The Witches of Bone Hill by Ava Morgyn - Book Review

Publication Date: 26th Sep 2023

Genre: Gothic Women’s Fiction, Paranormal 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Great atmosphere but gets burdened by unwanted elements 

Cordelia Bone’s life is now a mess. Her husband’s affair and debts push her to the brink of ruin. With loan sharks threatening dire consequences, she doesn’t know what to do. A sudden call from her sister, Eustace, gives a ray of hope. Aunt Augusta may be estranged, but since she named them in her will, the sisters can sell her house and make money. 

They fly to a remote town in Connecticut to realize that the house is in proper Victorian Gothic style. Cordelia knows her experience as a real estate agent will come in handy. However, the lawyer informs them about the additional stipulations. Also, Cordelia’s extra-sensory talents are back in action. 

The house has too many secrets to unearth (including the dark past of the sexy tattooed groundskeeper). Digging into it may offer some answers about their dead mother and Cordelia’s skills. However, there’s danger everywhere. 

The story comes in Cordelia’s third-person POV. 

What I Like: 

Aunt Augusta’s estate and the setting is wow. The house is a character of its own (though this gets diluted due to extra elements) and is quite creepy. I love every bit of the description of the estate. It’s dark, brooding, sinister, and tangible. 

Cordelia’s initial struggle in using vs. suppressing her talents is well done. Her desire to lead a ‘normal’ life and the consequences of her decisions align with the creepiness of the house. 

Eustace is my favorite character in the book. It’s too bad she doesn’t get her own POV and still manages to shine bright. She is the one who keeps things going when Cordelia sulks around. 

The ghosts are great, though. I like that each has a definite personality and is easy to track. They have unfinished business but are also protective of their family. 

The concepts of runes, coded writing (recipe books), secret rituals, etc., are interesting to read. There are some eww moments, which cannot be helped when you get into a dark basement with weird tools and scattered bones. 

The pacing gets better in the last quarter where things move faster. But this means the atmosphere doesn’t hold steady. Still, I’m glad I could sit for a few minutes extra and finish the book instead of slogging through the second half. 

The last chapter serves as an epilogue. It fills the gaps and provides a satisfactory ending. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

The entire story comes in Cordelia’s POV (thank god for the third-person narration). However, she is hard to connect with. Though initially I empathized with her, as the story progressed, I found her voice uneven and erratic. She also sounds whiny and immature in some places. 

Moreover, Eustace is a great character despite not getting an in-depth arc. I like her a lot more and couldn’t help but wish at least half the chapters come in her POV. It would have balanced the narrative. Though Cordelia is the MC and gets to save the day, I wouldn’t mind if it was otherwise. 

The pacing is super slow. While this is necessary in the beginning to establish the setting and atmosphere, the story gets bogged down by too many elements. There’s a mysterious stalker, a creepy lawyer, Gordon (the love interest with a romantic track we could do without), a mafia lender (he wasn’t necessary since Cordelia had enough troubles to handle), a useless ex who gets a full chapter, and Cordelia going back and forth. Yep, it’s quite exhaustive and distracting from the central plot. 

It’s a good thing this book is not marketed as a mystery (or is it?) since the clues are way too obvious and in the face. I’m sure everyone except the main characters figured out the danger and attacker. 

I knew there would be a love track with Gordon in the picture. I wish it was believable or at least a real slow burn. This one doesn’t feel organic, and the third-act breakup is so stupid. It may seem like a way to advance the plot, but man, it’s horribly done. I can’t sugarcoat this. 

To summarize, The Witches of Bone Hill has terrific potential but manages to deliver in bits and pieces. It would have worked better if the focus was limited to the house, family history, and the sisters instead of trying to force-fit too many threads.  

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Griffin), for the eARC. 

***

TW: Animal harm and death. 

Last Word to the Wise by Ann Claire - Book Review

Series: Christie Bookshop #2 

Publication Date: 03rd Oct 2023

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery, Contemporary 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Fun and entertaining (needs some serious fine-tuning) 

Meg and Ellie Christie are sisters running their family bookshop, Book Chalet, in the Last Word town. Apart from the love for books and mysteries, the sisters also have a bad dating history as a common factor. However, they end up agreeing to be test dummies for a double blind date set up as a part of her latest entrepreneurial venture by Cousin Lorna.  

Ellie’s date ends up as boring as she expected it. Meg, however, has a good time and makes plans to meet her date the next day. Of course, they soon find out that the man has been murdered. Meg is the prime suspect, and the sisters have no choice but to become active investigators. It doesn’t help that Meg’s scumbag ex is back in town, acting too sweet and trying to manipulate their fourteen-year-old daughter Rosie. The sisters need to sort out the issues before they can breathe easy! 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Ellie Christie. 

My Thoughts: 

I enjoyed the first book and was excited to read this one. Luckily, I could get the ARC and enjoy it before the release. 

The beginning is slow, like the previous one, but picks up pace after 30%. Though the book should work as a standalone, it might be better to read the first as well. Last Word has some eccentric and loud characters that may seem overwhelming without a proper introduction. 

This one combines mystery and subplot (the sisters’ lives) quite well. There’s a potential love track for Ellie and the police officer. Though cliché, it might work for the duo. Let’s see where it goes. 

Agatha C (cat) Christie, the Siamese cat, makes her presence felt just by being who she is. After all, Agatha is a celebrity with more followers than the bookshop. And as expected, the book has plenty of references to Christie’s mysteries.

Gram and Rosie also have some space, though I wish they were around for more. Rosie’s vulnerability comes out well, though I wish Ellie would have helped the girl understand a few things. The issue with Meg’s ex (Rosie’s dad) could have been better handled. Just one dialogue from Ellie would have done the job and showed that she is a capable aunt (loving isn’t enough; she ought to guide her niece too). 

