Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown - Book Review

Riverbend Reunion by Carolyn Brown

Publication Date: 14th June 2022

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

4 stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming story about friendships and second chances 

*****

• Jessica- army vet; restless and tensed  
• Risa- mom of twin teen girls (in the middle of a divorce)
• Mary Nell- kicked out by a loser boyfriend 
• Haley- dealing with a family secret and unexpected change 
• Wade- army vet; struggling to come to terms with his brother’s death 

Jessica, Risa, Mary Nell, and Haley are cheerleaders and buddies from school. Wade was their senior, but it’s these four that share a deep bond with each other. They are back home in Texas after twenty years and find their lives at crossroads. 

Jessica inherits an old church (that hasn’t been in use for years) and has no idea what to do with it. A chance meeting with her friends and Wade gives her a new project and a reason to put down her roots. They decide to turn the unused church into a grill and bar. 

Of course, it’s not an easy job. Apart from the physical work involved, the friends have to deal with their personal lives and the opposition from the religious folk in the town. It’s up to them to stand with each other, make tough decisions, and rebuild their lives with love and friendship. 

My Observations: 

First things first. I wasn’t entirely sure about the idea of converting a church into a bar. But a quick search assured me that this has happened a few times before. I realized it wouldn’t be appropriate to compare different cultures (mine to others) and get things too tangled up for no reason. 

This is my second book by the author and is slightly heavier than the first. But it is just as heartwarming with well-etched characters and good touches of humor. 

There’s loads of food- pancakes, flavored waffles, ice creams, lemon pound cake, half a dozen types of cookies, and sigh! I’m drooling. 

The relationship between the friends was the best part of the book. Even though the story didn’t seem to progress much in some places, the interactions make it worth reading. 

The twin girls, Lily and Daisy, are such sweethearts. If only we had teens like them around! Despite the stress and family issues, the girls are not bitter, cranky, or grumpy. They are lively, confident, assertive, sassy, and sweet. I love them. 

There’s slow-burn romance too, but the central plot is about the friends and their lives. I like Wade’s character. He is friendly, supportive, understanding, and compassionate.  

There are some not-so-loving characters too. Grandma Martha and Grandma Stella compete for the most disliked character. They are similar as well- two people using religion and God as tools to control and dominate their own family members. 

Oscar is such a fun person and the complete opposite of these ladies. This book doesn’t have the main lead. Instead, it has eight people trying to work things out for the best. 

There are no major obstacles or hurdles for the group. Things pretty much go as per the plan (which rarely happens), but I wasn’t looking for realistic fiction. I enjoyed the story as it is. 

The pace dips in the middle but picks up in the third part. The ending is sweet and, of course, has a HEA, which is all I want after reading 300 pages. The epilogue ties up things neatly (a little too neat, but who cares). 

To sum up, Riverbend Reunion is a slightly heavy but heartwarming story about a group of friends looking to find a place to call home. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #RiverbendReunion

Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter by Lizzie Pook - Book Review

Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter by Lizzie Pook

Publication Date: 14th June 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: A few hits and misses 

West Australia, 1886 & 1896 

Eliza’s family arrives in Bennin Bay for a new start away from London. The land is brutal, and so is the sea. The community might have people from several countries. The natives are treated like dirt and used for hard labor. After all, they dive into the deep waters to bring shells, and the owners sell the pearls to make money. Black market, corruption, slavery, abuse, and atrocities are a part of everyday life in Bennin Bay. 

Eliza’s family seems to have a decent life, and her father is a fair trader. But when their boat arrives without him, Eliza has no choice but to find out the truth. Thomas, her brother, doesn’t seem to know much. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to speak yet. 

Eliza knows she cannot sit idle, even if the community around her values women less than men. She is determined to get to the bottom of the truth. But what will this cost her? Can she find the truth about her father’s disappearance? 

What I Like:

• I haven’t read a story set in this backdrop before. While I know what colonizers do to natives (as an Indian), the pearl diving community was new to me. I haven’t heard of them before. 

• The descriptions of the settings are beautiful despite the grim and dark storyline. The metaphors got a little too much at times, but I got to ‘see’ a different land. 

• Eliza and Min are well-etched. They are flawed people with good hearts. Their friendship has its own beauty. More of their childhood journey would make them even more real. 

• The ending is satisfying and dissatisfying. Eliza’s character stays true to her arc, making me happy. A couple of characters get the closure. 

