Heading Home to Lavender Cottage by Alison Sherlock

Heading Home to Lavender Cottage by Alison Sherlock 

Publication Date: 9th Jan 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Lighthearted and heartwarming 

*****

Harriet returns to Cranfield, a sleepy little village, to sell her aunt and uncle’s cottage. The Lavender Cottage in Cranfield is the only place she calls home. 

Already devastated by her beloved aunt and uncle’s deaths, Harriet is stunned to find that the lavender fields planted by her uncle will be razed to build an industrial warehouse. She decides to protest and bring the community together with the help of her friends Libby and Flora. 

Joe Randall has negotiated countless deals for his family business and never thought about what it meant for the people whose lives changed forever. Cranfield brings him strange peace, and Harriet’s determination to save the village makes him question his work. 

With both of them having to face their personal issues, can Harriet and Joe find what they want in Cranfield? Can the lavender fields be saved? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Harriet and Joe. 

My Thoughts: 

I wanted a light yet touching read to end the year on a happy-ish note. I’m glad I picked this one (last-minute choice). The writing is easy to read and flows well. 

The pacing is steady. I could finish 300+ pages in a couple of days without speed reading. The setting is peaceful (that’s what lavender does!), and the characters are sweet (but not without flaws or issues). 

Though the book deals with topics like death, grief, failure, insecurities, inferiority complex, etc., it’s not preachy or heavy. 

The romance is a slow burn and sweet, a natural progression as the story moves forward. I also like that Harriet and Joe manage to sort out their issues without dragging them out for too long. This comes as a welcome move, especially when both of them are used to suppressing their emotions and putting on a confident/ positive façade. 

The community spirit, which is crucial in small-town books, hits the mark with ease. The secondary characters are distinct enough and have definite personalities. I’m hoping they’ll get even better in the coming books. 

I do wish Harriet’s parents had a little more space and that I could read more about Harriet’s life with her aunt and uncle. 

To summarize, Heading Home to Lavender Cottage is a feel-good book with some lovely characters. It is a light and heartwarming read, perfect for a cozy afternoon. This is the first book in the series and a standalone. Looking forward to the next books with Libby and Flora’s stories. 

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

#HeadingHometoLavenderCottage #NetGalley

***

P.S.: The cover is beautiful, but Harriet is a redhead. I’d have liked it more if that teeny bit was synced between the cover and the book. 

The Blue Bar by Damyanti Biswas

The Blue Bar by Damyanti Biswas

Series: Blue Mumbai #1 (Standalone) 

Genre: Police Procedural, Thriller, Romantic Suspense 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Gritty and dark police procedural; entertaining  

Tara Mondal disappears as a young bar dancer in Mumbai. No one knows where she went after a stint at a crowded railway station wearing a blue sequin saree. 

Inspector Arnav Singh Rajput has had a busy career, but he can’t stop thinking about his girlfriend, Tara. It has been thirteen years since her disappearance. 

A recent discovery of a dead body in a ligation land opens a can of worms. Inspector Arnav knows that it’s not a lone case but has very little to work on. It doesn’t help that the landowner is super rich and has enough influence to disrupt the case.  

As things are set in motion, Arnav realizes that the case has links to his past, and there’s someone out there who will do anything to prevent him from finding the killer. Can Arnav get to the root of the matter? What will it cost him? What does Tara have to do with everything?  

The story comes in the third-person POV of Arnav, Tara, and a couple of other characters. 

What I Like: 

As someone who devoured countless episodes of CID, Adalat, Arjun, Agent Raghav, PI, et al, reading this book was like revisiting the shows (albeit in a darker setting). Though I haven’t been to Mumbai, I identify the places from these shows. This familiarity is a definite plus. 

The book is a gritty and dark police procedural that reminded me of Madhur Bhandarkar movies. In fact, his film Chandni Bar shows the stark realities of dance bars, the connections with the Mumbai underworld, and prostitution. The book also has Ram Gopal Verma’s vibes (not his Twitter personality, but his movies like Company and Sarkar). 

Inspector Arnav is easy to like despite his flaws. Yeah, there were times I wanted to whack him on the head, but who doesn’t love a flawed character when he owns up to his mistakes and tries to become a better person? Tara and Zoya were well-etched. Nandini, too, though she is a little too flawless. 

There is a love track that is seamlessly integrated into the plot instead of providing relief from the tension. This helps in sustaining the tempo and the dark mood throughout the book. 

The story takes place during Dusshera and Diwali, which means there are enough references to Ravan Dahan. What I like (love) in this book is how Ravan is described as who he is. The killer is compared to Ravan for sexually assaulting, hurting, and murdering women. 

(This shouldn’t even be a point to highlight. However, two books I read this year by Indian American authors made me emphasize this point. Kaikeyi outright whitewashed Ravan’s rapes and presented him as someone who respects women. Then, recently, The Bandit Queens had a statement that Ravan was madly in love with Sita. After this level of self-proclaimed feminism, it’s a relief to read something that mentions things as they are.) 

Another aspect I like about the book is the maturity with which it deals with subjects like religion, politics, corruption, mafia, Bwood, etc. (It’s a relief to say this as a part of me was worried.) 