Lorna contributed to the comic factor initially but soon became infuriating. I hope the sisters can stop being emotionally manipulated and set healthy boundaries. 

The mystery is decent, with enough suspects, red herrings, and clues. However, I am disappointed by the reveal. The killer was a surprise, but made me curious to see how and why (it’s not often that I get this wrong). That said, the motive is weak and doesn’t feel logical. It can still make sense if a few more details are added to iron out the wrinkles. (This is an uncorrected proof, so maybe they’ll do the needful). 

The setting is beautiful. It’s wintertime, with snow, cold, and frost. The gondola is mentioned a few times but is not a part of the story (like in the first one). We also meet a couple of mules (again). I love how the cover incorporates the various elements from the setting and the plot. 

To summarize, Last Word to the Wise is an entertainer with good doses of banter, gossip, drama, and sleuthing. The cozy bookshop is a definite bonus. 

Thank you, Ms. Diaz, from Random House Publishing Group – Bantam and NetGalley, for the eARC on my request.  

#NetGalley #LastWordtotheWise

The Cottage at Whisper Lake by Phillipa Nefri Clark - Book Review

Series: Temple River #1 

Publication Date: 25th Sep 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Dual Timeline 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming 

***

Sadie Forest is back in River End after fifteen years. She wouldn’t have been here if not for her mother’s call to sort out the family business and house after her father’s death. Back in the town, Sadie feels familiar yet different. She is still haunted by the bittersweet and painful memories of her childhood. 

One day, Sadie chances upon a lovely cottage near Whisper Lake. She also meets the reclusive owner, Rebecca Meyers. The old lady is intriguing and has a troubled past of her own. When she asks for help, Sadie knows she will do what she can. Maybe this could be her chance to finally lay her demons to rest. 

Of course, there’s Dan, the builder, a handsome and kind man liked by many. Sadie needs to make a lot of decisions! 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Sadie Forest and the first-person POV of young Becky (past timeline). 

My Thoughts: 

This is an Australian small-town book set around the fictitious Temple River, in the coastal Victoria state. The setting is beautiful, with cliffs, jetty, lake, hill slopes, and open lands. Though there isn’t much about the town, we get to see a few local stores and briefly meet their owners. 

Sadie is a documentary producer who tackles serious topics like the impact of finances on seniors, etc. Though she claims to have gotten over her past issues with her father, we see that’s not the case. All those years of therapy didn’t help for sure. 

It takes a while to get used to the interactions between Sadie and her mother, Pam. That’s because Sadie hasn’t really kept in touch with her. Both women have changed, and this makes things a bit tentative. I like how they continue to support each other despite the uncertainty. Their relationship strengthens as they start to heal. 

Sadie is easy enough to like, though she willingly does/ says a few things that put her in a not-so-good light. The narrative keeps things clear, so it is easy to see her thoughts and the reason for her actions, even if we don’t always agree with them. 

Rebecca, aka Becky, is another complex character. Her older self is different yet the same as her younger version. I admit to being confused about her age in the past timeline. The first-person narrative doesn’t reveal her age (we get a clue after a couple of chapters) for a long time. And given how Becky is literally cooking and cleaning like a grownup, I had a little tough time picturing her age. (Thanks for your help when I tried to figure it out, Rosh.)

The book is heavy on emotions, acceptance, forgiveness, and healing. While this doesn’t make it a light read, it also doesn’t get too overwhelming. We get some lighter and gentler moments, too. Percy, the black cat, helps a lot. Little Charles, too, is an adorable young boy. 

The love track between Sadie and Dan is well done. It’s there but not too evident. The connection feels realistic enough, mainly because Dan is composed, assertive, and stable. He has already healed himself, so he is patient with Sadie as she tries to sort through her issues. And this is a clean romance. 

A crucial element relies on a minor character we aren’t familiar with. This makes it hard to understand their motivations and actions. It’s almost like we need to accept certain things at face value and go with the flow. I wish this was better handled. 

However, Sadie’s inquisitive nature plays a role in connecting the dots. We do see a hopeful ending (or a new beginning) for the main characters. There isn’t an epilogue, but we have an HFN. Since this is a standalone series, I’m hopeful Sadie and Dan will be recurring characters. 

To summarize, The Cottage at Whisper Lake is a heartwarming story on the heavier side. It deals with various themes, though they are all centered around family and relationships. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheCottageatWhisperLake

The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair by K.H. Saxton - Book review

Publication Date: 19 September 2023

Genre: Middle-Grade Cozy Mystery 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Aww… adorable (but a little slow-paced) 

Dr. Alistair Fairfleet, the eccentric chairman of the museums of the Fairfleet Institute, has disappeared without a sign. Everyone is worried about him. Fifteen days later, four people associated with the museums get letters from him. The fifth letter goes to the A&A Detective Agency run by Alex and Asha, two smart twelve-year-olds. 

Dr. Alistair invites all of them to use his clues and uncover the mystery behind his disappearance. The young detectives are eager to prove themselves. They solve puzzles and riddles dealing with art and archeology. But can they reach Dr. Alistair on time, or are they too young to handle the unseen risks? 

The story comes in the omnipresent third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Who can resist a good detective mystery with two young detectives? Not me, for sure! This book has Asha Singh and Alex Foster running the A&A Detective Agency in Alex’s tree house. The kids are smart, intelligent, witty, and super cute. They do have ‘professional disagreements’ but learn to work through their differences. 

The kids have different personalities, highlighted in many scenes. Asha is particular about rules (though she understands some rules should be flexible when you are a detective). Alex is a rule-breaker with a flair for dramatics and a little guy who does like to give in to his emotions (he sure doesn’t like his favorite people being on the suspect list). This makes them real and easy to relate to. 