• The author’s note at the end is detailed and informative. Without revealing spoilers, I’ll just say that the author created her characters and the setting from real people and places. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

• The pacing is slow. If I wasn’t lucky enough to get extra reading time, the book would have taken another day to end. 

• Some of the scenes were a little too convenient. Despite the odds, Eliza doesn’t find it too hard to navigate through the male-dominated society. 

• There isn’t enough information about the natives and their lives. We are they are treated worse than dirt, but we have very little insight into their daily lives, customs, and culture. 

• Alex’s character never really took off. I wanted more depth to his character, considering the role he plays. 

• The dissatisfying parts of the ending are the loose ends. Some are just left to the reader’s imagination. I’m not fully okay with the one that is connected to the central plot. The other satisfied me. 

• The central story is paper-thin. What makes this work (to an extent) is the setting. Deciding the final rating wasn’t easy! After much debating, I fixed the rating at the midway mark of 3 stars (rounded). This one has great potential, but the heavy prose swallows the plot. 

To sum up, Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter has to be picked up for the historical setting and glimpse into the lives of pearl divers.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley 

*****

PS: Despite the premise, this book is not a mystery. The publishers marked it historical and general fiction on NetGalley. The blurb calls it a feminist adventure. These sum up the book. Reading this as a mystery would disappoint the readers. There is no fantasy either. 

Peril at Pennington Manor by Tracy Gardner - Book Review

Peril at Pennington Manor by Tracy Gardner

An Avery Ayers Antique Mystery #2

Publication Date: 07th June 2022

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Timepass read 

*****

Avery Ayers and her team at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised got the assignment to appraise and catalog the contents of the Hudson River. The manor (that feels more like a castle) is being sold by the duke, who happens to be a good friend of Aunt Midge (Avery’s aunt). 

The first time Avery and her dad William visit the manor, they realize that the Viktor Petrova pocket watch is missing. The duke is stunned but determined to ensure all the antiques are cataloged and accounted for. 

On the first day of work, the team ends up being a witness to the death of Suzanne, the housekeeper at the manor. Avery’s instincts tell her it’s not a simple case of accidental death. Detective Art Smith steps into the scene to aid with the investigation and keep Avery safe. Moreover, the duo has to decide the future of their relationship (if there is one). 

As more antiques turn out to be fake, the duke ends up in a riding accident, and another employee of the manor is found dead. With the list of suspects including every person in the manor, Avery and Art must sort through the maze to arrive at the truth. 

Are the missing antiques and the deaths related? Are there two different criminals to track and unearth? Can the duo solve the cases before they face the bullet? 

My Observations: 

• The book began with an interaction between Avery and Art, and I wasn’t sure of the dynamics. It took me a while to get into the subplot (the family, relationships, etc.). The case, however, was clear enough. 

• There were quite a few characters to track, which made it a little difficult to stay up to date with the developments concerned with the main plot. Luckily, I wasn’t in a mood to solve the case, which made it easy to go with the flow (and round the rating to 4 stars). 

• Getting to Avery and Art was nice. I had a better knowledge of their relationship by the end of the book. I would love to know where it heads in the future books. 

• Avery was intelligent (even if she jumped to conclusions at times). She was nosy too, which is rather a prerequisite to becoming an amateur detective. But the book balanced her sleuthing and antique appraisal work. I learned something about the field. That was fun. 

• The book has a super friendly dog and seven teeny kittens! Yeah… one kitty is black and white, and another has tiger stripes. Sigh! (Can you see my heart-eyes?) 

• Tilly appeared childish and strange in the first half. Must be her teenage acting up. Still, I couldn’t understand her sudden shifts in mood. 

• The pacing was uneven (it slumps in the middle), but the end wrapped up things pretty well. The characters weren’t fully developed, though they serve the intended purpose. No far-fetched theories or solutions, so that’s a plus. 

To sum up, Peril at Pennington Manor is a blend of cozy mystery and family drama. The book would make a nice read when you want something that doesn’t demand too much of your energy. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #PerilatPenningtonManor

The Summer of Christmas by Juliet Giglio - Book Review

The Summer of Christmas by Juliet Giglio, Keith Giglio

Publication Date: 05th July 2022

Genre: Romcom, Chicklit 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: This is what happens when you fall for the cover and the words summer & Christmas!