There’s no virtue signaling or targeting based on ideology. Things are presented as they are and used for the plot. The writer’s focus has to be plot rather than pseudo activism. The author maintains the balance throughout, making it a fairly realistic Indian police procedural (or crime thriller). 

The book deals with themes that have a great scope for graphical descriptions. While there is some description, it is not very detailed or graphic. This keeps the focus on the plot. The narration is controlled and gives enough information for the reader to imagine the rest. 

The climax is ek dum filmy, an advantage and a disadvantage. It worked well for me (mostly) as I like watching the shootout scenes in crime shows. However, for a book, the scenes feel a little too filmy. It was fun to imagine one of my favorite small-screen actors in the lead role. ;) 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

I’m not a fan of slow-burn thrillers (a reason why I don’t enjoy noir). This one picks up pace as the story progressed, but the beginning is slow. The chapters with the killer’s POV distract the focus from the main plot. Those are necessary later on, but I feel around 5 chapters could have been removed and the information scattered into the other chapters. It would have tightened the narration. 

A couple of words have incorrect meanings or spelling, though nothing that’ll affect your reading experience. One of them irked me as a South Indian, but I can see why it had to be done. (Indian readers, you know what I’m referring to.) 

To summarize, The Blue Bar is an Indian crime thriller that presents the dark aspects of society but with a great balance and maturity. It is a desi novel I’m glad to have read (after being burnt by you-know-what), and looking forward to reading the second book in the series. 

This book is not about exotic India with snake charmers or spicy cuisine. It is not about the dirty, poor, and stereotypical India where nothing good exists. The Blue Bar is India as Indians know it. It has good, bad, and ugly. Go with the right expectations, and you’ll enjoy the book more. 

I should mention that I read the author’s Twitter thread about hateful and racist DMs she received for the book. It is saddening to see that happen, though I wonder if the reason partly lies with the book not catering to either stereotype mentioned above. 

Thank you, Damyanti Biwas, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheBlueBar 

***

P.S.: I’m the co-founder and managing partner at The Hive Publishers. Damyanti has given us a wonderful foreword for our second book, Blood Runs Cold, a thriller anthology. She was our second guest at Heart2Heart with The Hive, an author-interview season hosted by my teammates. 

However, this association doesn’t affect my review. 

The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh - Book Review

The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh

Genre: Historical Fiction (War Fiction), Dual Timeline 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A less-explored area of WWI and WWII; Well-written 

*****

1917 England 

Marion has to leave the orphanage when she turns eighteen. With nowhere to go, she joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) as a typist before becoming a motorcycle dispatch rider on the Western Front. With her newfound friend Sara and best friend Eddie, Marion finally feels her life has a purpose. However, an unexpected tragedy can rip everything away from her. 

1936 England 

Evelyn has no desire to be a society girl or get married. When the impending war ends her car racing dreams, she signs up for the Women’s Royal Navy Service, which is active once more to serve in WWII. Her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t go home, but all Evelyn ever wanted was to be useful to the country. 

How do the lives of ladies from both war-ridden times meet at a common point? What does it mean for Marion and Evelyn? 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Marion and Evelyn. 

My Thoughts: 

The intriguing premise and the cover caught my attention. The book does justice to the relatively lesser-known area of wars. The author's note at the end was a treat to read. 

The first third of the book had a detailed backstory of our main characters. Though all of it was not war-related, I liked that I had a clear picture of their characteristics as the plot thickened. 

The mid-section of the novel dipped in pacing as it dealt with the part which connects with timelines. The pace picked up in the third part and ends on a bittersweet yet heartwarming note. 

Romance and love have a major share of the plot. While it fit the first timeline and was necessary, it somehow diluted the second timeline and even overshadowed the crux of the plot. 

However, Marion, Sara, Eddie, and Evelyn were engaging (and flawed) characters. They could keep me interested even when I skimmed through a few dragging scenes. Both timelines were well-developed, so that’s a definite plus. 

The writing was easy to read. It balanced internal and conflict well without delving too much into the horrific details of the war (after reading quite a few war fiction novels, I’m beginning to appreciate the ones that don’t provide graphic descriptions). 

I learned about the role of women during the wars and loved every bit of it. They were a crucial part of the network that kept the troops coordinated and ready for attacks. They did amazing work behind the scenes (why am I not surprised?). 

To summarize, The Call of the Wrens deals with the lesser-known roles of women during war as dispatch riders and pigeon trainers. It's an engrossing read with some memorable characters. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheCalloftheWrens 

Defence of Hindu Society by Sita Ram Goel - Book Review

Defence of Hindu Society by Sita Ram Goel

Genre: Nonfiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: To the point and informative; gave me more than what I expected 

*****

Sita Ram Goel was a communist-turned-anti-communist who wrote a series of books about the centuries of damage done to the Indian subcontinent and culture by several Islamic and European invasions. This book deals with an important theme of how native Hindus should stop being submissive (or ashamed of their identity) and learn to connect to their roots and understand their pagan heritage. 

There’s no fluff or needless commentary in this 110-page book. It is crisp, informative, and thought-provoking. The first chapter deals with biased media reporting, pseudo-activism in the name of caste and religion, and the mindless aping of the West without realizing the core differences in both societies. 