It’s been a long time since I read a book in the third-person omnipresent POV. This brings the narrator's voice into the picture and elevates the book. The voice is cheeky, witty, and has a touch of light humor. I chuckled quite a few times when reading the book. The pacing is slow, though. 

The mystery combines brainy puzzles and some action. I like how the investigation doesn’t put the kids at risk (except in one instance, which is more of an architectural problem). There’s no ‘bad guy’ either, so the children are safe biking around in their small town. Since the story is set during the summer holidays, they don’t miss school. 

Despite being middle-grade fiction, the adults in the book are quite good. Though they aren’t elaborate, we know enough of them to understand their character arcs. And every adult is distinct, bringing a nice flavor to the plot. 

There’s a cat, Captain Nemo, who sadly doesn’t get much space except in a couple of scenes. We also see an old doggie, Don Quixote (aka Donkey), who belongs to Alex’s family. Even the parents are pretty much absent. While they are mentioned, none of them have an actual dialogue. 

The book is set in Northbrook and has the feel of a larger small town. There isn’t much to visualize the location but the campus, museums, etc., are easy to imagine. 

My favorite part is the acknowledgment that the ‘artifacts’ in the museums have dubious backgrounds and the ethical dilemma it brings. It’s no secret that many pieces from other cultures have either been stolen or forcefully taken from their lands to be displayed in the US, UK, and European museums. To see a children’s book deal with this topic makes me happy. Kids need to understand that the cultural heritage belonging to other lands is not for entertainment in foreign museums. Our gods are not to be kept in glass boxes. They belong to our lands and our people. They belong to us. 

Recently, the New York Metropolitan Museum agreed to return 15 idols belonging to India. Over the last few years, we have received about 150 ancient artifacts that should have never left our land. We also got back the weapon (Wagh Nakh) that belonged to Shivaji Maharaj. As expected, it was displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK.

The Cambodian idols are also still in the US museums, denying people to worship their gods the way they should be. A couple of months ago, Sophiline Cheam-Shapiro wrote about her experience at The Met where she was asked to leave for performing the Cambodian traditional dance of prayer with permission. 

To summarize, The Fairfleet Affair is a witty and smart detective mystery with two intelligent kids working together and independently to solve their special case. Both our detectives get equal importance and prove themselves. This book is standalone from what I know but would be a wonderful short series.

Thank you, NetGalley and Union Square Kids (a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing), for the eARC.  

#NetGalley 

***

The cover is cute enough and details the agency’s office. However, it doesn’t exactly catch the eye. I zeroed in on the book based on the title and genre. The blurb (and Asha) was my reason for requesting the book. I wouldn’t say no to a brighter cover. 

Murder in the Blitz by F.L. Everett - Book Review

Series: An Edie York Mystery #1 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 21st Sep 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery, WWII 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Decent but slow and long 

Manchester, 1940 

Edie York joined the newspaper office hoping to become a stylish and real wartime reporter. However, she ends up as a secretary, multitasking throughout the day but bored out of her wits. A certain development leads her to the soldier training site and makes her a witness to the death of a Home Guard soldier. 

Edie is excited, knowing the case is her ticket to prove her abilities as a crime reporter. However, she soon realizes it’s harder than it looks, and the stakes are high. 

DI Louis Brennan is arrogant and infuriating. He doesn’t even take Edie seriously. But when things get dangerous, he agrees to help her. Yet, it won’t be easy for Edie to find the truth. Can she solve her first case without getting killed? 

The story comes in Edie’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

As the first in the series, the book sets the stage by introducing Edie York and the setting. We meet various characters, though only a few are important for the plot. The WWII backdrop is well done. There are recurring instances of rations, air raids, volunteering work, etc. 

The newspaper office and its employees are also easy to visualize. We see the difference in how men and women are treated at work and in general. This was when times were changing, and women were actively doing ‘men’s work’ but still got overlooked. 

The plot, as such, is simple enough to follow. The mystery has interesting elements, too. However, the MC is a major letdown. While I understand her motivations and some of her actions, she fails to make a good impression for the majority of the book. 

I’ve tried to excuse a lot since this is Edie’s first case (she is bound to stumble). Sure, she is talented at writing obituaries, and the unexpected promotion gives her a chance to investigate a crime. However, for someone who devours so many mysteries, she doesn’t seem to have a basic understanding of how to handle a case. Just about everything is a mess. It’s as if the MC doesn’t bother using her brain much (not until it’s too late). Surely, a wannabe crime reporter wouldn't say something like he’s my boyfriend (that too a very recent development), so he can’t be a suspect (despite the red flags). Ridiculous! 

The writing is heavy and slow. The first-person narration results in a lot of blabbering and excessive descriptions. This makes the book feel 100 pages longer than its actual 300-page count. Also, I dislike long chapters. The first chapter was long and ended at 10%. (This is an uncorrected proof, so I’m hoping it will read better in the final version. It’ll need helluva edits). 

Despite everything, I am interested in the second book. Edie did seem like she learned her lessons. I can only hope she will display a better sense of judgment and balance in the coming book. Fingers crossed! 

To summarize, Murder in the Blitz does offer a good setting and portrayal of the Blitz and how it affected ordinary people. As a mystery, it is yet to step up and deliver. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderintheBlitz 

Christmas at the Cat Café by Jessica Redland - Book Review

Publication Date: 15th Sep 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Nice, but that’s it 

Tabby is an ailurophile (cat lover). She has always wanted to own a cat café to combine her love for cats and baking. The inheritance from her Nanna makes her dream come true. However, days before the opening, Tabby’s boyfriend Leon decides he’s not up for it and breaks off. Tabby is heartbroken but knows she can’t let him shatter her dreams. 

