better. While there isn’t much rambling, Myrtle was hell-bent on not believing in anything paranormal, dragging the story with her when she could have solved it faster. It fits the trope to the T but makes the reader want to shake some sense into her head.

Since it’s the first book in the series, I’m willing to let it go. The writer needs to set the stage, after all. The writing is light with bits of humor and sarcasm. Grief shows, but not enough to overwhelm the readers, just as it should be in a cozy mystery.

My only complaint is that I liked the side characters more than Myrtle. Still, it would be interesting to see her character development in the next books. Tiddles, the stinky cat, was a delight, despite the smell.

There isn’t much magic. We get to see it only towards the end. But it’s different and intriguing. I like the concept the author created here.

Overall, it’s an engaging book for cozy mystery lovers, especially if they also love descriptions of the settings.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Literary Wanderlust.

#InMyAttic #NetGalley