Polytheism is a recurring theme in the book and helps us understand why there is absolutely no reason to ignore it or try to fit Hinduism into the monotheism category. After all, all pagan and neopagan cultures followed polytheism and idolatry. The book also distinguishes between mysticism in terms of spirituality and mysticism in terms of theology. The clash of spirituality and theology presents an interesting discussion and encourages further reading. 

He also mentions the importance of symbolism and how appropriating the symbols or misusing them could take us further away from spirituality. This is 100% spot on, and the proof lies in the various yoga offerings (from beer yoga to gun yoga, naked yoga, and whatevercrap they come up with to commercialize a spiritual process) and the way some people throw around ‘your heart chakra is blocked’ in random comments. This particular point about separating symbolism from its core religion and spiritual roots applies to many ancient symbols that are now used to appear cool/ rebellious/ etc. 

The author also points out how saying ‘all religions are the same’ causes more harm than good. Wouldn’t it be better if we acknowledge that each religion is different and can be respected for what it is? Why not celebrate the diversity of religions instead of trying to chop and twist them into predetermined parameters? In an Abrahamic world, why should pagans go on the defensive to follow their cultural heritage? 

The international media loves to target a supposedly Hindu majoritarian India, but why don’t we see anyone writing about Islamic domination or Christian authority? No articles about non-Muslims as young as 9 being kidnapped, raped, converted, and married to men thrice their age (that too, as third and fourth wives) in Pakistan. There’s one case every week (sometimes more), but no one bats an eyelid. The great Ms. Malala doesn’t think these young girls deserve even a tweet of protest. How many Western media outlets covered the attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh? Why does no one talk about the minorities in Afghanistan or Baluchistan? Why is there hardly any protest about the grooming gangs in the UK? Don’t children deserve to be safe? 

Hindus are a global minority, and there isn’t a single official Hindu country (India is secular). The answer lies in many factors: 

• India is a third-world country 

• India has browns who are active Hindus (pagans or idolators or kufrs) 

The longer Hindus lie dormant or stay on the defensive, it easier it is to rule them (so what if the colonizers have left. They have created enough brown sepoys to take over). Read Krishen Kak’s experience when he wanted to research American life for his Ph.D. Was it easy for a brown Indian Hindu to show a mirror to the White West? You probably know the answer. 

Racism is real and active, especially in academics. Quote from the blog:

“Prof Klor de Alva: “Who are you to write this about us? Can this be written about your country too?”

Prof Boon: “Your behaviour is uncharacteristic of Hindu behavior”

Across the table it went, around those two statements of theirs I’ve never forgotten. Cutting, insulting, snubbing. K de A saying that all that was needed was to replace the title page with one saying “India”, and what’s the difference. Boon’s statement suggesting that Hindu (not Indian, mind you, but Hindu) behaviour is characteristically one of humility, of abject and grateful servility.” 

The book highlights the difference in the indoctrinated structure of monotheism and polytheism. When there’s only one god, one book, and one goal, it eliminates the space for others to exist. There is no acceptance of other/ different when ‘one’ is the central point. This may seem nothing when considered from an individual’s perspective. However, this resulted in wiping out civilizations and cultures over the centuries when masses denied the existence of anything other than their ‘one god’. 

The book doesn’t just work for Hindu awareness but also for self-awareness and for people to realize that their roots and spiritual well-being could have a common link. Exploring one could create a path to achieve the other and find their inner self. Those who can read it with a balanced mind will see how it could help a person to look beyond the basic constraints/ rules defined by religion and consider things from a spiritual and overarching perspective. 

The last chapter sums up the book in neat pointers and provides more information to deal with Hinduphobia. The intent is to have a thirst for native cultural history, go back to the basics, and learn with an open mind.  

 

The Blackhouse by Carole Johnstone - Book Review

The Blackhouse by Carole Johnstone

Publication Date: 3rd Jan 2023

Genre: Mystery/ Thriller, Gothic (?) 

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: Atmospheric, but the rest doesn’t live up  

Robert Reid moved to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland with his wife and son. He is an outsider and has a terrible secret to hide. Though Robert craves the security of a village community, his own fears prevent him from becoming one of the villagers. Soon, things go out of his control, and he has to pay the price. 

Maggie MacKay was five when she declared that she was a dead man from the remote island of Kilmeray. She claims that he didn’t drown but was murdered by one of the villagers. Two decades later, Maggie goes back to the village to find out what really happened in the past. It’s not easy, as the locals don’t want to talk to her, and someone is determined to drive her out. What’s more, Maggie is still a nervous wreck and doesn’t know what to believe. 

Can Maggie find the truth? What will it do to her? 

The story comes from the first-person POV of Maggie and Robert in a dual timeline. 

What I Like: 

The story is set in a fictional village (based on a real setting) in Scotland. The rugged cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and scattered homes come alive on the pages. 

The mood is dark, brooding, sinister, and uncomfortable almost throughout. It also has triggers (see at the end), which add to the mood (but also ruin the setting). 

Charlie is a wonderfully layered character and vital to the plot’s progress. He is one of the most well-written side characters I’ve read. 