However, with her medical condition (still a secret from her family) and business hurdles, it will take a Christmas miracle to save her business from loss even before it has opened. Also, someone out there could be sabotaging her café. 

The story comes in Tabby’s first-person POV. 

What I Like: 

The setting is beautiful, be it the small town with friendly business owners or the interiors of the cat café with murals. It’s easy to visualize most of it. 

The book has fifteen cats! Each has a name and is described (color, breed, etc.). I didn’t note it all, but I’m sure it would have been a fun exercise. They have distinct personalities, too. I have a friend with around 18+ cats (adopted strays), so I thought of her immediately. 

Tabby’s family is wonderful (even if her brother annoyed me at one point). They are supportive, caring, and ready to step in and help whenever necessary. Tom is a sweetheart, of course. I wouldn’t have minded if he had more depth. It would have helped his arc more. 

Tabby has fibromyalgia, a chronic medical condition that causes varying degrees of body pains, fatigue, and brain fog. I love how this aspect is seamlessly incorporated into the plot. While it may seem a little excessive, it is not. This condition is life-altering and can affect a person (and their family) any day. So, every day they wake up pain-free is a win. It makes sense to include this (especially since the book is in the first person). I learned a lot about fibromyalgia and how to handle it positively, which is a definite plus. 

The traffic lights and spoon theory used to measure her pain/ fatigue levels is a great addition. I really liked this concept. 

There’s HEA and an epilogue, so another yay! 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

With Christmas in the title, I expected it to have a bigger role in the book. However, the story starts in November. We get to the first week of December in the last quarter. Not much of Christmas in this one, except for the Spirit part, which, TBH, can be used any time of the year. People helping others isn’t seasonal. 

The cover makes the book appear to be a warm and cozy romance. However, romance is secondary and not so well done. While it does have warm moments, the love/ romance angle doesn’t hit the mark. 

Despite the first-person narration, I couldn’t see Tabby in love with the guy. But I could see his love for her almost from the beginning. It works to an extent as the FMC is in another relationship at the beginning, gets dumped, and has to recover. Even then, when the shift happens, it doesn’t seem convincing from her side but is spot on from his side. Go figure! 

The narration is long-winded and slow. It drones on in some places, and there’s quite a bit of repetition. Moreover, I’m not that into dubbing for cats (or animals) and having a two-way conversation with myself. I do talk to animals and non-living objects, but I don’t put words into their mouth and make them talk back to me in different voices. This is a little weird. 

I could spot the culprit for sabotage right away. Not an issue since this is not a mystery. It was supposed to be obvious. However, that track didn’t have to be so long. No need to give so much importance to a fourth-party character, even if there’s a sort of lesson in there. 

Reading the author’s note was enlightening and informative. I didn’t like a certain plot development and wondered about the reason behind it. The author wanted to write about a character with fibromyalgia (a great choice) and a cat café (another good choice), so she decided to combine both. However, the subsequent developments weren't that good.  

To summarize, Christmas at the Cat Café is nice enough but didn’t charm me as I hoped it would. It’s a one-time read and might be better suited for the series/ author’s fans. 

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

#NetGalley #ChristmasattheCatCafé

***

TW: Animal death (accident) 

The League of Lady Poisoners by Lisa Perrin - Book Review

The League of Lady Poisoners: Illustrated True Stories of Dangerous Women by Lisa Perrin, Maria Trimarchi (Foreword), Holly Frey (Foreword)

Publication Date: 19th Sep 2023

Genre: Nonfiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Poison-licious ;) 

Poison has been declared as a woman’s weapon of choice for murder. But is it really true? We know about some famous women who poisoned several people (for various reasons). Do we know why? How did poisoning become such a convenient way to get rid of someone? Which plants are toxic, and why do they also heal when taken in the right quantities? 

This book discusses the answers to these questions and more. Whether you are a mystery lover, history buff, or true crime fan, The League of Lady Poisoners is sure to give you some interesting insights. 

The book starts with a foreword and introduction. I love how the author explores the theme while pointing out many stereotypical issues that have become ‘facts’. Misogyny, gender restrictions, social constraints, oppression, witch hunts, media and historian bias, etc., play a role in how women ended up becoming famous for using poison to murder. 

The author mentions that the book mainly deals with white women as she couldn’t find records for a more diverse and inclusive collection. After a brief timeline about poisons, we read about different poisonous plants around us (my favorite section), followed by venomous animals, and poisonous elements (with lots of data about arsenic, the most famous poison of all time).  

There are bits and pieces about how these minerals were in wallpapers, cosmetics, gowns, etc., leading to millions of deaths over time. Then, we finally get to the core theme of the book- lady poisoners from history and glimpses into their lives. The list is categorized into sections based on what could be the possible motive for the murders.

The list starts with Locusta from Rome, the lady assassin with a vast knowledge of plants. She was a healer and a killer. The ladies mostly come from humble backgrounds with little or no means to survive and had to find ways to make a living. 

The famous Vishakanyas from India are also on the list. This trope is still famous in our daily soaps (sigh!). Of course, Chanakya’s role has to be discussed (and how he fed small amounts of poison to Chandragupta Maurya to promote natural resistance in his body against poisonous attacks from enemies). 

Then there’s Sally from the Caribbean, who took matters into her hands in Bermuda to fight slavery. Since she was a mixed-race woman, there isn’t enough about her earlier days, but we do know how she was sentenced to death by a jury of white men. The government of Bermuda has erected a 10-foot statue in 2008 to honor her. 