*Contains Spoilers* 

Ivy Green’s autobiographical script is ready to be filmed. After five years of struggling to make a mark as a screenwriter, Ivy finally gets her chance. Imagine her shock when the producer announces that the movie will be filmed in her hometown. 

The last thing Ivy wants is to come across Nick, her childhood bestie and long-term lover, the man who broke up with her just before Christmas five years ago. With no other choice, Ivy goes back home, determined to prove that she moved on. After all, she’s in a relationship with Drew, the producer of the film. 

However, just about everything goes wrong as the heroine playing Ivy gets too close to Nick, and Ivy is still very much confused about her feelings for him. Ivy needs to get her life back on track and decide what she wants if she hopes for a happy ever after. 

What I Like: 

• Oh, this is easy. The cover is cute, and I’ve always liked to read about Christmas when it’s super hot outside. Summer in Christmas felt like it was my kind of book (except it wasn’t). 

• The best part of the book was Ivy rewriting her love story into a script where she kills off Nick’s character in an accident. Way to go! 

• The book reads fast (or maybe I'm very good at speed reading), thus saving me a day I marked for this one. 

• The side characters are endearing despite the limited character development. Griffin, Ivy’s parents and sister, and Nick’s mom had great potential but shined within the limitations. 

• The Christmas theme was good to read. That’s what kept me going. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

*cracks knuckles*

• The narration was choppy and seemed a bit disjointed. I’m not sure if it’s some sort of contemporary writing, but some of the sentences were too weird to read. The Nick, Rick, and dick thingy was cringe-level. 

• The POV seemed too scattered. It is a limited third-person one minute, omnipresent the next, and judgmental third person in another. Quite confusing at times. 

• Some attempts at humor felt OTT. The drama was a bit too much and continued to go in circles. Why couldn’t they just talk like adults? Ivy and Nick have known each other forever and are now in their 30s. You’d expect more maturity from them. 

• Ivy and Nick spend a lot of time in their past instead of deciding what they want for the future. We see that they are meant to be together. But if they can’t decide it, why bother! 

• Despite the flaws, Ivy was a good person and deserved better. Nick was an idiot, and Drew was worse. I was half-hoping she’d find someone who would really love her. 

• Griffin’s arc was going well until there’s a sudden realization <spoiler> that he likes guys. Make it believable, at least! Representation, for the sake of it, doesn’t work. <spoiler>

• I was still hopeful about the ending, but two scenes ruined it for me. I cannot make myself rate the book higher.

<spoiler> First, Nick thinks he dreams about his dead father and wakes up realizing that he needs to get Ivy back in his life. Then, Ivy has a dream with a Young Ivy showing her their past and the future. Boom! Ivy now knows she needs to sort it with Nick because he’s the love of her life. 

Then we get to know that Nick actually met a guy (from the film crew) who looked like his dad. What even! Why do two grown-up people need dreams and ghosts to help them decide about their lives? Just about everyone in the town and the shooting crew knows Ivy and Nick are a couple, but they need some guidance from the other world. Sigh! <spoiler>

• The ending is a high drama that would look good on the screen but fell OTT in the book.  

I enjoy romcoms, but this just got too much after a while. After reading the author’s note and bio, I kind of understood why the book felt so patchy. 

Bear with me as I get into the gyaan-sharing mode.

*clears voice*

The authors are screenplay writers, and this is their first novel. Their expertise clearly shows in the scenes related to the film and film industry. However, screenplay writing is different from novel writing. 

A film is an audiovisual medium. The audience doesn’t have to imagine or guess the characters, their emotions, and their expressions. It’s all there for us to see. A book requires the reader to imagine and visualize the content. They have the freedom to choose the actors but also have the disadvantage of not knowing whether or not their visualization is aligned with the authors'. 

What feels aligned in a film doesn’t necessarily feel the same in a book. After all, we cannot ‘see’ certain things but can only imagine them. This mismatch made the book feel choppy and patchy. The weird sentences and dialogues would sound natural and funny on the screen. The same doesn’t have to happen in the book format (it didn’t for some of us). And thus, we have a great premise with a mixed-up execution. This should have been a movie. 

*speech ends* 

To sum up, The Summer of Christmas is a very light read if you aren’t particular about certain things. The Christmas elements are fun, so all is not lost. 

Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark - Book Review

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

Publication Date: 02nd June 2022

Genre: Domestic Thriller, Psychological Suspense, Drama 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Fast-paced and interesting 

*****

Meg Williams has multiple personalities, depending on where she is and what she wants. She’s a con artist of the best kind, utterly convincing and charming her targets to be under her spell. She knows what people need to hear and gives them that to take away their money and disappear until she finds the next target. 

Meg is now back in action as a real estate agent in LA. She has old scores to settle, and this is her biggest act ever. The previous cases won’t mean a thing if she can’t pull this off. 

Kat Roberts has been waiting for a decade to meet Meg. Their path crossed for a split second all those years ago, and that instant changed Kat’s life forever. She persisted with the sole ambition of exposing Meg. 

As the two women meet and get to each other, Kat realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know. Meg is not who she is, but she isn’t a single-minded con artist either. As if things aren’t confusing enough, Kat has to deal with relationship issues that make her question everything she knows. 

Can the two women succeed in finding justice when it seems so elusive? What does it cost them to fight the world that’s not in their favor? 

My Observations: 

• There’s nothing better than a fast-paced thriller to keep the reader hooked. The pace is consistent from start to finish. It doesn’t even feel like a 320-page book. 

• The main characters are well-sketched without going into elaborate detail. We can understand their traits by following their thoughts and actions (and no ramblings). Neither of them is perfect. They are flawed but strong enough to deal with life’s twists and turns. 

• We know what Meg plans and intends for other characters, and it is fun to see them fall into her trap. This kind of narration is my favorite when done well. 

• There are enough twists and turns to keep the story going. I guessed most of them, but that didn’t diminish my interest in the least (I always like it when the plotline goes plausibly without any weird twists). 

• The climax felt a tad less impactful. It sure fits the overall plotline, but I expected a little drama or complexity. But this one just flowed by. It was seamless, which is good. However, it also means that the climax doesn’t stand out. 

• Yet, the ending makes up for it. It sorts the loose ends and leaves us with a smirk (or a chuckle). It could also lead to a sequel, though I’m not sure a second book would be necessary.  

To sum up, The Lies I Tell is a fast-paced, twisty thriller with an antagonist as the main lead. She is someone we’ll root for, and that makes the book a hit. 

This is my first by the author, but I’m going to pick her works and keep my eyes open for future ones. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheLiesITell 

Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions by Kerry Greenwood - Book Review

Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions: The Ultimate Miss Phryne Fisher Story Collection by Kerry Greenwood

Publication Date: 17th May 2022

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery, Series, Short Stories 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining and fun

*****

So this is one of those rare instances where I watched the shows before reading the book. Miss Fisher’s Mysteries was one of the two series I watched on Netflix. Needless to say, I loved the show. Essie Davis as Phryne and Nathan Page as ahem... Jack Robinson made my heart go aww with their onscreen chemistry…

Anyway... back to the book. 

Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions is a collection of seventeen short stories or cases solved by Phryne. Most of them are short, cute, interesting, and entertaining. Some are dramatic and elaborate; it’s Phryne, after all!  

The writing is easy to read and tinged with the kind of humor I love to read. Phryne being a no-nonsense investigator with loads of sass and smartness makes her a delightful personality. No ramblings or inner monologues. 

The following are the cases I enjoyed. Most of them have a dominant human emotion as a theme, which becomes clear as the case is solved. 

Hotel Splendide: The first story in the book, it introduces Phryne as she solves the case of a missing husband. 

Marrying the Bookie’s Daughter: This one has a couple of layers and almost a parallel track. It shows the vulnerable side of Phyrne (though it doesn’t last long). 

Puttin’ on the Ritz: This is a short case where simplicity wins over elaborate scheming. A fun piece too. 

Overheard on a Balcony: This has a slightly more emotional quotient and some good drama. Phryne does what she does the best; make decisions based on people and the situation. 

Death Shall be Dead: This one is a kind of brainy case with references to works from history and classic English Literature. Imagine my surprise to see Jack happily married and with kids. Gasp! 

Carnival: This is an interesting case and full of drama by a rich brat. I wish this was slightly longer and more detailed. 

The Camberwall Wonder: Yet another case that requires some brainy work, which Phryne solves with ease. This also shows how cultural appropriation was a thing even in the 1920s (and Australia). Sigh! 

The Boxer: Mrs. Ragnell wants Phryne to find her missing granddaughter. But Phryne discovers there’s more to it. A bittersweet tale dealing with the dark side of society.