Maggie’s mother is another intriguing character in the book. She is a passive yet constant presence in the book. But… (continued in the next section)

The theme of the small community sticking together and the conflicts between the villagers are well done. It establishes the strength and weaknesses of being a local community. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

The pacing is slow. While this is expected in the beginning, the narrative never really picks up speed. I resorted to speed-reading once I began to lose interest. 

Maggie and Robert are the voices of the book. Yet, both failed to make me feel anything for them. Maggie was a tad better, but Robert’s arc was left unexplored, with a few aspects being repeated throughout the book. If a reader likes a side character more than the MCs, it is rather telling. 

Maggie suffers from mental illness and is recovering from a breakdown. Yet, she jumps into insta-lust-love with Sexy Will, the local farmer. Will is actually a kind-hearted guy, but the focus isn’t on his attributes. I’m not sure how romance made the book better. Friendship would have worked just the same (or even better). 

Kelly is a bright, cheerful character, possibly someone to lighten up the dark mood. However, she only managed to annoy me most of the time. 

The book also relies on Norse mythology, but only to the extent of pushing a character over the edge of sanity. I didn’t particularly like this. There’s a lot more to pagan cultures than superstitions, sacrifices, or dark magic. 

Finally, the ending; there’s a twist (or several), but the final one dilutes what the plot has been building until then. I don’t fall into the majority category that likes the ending. For me, it looks like a final twist to surprise the readers and a convenient way to conclude the plot.  

To summarize, The Blackhouse is a slow atmospheric novel with a strong setting. Read the other reviews before you decide. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Scribner, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheBlackhouse 

TW: Mental illness, manipulation by a parent, murder of a child, attempted suicide, death of animals, infidelity. 

Delicious Death by Byrd Nash - Book Review

Delicious Death by Byrd Nash

Series: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2

Publication Date: 27th December 2022 

Genre: Paranormal Historical Mystery (Gaslamp Fantasy), Novella 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Witty, entertaining, and fun 

*****

Elinor is bored. There don’t seem to be any gruesome deaths that need solving. However, she is excited to enjoy her holiday in a small town, Vouvant, and take part in the Winter Revels event. Why would she say no to delicious food? 

But Elinor is not without projects for long. She has to save a young society lady from a society brute and help a grieving widow. What’s more, she also has to step in when her favorite chef is implicated due to an attempt on the king’s life. Elinor has help from Dr. Charlotte. But the duke feels he can solve the case before she can. 

Elinor, being her, has to prove him wrong. But can she handle all issues at once and not end up risking her life?

The story comes from Elinor’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The book is the second in the series and another fast-paced novella where Elinor is entangled in crimes of the nobility. The book should work as a standalone, though I recommend reading the first to get a better idea of the characters. 

There wasn’t a death in this book though we had ghosts in plenty. How can there not be a dramatic ghost to create a scene and maybe help Elinor?

I enjoyed the dynamics between Elinor and the duke. This book has more chemistry and sparks, showing that their track is slowly progressing… you know. ;) 

Dr. Charlotte had a bigger role in this book. It was great to know her a little more. Maybe we’ll get some backstory about her in one of the next books? 

A certain subplot was pretty much ignored in this book. Also, an issue with a ghost seemed to be resumed (as a presumption). 

The writing was easy and flowed well. The blend of genres was seamless and just the way I liked it. The depiction of nobility, their superiority complex, and the disconnect with reality were well-presented without shadowing the main plot. 

There was a teaser for book three, which showed that the bar had been raised higher. I’m also hoping the book throws light on the subplot. 

To summarize, Delicious Death is a fast and wholesome entertainer if you like mystery and ghosts in a historical setting. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Rook and Castle Press, and IBPA Member Titles, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #DeliciousDeath

***

Read the review of Ghost Talker (book 1). 

Last Dance on the Starlight Pier by Sarah Bird - Book Review

Last Dance on the Starlight Pier by Sarah Bird

Genre: Historical Fiction (Great Depression)  

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Umm… I don’t know. Kinda scattered 

*****

1932, Galveston

Evie wants to become a nurse. She is eager to shut off her dark past and move into a brighter future. However, this is easier dreamt than achieved. She goes through a series of hardships, trains to become a nurse but is denied her PIN, and finally joins a marathon dance group. 

Evie’s life changes as she meets different people and gets swept into their worlds. Depression is making everyone desperate, and her struggle to find love can ruin everything for her and others. Can Evie find what she cherishes the most and have a family to call her own? 

The story comes from Evie’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts:

The writing is beautiful but slow. I started to speed-read and found it much more to my liking. 

The book gives a glimpse into the lives of marathon dancers. This was a new topic for me, so it was informative and enjoyable. 

The story comes from Evie’s POV, and there’s some character growth to support it. However, the plot deals with too many issues, making the book a bit scattered. Also, I couldn’t connect with Evie or root for her. 

I’m still unclear about the core theme in this one. Is it Evie’s nursing? Is it about the Great Depression? Is it about falling in love with someone unavailable? Is it capitalism vs. communism? It is Catholic vs. Protestant? Is it about an abusive and selfish parent? Is it about homophobia? No idea. There’s a little of everything and nothing to anchor the reader. 