We also find Cleopatra, Marie Lafarge, Mary Ann Cotton, Viva Murano, Lucrezia Borgia, Wu Zetian (the only woman ruler in China), Queen Ranavalona (the first female monarch in Madagascar who also fought French colonizers and Christian missionaries), Tillie Klimek, Frances Howard Carr, Christiana Edmunds, etc. 

I love the bibliography at the end. It’s extensive but also neatly structured with headings and references, making it easy to look up more information for individual segments and people. 

How can I end my review without talking about the illustrations? The art is exotic, dark, and bold, tinged with humor. It elevates the content and perfectly aligns with the writing style (which has good doses of dry and sarcastic one-liners). And why not? The author is also an award-winning illustrator, and it shows in her artwork. 

To summarize, The League of Lady Poisoners is a comprehensive collection of all things poison, with a major focus on women branded as lady poisoners. This book is best enjoyed in smaller doses. ;)  

Thank you, NetGalley and Chronicle Books LLC, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheLeagueofLadyPoisoners

***

P.S.: I can’t help but wonder if the author would want to create a tarot/ oracle deck on this theme. I sure will buy it even if the currency exchange rate burns my pocket. 

The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan - Book Review

Publication Date: 12th September 2023

Genre: Middle Grade, LGBTQ+, Magic Realism 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming (but the writing style is not for everyone) 

***

Annie’s moms own a beautiful bookstore and live in the apartment above. Moms, Annie, and her older sister Charlotte are a perfect family. But every family has issues, especially when they have worries about finances, identity, and a touch of erratic magic. 

The Birch Books bookshop selects a few books for readers every day. However, the yellow and purple-covered book is not taken by anyone. How can that be possible? As days go on and the lonely book has no takers, the bookshop becomes anxious and distressed. It affects Annie, our darling narrator. Can she and her family find the person and unite them with the lonely book? And why is Charlotte so angry? 

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

My Thoughts: 

The book has four main characters, Mum, Mama, Charlotte (a sixteen-year-old), and Annie, the youngest in the family. They love each other and love the bookshop just as much. Everything seems okay, but things happen and can be sorted too. 

The story comes in verse though I wouldn’t call it poetry. It’s prose poetry at the most, with multiple repetitions. The best way to enjoy the book is to read it in Annie’s voice, the way it is meant to be read. Think of a little girl (possibly around 8) with a kind heart, open mind, and a gentle soul. She loves to talk and emphasize her points through repetition. 

It takes a while to get used to the narrative style. But once you’re familiar with it, the flow is smoother and faster. Don’t look for meters or rhymes. Find your rhythm and flow with it. Also, try to read it in a single sitting. A break means you may have to get used to the style yet again. 

The story, as such, is beautiful, warm, and heart-touching. It deals with a few topics, but the primary focus is on understanding gender identities and coming out. It also deals with selective mutism and the positive ways to handle the issue. The story oozes love and bonding while showing how anxiety, worries, and stress co-exist with love (even when the love is healthy). 

The core theme of non-binary gender identity is introduced halfway through the book. It is presented in the most simplified format, making it easy for kids to understand. Annie represents the young minds that want to learn new things but can feel overwhelmed by excess information. 

Sensitive topics are handled with care and a good dose of positivity. It’s the kind that fills kids with gentle confidence to face life’s challenges their way. Naturally, the book has characters more open and accepting towards queer identities. But that’s necessary too. 

I like how the bookshop is a tangible being with emotions and expresses it by throwing books off the shelves, ringing the bell, messing with the cash machine, etc. While this magic is not explained, it aligns with Annie’s anxiety, making it easy to relate to the emotions. In a way, you could say that the bookshop expresses the feelings of its owners (all four of them). It is happy when they are happy and agitated when they are stressed. 

The book doesn’t have illustrations. At least the ARC doesn’t (and no, the chapter titles don’t count). This is disappointing as I expected at least a handful of illustrations of the bookshop, the main characters, their home, Annie’s room, etc. 

To summarize, The Lonely Book is a sweet book dealing with some important topics with a positive intent. If you want to talk about gender identity, anxiety, selective mutism, and Sapphic parents, this is for you. 

Don’t skip the author’s interview at the end. It is informative and explains a few things from the book (not the magic, though). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Little Island Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheLonelyBook

***

P.S.: I’m not sure how this would work on Kindle, though the formatting isn’t complex. I read it on my desktop, which was easier on the eyes. The paperback would be most convenient for the target age group. 

My Rogue to Ruin by Erica Ridley - Book Review

Series: The Wild Wynchesters #4 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 12th Sep 2023

Genre: Historical Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

***

Lord Adrian Webb is a rakish scoundrel banished from the country by his father around ten years ago. He is back in London to meet his little sister, Iris, the only family member whose opinion matters to him. However, his little forgery, a source of his income, lands Adrian in hot water. 

The Wynchester family has its own rules. They will do almost anything to help those who need it. They are knights in shining armor, with varied skills to their names. Marjorie is the youngest sister, an artist, and a wallflower protected by the family. 

However, when they get a case of counterfeit pennies, Marjorie steps up to solve it. This leads her straight to Adrian and his heart. But the duo has a few hurdles to clear before they can talk about their personal lives. The villain, after all, will stop at nothing. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Adrian and Marjorie. 

My Thoughts: 

Though the book is the fourth in the series, it reads well as a standalone. The couples from the previous books have their HEA and have minor to moderate roles in this one. 

The book is what I’d call a contemporary-themed historical romance. Even though the setting is 1818, the characters, storyline, and diversity come from today’s world. You’ll have to go with the flow to enjoy this one. 