The Bells of St Paul’s: This story is more of the sweet kind than a criminal case. It’s rather cute, even if there is no big mystery as such. A happy ending to the collection of stories. 

I have to mention that I loved reading the author’s note at the beginning of the book. She talks about how she created the character and the research that went into writing the books. My favorite part is when she said she wanted to create an assertive and confident female sleuth (very much unlike the anxious TSTL amateur sleuths we see in cozy mysteries). 

To sum up, Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions is a light cozy mystery collection with Phryne Fisher solving one intriguing case after another. You’ll enjoy this if you are a fan of cozy mysteries and prefer a sensible heroine to handle the job. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

*****

P.S: I did my best not to compare the book to the TV show (that would be unfair). But I did imagine the stories with the same characters, and that sure enriched my reading experience. Why not when the cast is so talented and good-looking? ;) 

The Witch's Tree by Elena Collins - Book Review

The Witch's Tree by Elena Collins

Publication Date: 17th May 2022

Genre: Historical, Contemporary, Dual Timeline, Social Drama 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: A slow start but worth it 

PC: Visual shared by the publishing house

Present Day: 

Selena decides to take a break and move to the countryside and recover from heartbreak. She chooses Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe and is determined to heal and paint to her heart’s content. Her friend and business partner, Claire, encourages her to go ahead with the plan. Their business is doing well, and the duo can make more if Selena can paint during her stay at the cottage. 

Sloe Cottage is beautiful, though the original part feels cold no matter what. Selena tentatively makes friends with the locals while finishing a series of paintings. However, she cannot get over the feeling of sadness in the cottage. She starts to research the history of the place and the cottage, only to uncover some shocking incidents. 

Somerset, 1682: 

Grace Cotter is quite content taking care of her father and learning from Betty, her grandmother. Her herb garden, the blackthorn tree, and the wishing well keep her happy. There’s just one thing she wants to have a happier life. 

But hopes, dreams, and longing for a happy ever after are dangerous in times when superstitions rule the land. A single word or whisper could brand someone a witch and get them killed. Grace does her best to remain hopeful and kind. But when things take a turn for worse, she might lose everything… 

With more than three hundred years between the times, Grace and Selena are bound by an invisible thread. They need to heal and move on. Can Selena get another chance at love? Can Grace’s restless spirit be free from the bonds that tie her down? How do these women help each other? 

My Observations: 

• The book starts slow but picks up pace in the second half. The prologue and epilogue fit like a glove. I love how the author used them. 

• The writing is descriptive and atmospheric (a reason for the slow beginning) but covers a good amount of time from start to finish.

• I confess I didn’t like Selena at the beginning. She seemed too naïve and passive for a 38-year-old woman with a good career. But her character arc improved and got better as the story progressed.  

• The side characters (in the present-day track) are lively and bring much-needed positivity to the storyline. The cottage itself is a character, just like the blackthorn tree. 

• As with most dual timelines, I love the past track more than the present. Grace is a beautiful character. Her innocence suits her, given the timeline and age. 

• The past track effectively showed how gossip and rumors can take a life, and malice, more often than not, is the root cause. 

• The touch of paranormal blends seamlessly with the atmosphere in the book. 

• The prejudice against healers and women and the subsequent witch trials are well presented in the book. Except for the climax scene, the rest of it is not graphic or overwhelming. Even the climax manages to keep things from going OTT. 

To sum up, The Witch’s Tree is a beautiful and bittersweet story of Grace and Selena, connected through the expanse of time. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheWitchsTree

Once Upon a Winter by H.L. Macfarlane - Book Review

Once Upon a Winter by H.L. Macfarlane

Genre: Fairytale Retelling, Short Stories, Anthology, Fantasy

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A satisfying read 

*****

Once Upon a Winter is a short story anthology of seventeen stories by seventeen writers. It contains fairytale retellings and fresh fairytales dealing with an array of themes and topics. 

The collection is creepy, chilly, horrifying, cute, funny, and whimsical. Each story is different and has something to offer. While I didn’t love all the stories (which is quite common for an anthology), I was blown away by some. 