We had a solid plotline with Evie and her mafia friends. Then we jump to marathon dancers. We have a potential love track and some homophobia. The mafia family enters again. More drama and Evie is being the opposite of smart. Finally, there’s regret and reveal. Some happy news too. And then we have another sort of HEA that seems out of place in a book set in the early 1930s. 

There are quite a few characters to keep track of. I went with the flow as they seemed to pop in and out of the story whenever necessary. 

Not a fan of political commentary either, especially when some of it sounded more contemporary than historical. But I could be wrong as I don’t belong to the region. 

To summarize, Last Dance on the Starlight Pier is a novel with many themes and has a few good elements. But it is underwhelming as a package. Maybe removing extra elements and limiting the story to 350 pages or less would have made it compact. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

Crime Writer by Dime Sheppard - Book Review

Crime Writer by Dime Sheppard

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Thriller, Romcom

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Love it! 

*****

Evie Howland is working on the sixteenth book of her famous police procedural series. She is also trying to overcome writer’s block (shh! don’t even say that word aloud) and planning her wedding with a super-rich and handsome Daniel. She is used to seeing her characters in her house. But when the lead characters Carolyn and Jay become visible to just about everyone, Evie knows she is in trouble. 

Things get worse when psychopath killers from her books are also out in the open and going on a killing spree. The only way Evie can control the situation is by facing her biggest fears and overcoming them. Unfortunately, escaping to the fictional world is no longer an option for her. 

Can Evie do what it takes to save the day? 

The story comes from Evie’s first-person POV and a chapter of her book in the third-person narration. 

My Thoughts: 

Well, this is a wonderful surprise. I kept pushing the book down my list because of the page count (440 pages!). This is one of those rare instances when I wondered why I didn’t pick it up sooner. 

The book is a blend of genres and could pretty much be classified as contemporary/ urban magic realism (I created this subgenre), along with being a thriller and a rom-com. The idea is to go with the flow and enjoy where the author’s imagination takes you. 

As a writer, this is even more delightful and a wee bit scary. Imagine writing monsters and Hulders killing people. I sure don’t want them to come alive (so glad that I set my stories in forests). At the same time, I also want to create my perfect guy and make him appear in reality. It’s too tempting! 

Back to the book, the plot is whimsical, emotional (without being overwhelming), and action-intensive (especially in the second half). It is easy to visualize the scenes and would make a cool screen adaptation. 

Evie’s character starts off as a nerdy writer (even a little annoying, at times), but we see her depth as the story progresses. Jay and Carolyn are my absolute favorites. I mean, how can you not fall in love with Jay Ryan? 

Every book has a few clichés, and so does this one. Here, Evie straight out tells us that it is cliché, so it adds to the fun. Evie’s voice is fun to read. She can be dramatic, quirky, silly, stupid, and childish. It makes her a rather sweet and capable MC to carry the book on her fragile shoulders. 

As a fan of HEA, I am delighted by the ending. It is just right without being too sweet or sugary. And it also has a piece of advice for writers who want to make their characters appear in real life and keep them there (if you haven’t figured it out already, I am taking this seriously). 

My only grouse is that one important scene in the climax is (intentionally?) vague. It increases the anticipation to know what happens, but I had to read it twice to understand what was happening. Also, there are a few missed threads/ connections. I assumed the connections based on guesswork. 

To summarize, Crime Writer is a wonderfully quirky book and is a tasty mixed vegetable curry (Indians, you know what I mean). The first 10% is slow. Hang in there, and it’ll pick up the pace. 

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

#NetGalley 

***

This was a buddy read (my first ever) with Rosh (Reviews), and we loved gushing about how hard it was to stop reading (and get back to reality). Of course, we also decided to manifest our own Jay Ryan(s), one each. Wish us luck, guys! 

Sealkeeper by Ria Rees - Book Review

Sealkeeper by Ria Rees

Genre: YA Fantasy (& Romance)

4 Stars

One Liner: Enjoyable read 

*****

Tegwen is a guardian of the dream realm. Her job is to keep the seals safe and prevent the nightmares from entering the waking plane. Making a mistake could mean demotion if she gets caught. 

Namid has more nightmares than dreams. The Windigo doesn’t seem to leave her alone. Tegwen tries to repair the seal in her first solo shift but creates a mess. However, she decides to fix it on her own. Turns out that her decision puts more people in danger. Tegwen is still trying to find a way out when she has her first dream. 

Can she prevent further harm, or will her decisions lead to more chaos and terror? 

The story comes from Tegwen’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a short novella that reads at a steady pace. It’s neither slow nor fast and has the right amount of pacing to understand the setting and feel the terror. 

There aren’t too many details about the sealkeepers and their roles. It’s more enjoyable to go with the flow and take things in stride. A few things get revealed towards the end, but the setting is very much a work in progress. 

Tegwen is our narrator, and while she is brave, capable, and talented, she isn’t super easy to like (for an adult who dislikes characters making stupid decisions). She grows a little, but she’ll be my third favorite in the book. 

Namid is an Ojibwe girl with spunk, attitude, and vulnerabilities. TBH, I loved Namid more than Tegwen. She is more grounded despite the things in her life. Her character arc is really good. She’s my first favorite (if you haven’t figured it out). 