I like that the heroine is partially deaf (due to smallpox) and an expert at forgery. Well, she’s also an artist and comes from a found family with versatile talents. Some of them do read like caricatures, but the warmth between the siblings and the family makes up for the lack of character depth. 

The main leads are decent enough and easy to root for, so that’s a definite plus. They aren’t complex or multilayered, but I wasn’t expecting that, anyway. As expected, Adrian is a good man, though he prefers to use his reputation to keep people away. I like how he years for family love and support. 

There’s enough humor, drama, and action to keep the reader interested. Snowley is very much a ruthless villain who looks like a dear old grandpa. Even though the stakes are high, the book doesn’t feel intense. It is meant to be a lighthearted romance (Steam 1.5 max). 

The climax happens in stages. We see a series of events with multiple issues cropping up one after another. However, they are neatly tackled and sorted to bring HEA. 

I love the sort of dual epilogue in this one. The second last chapter could have been an epilogue, but it isn’t. We have a final proper epilogue that hints at the next book. Though I haven’t read the previous books (I’m familiar with the titles but didn’t realize they belonged to the same series), I intend to check out the next one. Well, why wouldn’t I when the FMC is the murder-loving Elizabeth? 

There’s quite a bit of filler content (not sure how much will be edited in the final version). Still, it doesn’t weigh down the pacing much. I could sustain a good momentum when reading and finished the book in 2 days. 

And I have to mention Tickletums, the homing hedgehog being trained by Jacob. I mean… how cute is that? We also have a messenger crow, a sheep (Ophelia), and a bunch of other animals. But Tickletums gets my vote. 

To summarize, My Rogue to Ruin is a lighthearted Regency romance with modern fittings. It’s an entertainer and should be treated as such, even if it manages to deal with a couple of serious topics. Don’t look for logic in this one! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MyRoguetoRuin

The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens by Jaimie Admans - Book Review

Publication Date: 12th Sep 2023

Genre: Small Town Christmas Romance 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Adorable (but a bit too long) 

***

The Mistletoe Gardens is set to be demolished in the coming January to make space for a real estate venture. Folkhornton is aghast. How can their beloved garden with such a legend (you’ll have a year full of happiness if you kiss your love under the mistletoe in the garden) be destroyed by the council? 

Local baker Essie Browne announces a mega Christmas celebration as a goodbye to the Mistletoe Gardens. She plans to make a huge gingerbread house that will attract people from all over to visit the event. However, Essie has no idea how to get this done. 

Joss Hallissey, aka Joseph Hallissey Jr. (don’t call him that), is a grumpy local builder who wants nothing to do with the event or the townfolk. However, he agrees to help Essie after some persuasion. Can the two make it happen, or will the Mistletoe Gardens not even get a last goodbye? 

The story comes in Essie’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is my second book by the author, and I enjoyed it more than the first. I also see a few common themes in both. 

Essie and Joss are sunshine vs. grumpy at the initial glance, but soon, we realize that both are dealing with personal issues. While Joss’s issues seem heavier, it’s clear the two complement each other very well. I like both of them. 

Though this is a small-town book where the community members have good roles, the focus is more on the main lead and the mega gingerbread house. We see them know more about each other, become friends, and maybe more. 

The scenes with baking are, of course, my favorite. I always love reading about cakes, cookies, and icing. The side characters are decent; some better than others. Essie’s mom can feel like surviving a dust storm. She’s a go-getter with endless energy, and let’s say even reading about her can be a little tiring at times. It helps establish one of the themes in the book – comparing children to their parents and expecting them to be the same. 

Little Rob is such a cute addition! He (I’m assuming the gender) even gets to be on the cover. Isn’t that super sweet? 

The narration is slow. The story moves at a languid pace. Repetition doesn’t help (this happens in the other book too). The story feels a little too long at times. I wouldn’t have minded if it was short by some 20-30 pages. 

However, I like how the main leads have enough time to spend with each other to talk and heal. It’s sort of a slow burn with enough bits of humor. I chuckled and laughed quite a few times throughout the book. 

There is a mini third-act breakup. I was afraid of this, but the issue was handled well towards the end. There are a few lighthearted and funny moments, even during this stage. It balances out things to a good extent. 

The solution to the core issue is thoughtful and sensible. It provides a rounded solution where the past and present co-exist while also being practical enough to generate money for the council. After all, communities need money to survive. 

The tidbits about gingerbread (and gingerbread houses) at the beginning of each chapter are a great idea. I tend to skip quotes under the chapter titles, but not in this one. I read each of them. 

It’s a clean romance with some kisses towards the end. The characters do go touchy-feely a lot (it was the same in the other book, too). Since I like touch as a love language, I enjoyed these scenes in both books. It may not work for everyone. 

To summarize, The Gingerbread House in Mistletoe Gardens is a sweet, heartwarming, Christmasy book dealing with second chances, love, healing, self-confidence, and small-town communities. 

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

#NetGalley #TheGingerbreadHouseinMistletoeGardens

***

P.S.: I wish Beryl would crochet me a Santa zombie hat or a gingerbread vampire. Her creativity is next level! 

The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg - Book Review

Publication Date: 1st August 2023

Genre: Fantasy, Romance 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Got its moments; a mixed read 

***

Lark has been on the run for seven years, trying to escape the men her father sends for her. There is no place left except Cagmar, the city of trolls. Trolls and humans have been enemies forever, but Lark is desperate. If nothing, her skill could be useful in convincing the trolls to let her live with them. 

While Lark does get a chance, she also ends up in a tricky position. She makes enemies with a powerful troll who hates humankind. But she also makes friends and finds love. However, Lark cannot move on until she faces her past. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Lark. 

My Thoughts: 

After enjoying the first two books of the Whimbrel House Series, I was excited to read a standalone by the author. The cover and the premise are alluring, too!