I’ve given a two to three-line review for each story so that you can decide if you want to pick this book. Needless to say, the ones set in the forests or with kids get more brownie points. ;)  

• The Biting Cold by Josie Jaffrey

This is the first story in the anthology and a fantastic blend of dark magic realism and dystopian. Set in a forest where the reader is the nameless protagonist, the narrative sucks you right into the setting. My favorite, without a doubt.  

• The Match Girl by Rebecca F. Kenney

The original match girl has been a favorite despite the melancholy (or maybe because of it). This retelling is slightly on the darker side with a hopeful ending. It was beautiful but felt mellow and not as impactful as it could have been. The storyline was cool, though. 

• Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Bharat Krishnan

This story is a blend of Indian folklore and Christmas. While the story, as such, isn’t great. It is the tone that makes one sit up and take notice. The narrator is an American pre-teen who is friends with an Indian American boy. The casual racism against non-whites in thought, action, and body language was spot on. 

• A Pea Ever After by Adie Hart

Okay, this is super cute and hilarious. You might have guessed the original by the title. The retelling brings active princesses, a nerdy prince, and a District Witch together with a fairy godmother sweeping her way into the plot. It’s lighthearted and funny. 

• The Snowdrop by H. L. Macfarlane

This is another cute story with a teeny snowdrop girl and a seven-year-old boy. The narration is simple, almost like a middle-grade story, and is just as sweet. This is easily another favorite from the book, though it is a complete contrast from the first one. 

• Silverfoot’s Edge by Ella Holmes

This is a magical story that seemed like a retelling or a mash-up of two/ more fairytales. We have a brave heroine, tiny good-folk, a quest, and true love. It’s written in a typical fairytale format but with a capable heroine. 

• The Storm Hags by Caroline Logan

It’s an interesting story about storm hags and a young girl. It is dark and kind of magical but felt too short to make an impact. The descriptions were beautiful, though. 

• The Boggart of Boggart Hole Clough by Jake Curran-Pipe

This is dark, sinister, and twisted. The reveal at the end is the highlight of the story. Yet, it fails to trigger any deeper emotions. 

• Around the Hawthorne Tree by Jenna Smithwick

It’s an Irish setting and another fairytale-like story about a young girl and magic. It is bittersweet with a rushed ending. 

• The Best Girl this Side of Winter by Laila Amado

This is a typical middle-grade dark fantasy with a young heroine. Set in Wintervale, the story has everything a kid would love to read about. A moral lesson is woven into the narrative. 

• The Snow Trolls by S. Markem

This is a short and snorty-choky-funny story. It sure is not something you want to read when eating. That’s all I’ll say. ;) 

• Lord of the Forest by Katherine Shaw

This is another short yet poignant story about a young girl and a mythical forest capture, Leshii. The tone is set from the first paragraph and gives us a fair warning of what will happen. It’s impactful in its own way. 

• Queen of the Snows by Joyce Reynolds-Ward

Umm… this has an interesting premise but feels very much like the prologue of a high fantasy novel than a short story. The overall result was, thus, underwhelming. 

• Long Meg and the Sorcerer’s Stones by M. J. Weatherall

I’m not sure, but the story seemed to be another legend for Stonehenge. I liked the flashback more than the initial part. This one, too, would have worked better as a longer story. There’s magic, witches, wizards, and gender dynamics. 

• The Frost of Mercy by A. J. Van Belle

This story seemed more on the metaphorical side. It deals with themes like friendship and environment by using dryads to deliver the message. I liked the sustained melancholic tone tinged with regret and hope. 

• Wintercast by R. A. Gerritse

Now, the POV of this story took me by surprise. It isn’t my kind of story, but I rather enjoyed the tone of the narrator. It sure was interesting. 

• You Can’t See Me by Kate Longstone

We have another middle-grade story to end the anthology. This one has a cute little girl and a Snow Pixie who loves honey. The plot deals with climate change without being in the face. The ending is sweet but not strong enough to linger with me after I close the book. 

To sum up, Once Upon a Winter is an intriguing and diverse collection of short stories. I enjoyed reading almost every story, and that’s an achievement for an anthology. (I know how hard it is to compile a short story collection that has something from every reader). 

The book is a part of the Once Upon Series (not to be confused with the Nora Roberts one) written for each season. There are three other books in the series.  

My thanks to Macfarlane Lantern Publishing and BookSirens for the digital review copy. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

An English Garden Murder by Katie Gayle - Book Review

An English Garden Murder by Katie Gayle

Julia Bird Mysteries #1

Publication Date: 05th May 2022 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining! 