Ravi is Tegwen’s trainer and superior. He has a limited role in the story but shines whenever he makes an appearance (my second favorite). 

The book deals with themes of how things in real life reflect in our nightmares. I like the presentation of the concept and how it blends with the treatment of indigenous people. 

I first marked the book as MG fiction but realized it would be closer to YA. There isn’t information about their ages, so we have to guess it based on their voices and actions. 

To summarize, Sealkeeper is a lovely fantasy with interesting characters and an intriguing plotline. The ending is perfect for a sequel. I sure would love to read it. 

Thank you, Book Sirens and author Ria Rees, for the eARC. 

Murder in Chianti by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Murder in Chianti by T.A. Williams

Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 27th Jan 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining and fun 

*****

Rex Hunter, a millionaire, is found dead on his golf links. The sight of his bashed head is enough to show that it’s murder. But who wants to kill the owner of a prestigious golf and country club in Chianti? 

Turns out that Hunter had a thing for women. He was a bully, a womanizer, and a heartless man disliked and loathed by many. With the number of suspects increasing every hour, the case doesn’t look simple anymore. 

Being retired doesn’t mean Dan can spend the rest of his life away from crime, right? Dan agrees to help the local chief and his friend Virgilio catch the killer. Can Dan and Oliver (black Labrador) solve the case in time? Will there be more deaths to deal with? 

The story comes from Dam Armstrong’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Dan Armstrong and Oliver are back in action in the second book of the series. This reads very well as a standalone despite the continuing personal track from book one. There’s enough information for the readers to get the gist. 

My issue with long chapters continues in this one too. Please, once again, divide the chapters into smaller ones. It shouldn't take so much time to read a 250-page book (for a cozy mystery). Though the plot is different, I couldn’t help but find parallels in both books. 

The central plot is engaging with an array of suspects and new developments. The numerous characters are easy to track and remember. With most of them hating the dead man, it’s interesting to figure out the killer. I admit only one of my guesses is right. The reveal made sense and fit with the theme, so no complaints. 

Oliver is an adorable buddy and seems to be a ladies’ man. ;) I also like that Oliver isn’t just a pet but has an important role in the book. 

There will be new developments in Dan’s life next, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. I like the way the track is progressing. It feels natural. 

To summarize, Murder in Chianti is an entertaining cozy mystery (albeit a slower one) and a solid continuation of the series. Of course, I’m hoping for a fresh theme in the next book. 

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

#NetGalley # MurderinChianti 

Miss Newbury's List by Megan Walker - Book Review

Miss Newbury's List by Megan Walker

Publication Date: 07th Feb 2023

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining; a comfort read 

*****

1820, England 

Rosalind Newbury is engaged to marry a duke even without having a season. Her family sees it as an opportunity to increase their reach. Rosalind agrees to make her family happy. As the wedding date gets closer, she cannot help but feel suffocated and uncomfortable. She barely knows the duke and hasn’t had a chance to live life the way she wanted. 

Rosalind digs out a list from her childhood and is determined to complete it before the wedding. She thinks it’ll make her ready for the marriage. She seeks help from her dearest friend Liza. But Liza’s cousin Charlie also joins the gang. After all, a gentleman-turned-wayward boxer needs something to keep him entertained. 

As Ros ticks off each item on the list, she realizes more about her suppressed self. But with the wedding fast approaching, can she make a decision that’s right for her and her family? Is there a place for love and happy ever after? 

The story comes from Rosalind’s first-person POV. 

What I Like: 

This is a straightforward historical romance. It was rather a relief to read something simple and sweet. This is a clean romance, too (not that I mind some steam). 

The pacing is steady. I could finish the book in two days and didn’t have to speed-read either. 

The characters are neither too deep nor shallow. They have the right amount of depth to keep the whole thing light and easy on the mind. 

Rosalind, Charlie, Liza, and Ben are easy to like. They have their flaws but are loving, witty, and family-oriented. Ros can be a little childish, but she isn’t even eighteen, so that’s understandable. 

The banter between Ros and Charlie is fun to read. Some of it is silly, while some of their conversations are thoughtful and heartwarming. 

The secondary characters are also sweet and warm. They don’t get much space, but I can see the potential to turn this into a standalone series. There definitely is a track ready for the next book. 

It has HEA, which is always welcome (with exceptions). We know what will happen. It’s the how that matters, and this was entertaining pretty much throughout. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

The climax and resolution were too simple and flat. A little more tension would have made the ending much better. 

Rosalind’s father and the duke have very limited roles. We don’t see the duke until toward the end. By then, we already have our loyalties towards another character. The duke has to be live in action early in the book to build a case. It seems unfair that this happens to him (and a couple of dialogues don’t justify it enough). 

To summarize, Miss Newbury's List is a sweet regency romance with pretty likable characters and lighthearted banter. It works great as a breather or a comfort read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, for the eARC.  

#MissNewburysList #NetGalley

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff - Book Review

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff

Publication Date: 03rd Jan 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Dark Fiction (Lit Fic?)

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: I like it and hate it in equal measure 

*****

Geeta's abusive husband disappeared five years ago, making her an outcast in the village. People have decided she did something to get rid of him. Of course, it comes with perks, and Geeta is content to be left alone. 