The story begins with a prologue, introducing the MC in her younger days and setting the stage for her adventures six years later. The world-building starts with a bang. Imagine a city under the bridge with complex lifts, cramped apartments, and dark spaces. The complex caste system was also interesting. 

We also see the MC’s special ability and get a teaser about her past. As the story progresses, the teaser turns into repetition. While new information is revealed, it comes with a lot of repetitive statements. In fact, the entire book is so full of repetition that it could have easily been 40 pages shorter. 

Even the world-building takes a hit. There seems to be a lot of information, but very little is useful. Lark cooks so many times, yet we hardly know what she cooks except ‘meat’, which could be any meat! She nibbles on some fruit disks, but there isn’t much info about those either. 

The first quarter is quite interesting, while the second has a lot of going around in circles with some love and romance thrown in. The priorities shift to romance and continue this way. I’m glad I could guess who the love interest would be. Could have been awkward otherwise. Also, I have a few doubts about erm… based on the descriptions. 

The narration is slow-paced, which I expected. However, it doesn’t gain momentum even in the second half. Instead, the pacing is slow throughout, and things happen fast in the end, with a lot of detail left out. 

With Lark being the narrator, I couldn’t empathize much with her. In fact, I liked Azmar more (makes sense in a way) and even Unach. Still, it would have been nice to connect with Lark a little more, given that she goes through so much. The rest of the characters are pretty much flat. 

The last quarter started out great, and I was excited for the big face-off between Lark and her Daddy Dangerous (the villain). We see him for a while (not enough personality, duh!), but then… that’s it. I don’t want to reveal spoilers, but it was disappointing. 

The most important scene happens off the page because the POV comes in Lark’s first person, and her current obsession is her love interest. Moreover, our MC keeps pushing herself to her limits, which means she faints quite a few times. It’s a convenient plot device but shouldn’t be overused. 

The book’s priorities may have shifted midway through. I thought it would be about Lark facing her past and having a future. While she does face her past, there isn’t much (psychological) healing as such. Things wrap up real soon (though we already wasted too much time in repetition). 

And that ending… I can see the appeal, but this book could have benefitted from an epilogue, no matter how unrealistic the situation. Also, the decision is quite risky, and we are almost where we began, but with a plus one. Will there be a book two? Doesn’t seem possible, but who knows! 

The author’s note explains that she wrote 2/3rds of the story in 2019 before working on another series and got back to finish this recently. That explains why the book suffers from these issues. Her writing style and preferences (very likely) changed during this period. So the theme shifted from a ‘coming of age escape/ revenge plot’ to a ‘love story with some drama’. The number of buts in the review should give you an idea about how the book promises potential and doesn't deliver. 

To summarize, The Hanging City is a decent fantasy romance and a standalone with an open ending (some readers will love it). It’s got its moments and can be a light read despite the darkish contents. 

Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheHangingCity

***

TW: attempted sexual assault, violence, and mentions of abuse. 

Murder on the Farm by Kate Wells - Book Review

Series: Malvern Farm Mystery #1

Publication Date: 04th Sep 2023

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery, Contemporary 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Darkish cozy mystery; decent start to a series 

***

Jude Gray didn’t dream of owning and working on a farm full-time. However, after the death of her husband, Adam, Jude decided to become a farmer and continue living in the same place. She manages to keep the place afloat with help from Frank, Noah, etc. 

With the lambing season in full swing, Jude is too busy to deal with anything else. However, when a dear friend is found dead (presumed suicide) on her land, Jude knows she cannot let it go. She has an idea about the cause but knows the person would never kill themselves. Soon, Jude’s half-sister Lucy and her 2yo son Sebbie arrive for a visit. Jude takes Lucy’s help in digging into the matter. 

As more bodies pile up, it’s up to Jude to get to the bottom of the truth (with DS Binnie’s assistance, of course). 

The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The book begins with Jude attending Ben’s wedding with Tilda and meeting her other friends. Adam, Ben, Charles, and Sarah have been best friends since their school days. Jude joins the gang when she meets the town and falls in love with Adam. The bond between the friends plays a crucial role in the story. 

Jude also has a half-sister, Lucy, who is five years younger than her. Despite their father being a prick (it’s not a spoiler as such), the sisters get on well since they were children. Initially, their relationship appears strained despite Jude feeling good about Lucy. However, we see how warm their bonding is. It’s an issue with the writing, which makes things sound awkward (and dry) when they are not.

In fact, the writing in the first quarter is choppy and clunky. It doesn’t inspire much confidence in the plot or the characters. Fortunately, it gets better as the book progresses. However, I still don’t know Jude’s age. How old is she? I thought she was close to 50 and then realized she sounded to be around 35-45. The same goes for other characters. Not knowing the age range makes it hard to visualize them. 

Little Sebbie is adorable! He loves Aunt Chewdy and baby Canpake, the little lamb Jude adopts. He is a darling kid, and I enjoyed reading his broken sentences and cute words. 

DS Binita Khatri is a great addition and not just an attempt at diversity. There’s just enough information to show her ethnicity with a major focus on the mystery. Since she’s likely to be a recurring character in the series, this method of introduction works.  

The mystery is quite decent and intriguing. The case is close to Jude, so it makes sense that she would make a few assumptions and mistakes in solving it. Also, it’s her first case as an amateur sleuth, so errors are expected. 

However, I don’t like that she is careless with evidence, especially knowing their importance. Given that she lives on a farm and runs it, one would expect her to be a little more organized or at least focused on important tasks. This carelessness is used as a plot device in the book. I hope it doesn’t become a recurring feature in the coming books. 