*****

Julia Bird moves to a Cotswolds cottage in a small English town after her recent divorce and retirement. She feels a bit lost, not knowing what to do with her sudden free time. Julia soon decides on a pet project (raising chickens and taking care of the beautiful garden), only to end up with a dead body on the premises. 

She has no choice but to put her plans on hold until the identity of the body and the killer are found. If only it was that easy! In the meantime, Julia tries to befriend the villagers, adopts Jake, the cutest Lab in the size of a small bear, and begins to get used to country life. But when she stumbles upon another body, she decides it’s time to do her own investigation. 

Can Julia find the killer and prevent more dead bodies from creating feverish excitement in the little village? 

My Observations: 

• The book begins on a quirky note tinged with humor and sadness. The lighthearted tone continues through the rest of the book (a trademark of good cozy mystery). 

• Jake is super adorable. Though I’m sure I can’t handle a pup like him, I love his antics in the book. Such a sweetheart! 

• Being the first book in the series, the characters are revealed over time. This also means I continued to assess the information longer than I liked. Not a complaint, though. 

• Julia is an interesting character and likable. She does a good job of keeping me engaged with the story. I like her teaming up with DI Hayley and look forward to reading more mysteries. 

• The villagers are just as fun, even if some have been more of caricatures. Since this is the first book, I can’t dismiss character development yet. 

• Little Sebastian is another cutie pie. I loved his scenes, even if he was a brat at times. That’s where the fun lies. ;) 

• There is some rambling, but it doesn’t go on for more than a couple of lines. I’m almost used to it by now. 

• It’s such a surprise to read that the book is authored by a duo, Katie and Gail. They have collaborated before, and it shows. No jerks in narration. 

• As with every other cozy mystery set in the English countryside, we get to read about endless cups of tea. Oh, well… 

To sum up, An English Garden Murder is a great start to a new cozy mystery series, and I intend to continue reading every subsequent release. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #AnEnglishGardenMurder

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor - Book Review

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor

Publication Date: 05th May 2022

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fantasy  

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Great world-building; characters need work  

Jani and her younger sister, Zosa, are barely scraping by in Durc. Jani knows that the only way to escape fast and earn enough to back home would be by finding a job at the mysterious and magical Hotel Magnifique. Of course, no one really knows where the hotel comes from or how it travels. But no one denies its magic and allure. 

Jani and Zosa do find a job as the staff. Jani is delighted and amazed until she realizes that Hotel Magnifique hides sinister seamlessly behind smiles and whimsical enchantments. It doesn’t help that her every step causes some or the other trouble for her and Bel. 

Bel is the handsome doorman at Hotel Magnifique and the only ally Jani has. As things get complicated and dangerous, Jani has no choice but to risk everything to end the danger. That’s the only way to go home! Can Jani do what she needs to do to save her friends from evil? 

My Observations:

The setting and world-building are wonderful. The hotel, its rooms, the enchantments, etc., are descriptive, detailed, and a treat to read. The fictitious setting matches the dark mood of the storyline. 

Jani is the narrator of the book, and we get to see her do more than a few stupid things. I’m glad I went into the book expecting it. That made it easy to enjoy the flow rather than think too much about her actions. That said, I probably need to visit the hospital if I bite the inside of my cheek as many times to stay silent. (Kuch zyada hi ho gaya!) 

Bel was a really cute character. I like how he has layers, though he needs more space to show his potential. In fact, almost every other character has the same issue. There isn’t enough to connect with them. The focus is on Jani stumbling through things she isn’t supposed to. 

The pacing is a little uneven too. The story seems to go in circles from 25% to 55%. The major breakthrough happens at 60%, and things rush from there. Moreover, a crucial part of the story is ‘told’, which dampens the impact. The reveal has to be stronger. The scenes that follow it are, which almost make up for this, but not fully. 

There’s some cute romance too appropriate for a YA book. I still think I like Bel more than Jani, but he loves her, so what can I say! He’ll survive (maybe). 

The climax felt a little rushed. There’s one good decision Jani took at that stage, but still, it kind of left me wanting. 

To sum up, Hotel Magnifique is a good debut with beautiful world-building and atmosphere. The characters and pacing need a little more work. It’s pretty much YA in narration, so be prepared for it. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and Pushkin Children's Books, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

#NetGalley #HotelMagnifique