However, when other women from the village start asking for her help to off their husbands, things start to spiral out of control. Geeta may be inspired by Phoolan Devi, but can she handle the worst that comes with it? 

***

How do you identify a progressive author of Indian origin? Their book has the following topics: 

• Poor India, slums, unclean villages 
• Hindu Vs. Muslim (beginning to feel bad for Indian Christians) 
• Upper Castes Vs. Lower Castes (upper caste are villains, lower castes are victims) 
• A patriarchal society with loads of women abuse 
• Targeting Hindu symbols, customs, and rituals 
• Abuse, misery, and anything that’ll make readers consider India the worst place in the world 

The Bandit Queen is no exception. It satisfies each element on the checklist and makes it a perfect choice for intellectual book club reads. However, the book has certain elements I like and enjoy. 

What I Like: 

The cover is fab. Love those eyes on the black background. So, so good! 

The kids are a treat to read. I wish the book had more of them instead of social activism. Be it Raees, Arhaan, or Irem, each has a distinct personality and is just as adorable (and funny). Irem deserved more space, given that she is the most likely candidate to take over when the time comes. 

The women, Geeta, Saloni, Farah, Priya, and Preity, are layered and flawed. They are much more than the first impressions, and knowing them through the course of the book makes them real (despite a few hiccups). ASP Sinha is another underexplored character. The author could have done so much for the plot with better priorities. 

The book has many references to CID (it is a popular crime show on Sony TV and one of my favorites). As someone who watched 1000+ episodes, it’s a treat to see it inspire women (let’s ignore that the inspiration is not something the channel intended). 

The story picks up pace in the second half. It is not fast but maintains a steady momentum. The climax is Bollywoodish but entertaining. Well, I can visualize the scenes playing out, so that’s a plus. 

The book has a good dose of dark and morbid humor. Some may find it strange, but I like it. The interactions are coarse, crude, and crass, which is exactly how it should be in such a setting. You have to listen to them speak to realize it. Some women use cusswords as a part of their speech, just like men do. And women from rural areas are more likely to have a colorful vocab with native cusswords.

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

The first half is slow, like really slooow. Imagine reading so much only to notice that you’ve completed just a quarter of the novel. This isn’t the kind of book I could speed-read. Sigh!

The dialogues! Yeah, I know it is hard to balance authentic Indian dialogues and their readability for a global audience. It will always be too desi or too western. This book tries hard to get the balance right and manages to a certain extent. But as a desi (#OwnVoice) reader, I could see how it is a weird blend of both. It was hard to sustain the image of Geeta when she sounds like an American in some places (yo, F*ck ya bitch*s) and a proper desi woman (I earn my own salt) the other time. 

The translated proverbs were just as strange. There’s only so much of ‘something black in the lentils’ I can tolerate before screaming. It doesn’t help that this appears around half a dozen times in the book. Please, don’t translate native proverbs into English. I endured the same in The Island of Missing Trees very recently. *sob* 

I don’t mind frustrated characters. They can be wonderful to read. Take one jab at something, and I’ll see it as a part of the plot and character arc. Do it repeatedly, and I’ll pick patterns. Wanna attack unfair societal rules? Go ahead. I’ll cheer for you. Want to use it as a ruse to target one religion, sorry, but no.  

• Attack mangalsutra as a sign of oppression (coz wedding rings and nikah don’t affect women at all!)
• Karva Chauth is a symbol of oppression (yeah, every woman hates her husband! Geeta is sure of this. I’ll leave it to married women to handle this claim) 
• Karva Chauth again- why add one more fasting to the list? (nevermind that the character wishes another character Eid Mubarak in the next scene. Muslims fast for a month during the Holy Ramadan period.)
• Temples blare, screech, & blast bhajans (I wonder which temples have such schedules; we don’t pray multiple times a day. Trivia: https://www.google.com/maps/search/jambusar+gujarat+mosque/@22.053285,72.7986077,15z/data=!3m1!4b1) 
• No caste in Islam (theoretically no; practically yes. But it’s the same with Hinduism. Varna is not caste or jati and is flexible. A person’s varna is determined by the character and not birth. Why use theoretical data for one religion and societal data for another? This analysis sums up the issue in the best possible manner.)

Trivia: Qureshi Vs. Saifi case and what happened to Danish Ansari 

• From what I know Yadavs are OBC (cattle rearers/ milkmen). 
• Dhobi (washer men) would be OBC or SC depending on the state (they are considered auspicious and invited to happy celebrations in Andhra) 

I could tell myself to ignore all of this in the name of creative freedom. But this (read below) is ridiculous. 

We have a three-page crash course on Ramayana because a book set in India is not complete with invoking Ramayana or Mahabharata. It adds nothing to the plot. Like zero. I still don’t mind. So what does this version of Ramayana say? It says Raavan was madly in love with Sita, and hence he kidnapped her. I literally choked on my glass of water when I read this. 

You write a book about perverted men abusing, raping, and controlling women and say that Raavan was in love with Sita. Irony downed itself in Bubble Tea. 

How is it that the difference between lust, dominance, and love is still not clear? Raavan was a rapist who abused countless women. (He was upper caste too, and the author could have made use of this to drive her point for the nth time. But no, he has to be in lovey-dovey love with Sita.) 