The setting gets brownie points in this one. The tough side of farm life is detailed well with the various jobs that need to be completed to run a farm with livestock. I like how these scenes are presented and woven into the plot. Malvern Village is also easy to imagine. It’s on the darker side, which perfectly suits the plot. 

There are enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Though I guessed the killer (not because of the clues, but it was more of an instinct), I wasn’t sure why and wondered if I was wrong. The ending is well done as it ties up the case and takes the main story forward by a few months. 

To summarize, Murder on the Farm is a darkish cozy mystery set on a farm. It has some interesting characters and maintains a decent pace. While the writing isn’t great, it does get better after the initial part. Looking forward to reading book two. 

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

#NetGalley #MurderontheFarm

Purple Faerie Homes - Day 10

Image by Andreas from Pixabay

They're somewhere in the vast forest 

Lay a broken branch 

Taken over my moss and grass 

Soft, squishy, and tickling 

It conquers the dead branch 

Keeping it alive through its presence 

Weeks pass, and so do the sun, moon, and rain 

A touch of magic and there they grow 

Dainty little umbrellas with wobbly legs 

Purple-tinted tops invisible to most 

A haven for those from the other world 

Ready to welcome the winged beings to their homes

***

Brief Backstory: What better than faeries, mushroom rings, and the color purple to sign off a writing event? The title is also a nod to my latest venture, a Tarot Reading account on Instagram - The Purple Faerie. 

***

This post is a part of the Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023. Thank you for joining me in the challenge. It was a fun event. 

The Graveyard House - Day 9

Image by Sandy Flowers from Pixabay

 Abandoned decades ago by living beings

The creaky structure was home to the un-living

The ones that rose from the graves around it

 

Resting on the roofs, window sills, and bare branches

Bats, owls, and ravens flew by to bring fresh news

 

Nightmares or peace, the house gave what they craved

***

Brief Backstory: As a horror writer, it's mandatory to have at least one horror poem when I do a marathon. The poem is in inverted Cherita form (lines 3-2-1 per stanza). 

***

This post is a part of the Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023.

How to Fake-Date a Vampire by Linsey Hall - Book Review

Series: Charming Cove #2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 31st August 2023

Genre: Small Town Witchy Romance 

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: Nice but not great 

***

Emma Willowby is an outsider in Charming Cove and has only one chance to prove her worth. She makes a deal with a Vampire Duke, Alaric, to use his estate to host the Beltane Ball. In return, she agrees to be his fake girlfriend for his grandmother. 

They have ground rules, of course. However, Emma cannot afford to fall in love with him and lose her anonymity. But what does the future have in store for her? 

The story comes from the first-person POV of Emma and Alaric. Emma has a larger share. 

My Thoughts: 

The book is a standalone and can be read without book one. Though we have Aria in this one, she has only a minor role (with a paragraph of backstory). Oh, little Catrina appears too! 

The writing is easy to read, way too easy at times but works well if you want something lighthearted. The pacing is decent, too. 

I found the first-person voices hard to distinguish in book one. While that aspect is slightly better here (I still got confused in a couple of chapters), Alaric’s characterization seems to have been a lost opportunity. 

Alaric being a vampire is another disappointment. Negating all popular vampire myths is fine as long as we are provided with something else to remember that he and his family are vampires. However, apart from adding a dash of donated blood to their champagne and martini, there’s nothing vampirish about them. It seems like having a human sounded ordinary, so we have a highly humanized version of a vampire. Sorry, but that’s lazy. 

Emma is decent and someone I should root for. Yet, she appears judgmental in quite a few instances. Also, the repetition of her opinions (without additional information) makes her sound whiny instead of someone who needs to be loved and cherished. The emotional quotient just isn’t there to feel for her.

The magical elements are well done. I like the concept of revelation sticks and joy batteries. I’d have liked it if the party was a little more elaborate. 

Penelope the skunk is Emma’s familiar. She is the highlight of the book. Just like Aria’s Boris, Penelope has a smart mouth and is a treat to read. Yeah, both familiars have almost human-like thoughts and actions, but I don’t mind since they make the book better. 

Third-act breakups are not mandatory in romance. But if the book insists on having one, it should not be half-baked and bland. This one feels like a summarized version. And she forgives him so easily! Ugh. 

The ending is cute and has HEA, so that’s something. The side characters like Vivian, Madeline, Holly, and Harold are sweet too. However, I liked book one a lot better. The town and the magic in that one were interesting, even if the romance was a bit fast-paced. 

To summarize, How to Fake-Date a Vampire is a steady-paced and lighthearted small-town witchy romance. Don’t expect much, though (not even vampires). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for the eARC. 

#HowtoFakeDateaVampire #NetGalley

Moon Spell - Day 8

 

Image by Free Fun Art from Pixabay

 They sneak out at twilight

Eager to reach the meadow unseen

Clasping hands and running

Giggling as backpacks bounce on their backs

 

Brimming with newfound love and joy

Cherishing the wisdom of the pagan past

Two young girls breathe in the flowery scent

Ready to weave magic on a full moon night

 

The sky turns dark, dotted with twinkling stars

The meadow gathers shadows familiar yet strange

The moon glides upward, a patchy ball of yellow, cream, and white

The girls stand in a faerie circle, waiting for the silent signal

 

The night bird calls, awake for a day-long sleep

Hands clasped, spine bent backward

Bare feet grounded, toes digging into the soft earth

The girls call their ancestors, faeries, and witches

 

Magic dust gathers, madly swirling around

Fireflies sparkle and dim, dashing about at random

The blessings descend, one after another, in abundance –

May you always have the power to follow your heart’s desires

***

Brief Backstory: Nothing really. It's just a poem denoting my love for nature and pagan traditions. 

***

This post is a part of the Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023.