Oh, by the way, Raavan did not touch Sita because he was cursed that he would die (his head would be blown into a thousand pieces) if he ever touched a woman without her consent. The curse was given by Nala Kuber when Raavan raped Ramba, Nala Kuber’s fiancé. So, darlings, his lack of action had nothing to do with love or respect but everything to do with the curse. End of the crash course. 

A Few Other Hiccups: 

• Indians use the word postmortem more than an autopsy.
• Not sure why Farah wears a bindi (she is a Muslim). 
• Some terms used by the characters contradict the setting and characterization. There is less probability of them knowing such information. 

To summarize, The Bandit Queens is a book I like and hate in equal measure. I love the layered characters and compelling plotline. But I cannot ignore the attempts at presenting a poor, pathetic, ugly, dirty India with Indians who can’t think beyond caste and religion. This has been an image the developed countries love and expect from third-world countries. I’m tired of authors catering to such needs and playing an earnest brown sepoy. 

I won’t deny the existence of ugly in my country. But we have so much good too. We have people working for equality, balance, and overall growth of the country. Presenting a more balanced view wouldn’t make you any less of an activist. 

I came across a couple of reviews mentioning they have a much lower opinion of Indian society after reading the book. Well, I have a perfect reply for this, I’ll share this instead. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk on the danger of a single story. Listen to it from minutes 10 to 12. That is my answer.  

The saddest part is that such stereotypes are encouraged and cemented by authors of Indian origin, which adds a false layer of credibility to the narrative and makes them ‘more authentic’. This view doesn’t consider that the author’s personal perceptions and ideology are the foundation of the plot. Hetero, we have a bundle of stereotypes presented as an entire country. 

To quote Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, ‘show a people as one thing, as an only thing over and over again, and that is what they become’. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Ballantine Books, for the eARC. 

#TheBanditQueens #NetGalley 

*****

P.S: The author mentions how she was worried about milking Phoolan Devi’s name and past for the book and that it wasn’t her intention. She doesn’t have to worry about it. She doesn’t commercialize Phoolan Devi. She commercializes and sells dirty India instead. Something that’ll bring more fame and accolades. 

I mention this because the author has enough talent to create characters that carry a story without relying on a checklist. 

Tales Untold: Mythos Around the World Anthology - Book Review

Tales Untold: Mythos Around the World Anthology 

Genre: Folklore, Retellings, Short Stories 

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: A mixed bag with some intriguing stories 

Tales Untold is a collection of fifteen short stories that deal with various folklore and mythologies from around the world. Each story is based on a lore/ myth/ part of an epic and is represented with a fresh twist. There’s a brief intro about the lore at the beginning of each story. This helped me understand the plot. 

As with all anthologies, some stories are great, some are decent, and a few didn’t make any impact. I’ve listed the ones I loved and the ones that had potential but didn’t reach the mark (for me). 

Real Good Stories (4 stars)

The Littlest Rose: I love this heartwarming story. It is a little preachy and tries to balance it out at the end. But the story of the Blackfeet tribe, the lives of Native Americans, and the bullying by the settlers (White people) was very well done. 

A Final Cut: This story combines two myths about the dead, and the result is a scary yet satisfying read. Imagine shaving the dead to soothe the spirit! The writing is descriptive but compact, with a steady pace and solid ending. 

The Young Man and The New World: It starts slow with long-winded sentences, but once the action begins, the story flows well and keeps the reader interested. I like the blend of myths too. It’s MG fiction, so even better for me. 

The Fairy Soldier's Last Request: This started okay but got interesting as it progressed. I love the flow and execution. The formatting needs to work to make it more readable (it got a bit confusing to track when the flashback ended and started again). 

Decent Stories (3-3.5 stars)

The Tomb of Squire Cabell: This one deals with the lore of the Hound of Baskervilles. The concept was intriguing, but the setup took up too much space. The end was rather rushed and didn’t cause any emotional impact. 

The Crane In The Mist: This story is based on Kodava lore from India. I enjoyed the plot, but it didn’t hit the mark. I thought it would. The ending is okay but missing something. 

Never Trust a Fae: The plot is dark and really good until I realized that the narrator’s a male. Here I am, thinking it is a sad Sapphic romance, and bingo, the narrator is a ‘him’. A male character’s voice has to sound distinct from a female character's. 

The Gandharva: Set in Kerala (India), it’s a retelling of the story of a Gandharva. I wanted more from it, though. The ending seemed too easy. It needed a little more drama and tension. 

Halcyon Days: It is an innovative retelling of Greek lore about Kingfisher birds. The writing is easy and fluid. The ending is compact and sweet. 

The Emissary: This is the last story in the book. It has a mashup of Gods and lore from different cultures. The first third of the story was a little boring (just not my thing), but the rest was engaging and entertaining. 

The overall writing styles are easy to read; some were better than others. As this is an ARC, I’m hoping the random typos will be weeded out. 

To summarize, Tales Untold is an intriguing collection of short stories with varied themes. Each of them is distinct and will appeal to different audiences. Grab the book and find your favorites. 

Thank you, Ravens & Roses Publishing, for the eARC.