The House On Sun Street by Mojgan Ghazirad - Book Review

Publication Date: 03rd Oct 2024

Genre: Historical Autofiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Informative but with a few misses 

A six-year-old Moji loves spending time with her family in their house in Tehran. What’s better than listening to her grandfather narrating bedtime stories from One Thousand and One Nights? 

However, the Iranian Revolution disrupts their lives. The new regime brings Islamic laws, restricting women to their homes. Moji has to live through the changes, adjust to a new life in the US, and see her father detained by the Islamic Revolutionary Army, all the while growing up into an adolescent with new awareness, questions, and desires. 

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

My Thoughts: 

It’s my second book of the month dealing with a tough topic. However, the presentation is the opposite of Tali Girls. Those who want something less traumatic and triggering will find this easier to read. 

Iran didn’t go from monarchy to supposed democracy. It went from being a Persian culture to an Islamic one with the colors replaced by black chadors (or burqas) and multiple restrictions on women. A quick internet search about 'Iran then and now' will give you a clear picture of the changes.

More links: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy42vxd99po

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/irans-women-going-without-hijabs-as-2nd-anniversary-of-mahsa-aminis-death-approaches/article68641437.ece

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/armita-geravand-iran-hijab-death-mahsa-amini-101698475937481.html

In this book, the changes are recorded by a six-year-old Moji. We see the developments from her eyes. The first part is very strong despite the lack of detail. It presents the uncertainties, the shift from a carefree life to one filled with fear and anxiety, and how easy it is to get carried away by extreme ideas. We also see the racism and hatred little Moji faces during her short stay in the US. 

Family is the central theme throughout, it certainly stands out more in the first part. We also learn about the Parsi/ Iranian culture, the language, the region, etc. Moji’s grandfather is easily my favorite character in the book. 

The second part has Moji back in Iran but as a twelve-year-old. Things have changed already which soon becomes a background with her fascination for a teacher taking most of the space. I admit I lost interest as this became a bit too much. It is very common for young students to look up to their favorite teachers and develop a crush irrespective of gender. It’s a special feeling when a teacher you like spends more time with you (we’ve been there). But things here get a bit more uncomfortable at one point. No idea if it is a part of the autobiography part or if it is a fictional exaggeration. The age and power dynamics don’t show things in a good light even if I understand the reason for it. 

Moreover, I’m not sure if the afterword is by the author or if it should be read like an epilogue. There’s possibly a two-decade jump, where a lot of changes took place in Iran. We get almost no information about this. 

To summarize, The House On Sun Street is a worthy read dealing with some important topics. It is slow-paced with fewer triggers. However, I wish the second part was stronger. 

It may not even register for others, but the mention of infidels is a trigger for me. In the name of infidels and kafirs, countless murders (mass genocides) have been justified for centuries and continue to be even today. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Blair, for eARC. 

The Examiner by Janice Hallett - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th Sep 2024 

Genre: Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: It was a fun ride! 

Gale Nathaniel is the head of Royal Hastings University’s new Multimedia Art course. She finds six people from diverse backgrounds to join the master’s program. This course has to be a hit or the university would take it off the list. 

Enter, a young Jem (an overachiever and clay sculptor), Jonathan (who runs his family art gallery and has limited knowledge), Patrick (a 50-something business owner who sells art supplies), Ludya (a single mother and small-time professional graphic designer), Alyson (an overqualified artist), and Cameron (a marketing executive who needs a hobby for stress-relief). 

The Examiner, the man hired to grade their final assignments finds something he shouldn’t. If his guess is right, someone on the course had died or could be in danger. 

The story comes in a collection of emails, text messages, essays, and notes. 

My Thoughts: 

So, this is my first book by the author though I have her works in my TBR. I was postponing it because of the page count (460+ pages) and since I was worried the pacing would be slow. 

Guess what? I was wrong. Considering the length, the pace is very good; much, much better than I expected. The use of chat, emails, and notes keeps the story moving. There are no chapters as much but headings we may or may not track. It doesn’t matter if you don’t track the heads as long as you figure things out. 

The characters are so distinct and easy to remember despite not knowing anything about them. We get only the basic information and yet, we can imagine them easily. Of course, whether or not our imagination aligns with the actual depends on the reveals. ;) 

My favorite is Jem (not because she’s an Indian… okay! A little because she is). She is a gem in many ways (remember that a gem has many definitions). She is the youngest in the team and her outspoken nature made the whole thing so much more interesting.

Naturally, important details are not revealed immediately. However, it is easy to see how the tensions and the hidden agendas (even if we don’t know what these are) affect the characters. The part about teamwork and credit is spot on! It is one reason I don’t prefer to work in teams (in college, I ended up doing everything and herding others to be there when they should. Ugh!). 

Things are not straightforward. Neither is the timeline. That shouldn’t matter if you follow the plot and can fill the gaps with your ideas. Mystery lovers will find it easier, I guess. The brain is wired for it, lol. 

The climax and reveal are OTT bordering on absurd. However, there’s a sense of crazy fun in it that makes the whole thing work somehow (for the reader). TBH, I’m not sure I’d have liked it as much if the format was different. Yeah, it is convoluted but entertaining nevertheless. 

Don’t ignore the author’s note and don’t read it first. Read it at the end. She makes some really great points. Also, makes me glad I opted for distance mode education for my MA in English Literature! 

To summarize, The Examiner is best enjoyed if you go with the flow, but also track a few plot elements that grab your attention. There’s a lot of drama, lies, secrets, etc., that can make the whole thing confusing but manages to deliver as a package. I won't postpone reading her next book. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheExaminer

Shameless in Stilettos by Ell P. - Book Review

Publication Date: 29th Oct 2024 

Genre: Dark Thriller 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Fast, raw, and dark 

2018, Bangalore 

The suicide of a business tycoon’s son is declared murder when evidence is found. Inspector Meenakshi Rao is ordered to solve the case ASAP. While she has three women suspects, the case is far from easy. As if the pressure isn’t enough, Meenakshi Rao has to deal with her messy personal life too. Can she find the killer in time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV in a dual timeline (past in past tense and present in present tense). 

My Thoughts: 

Well, this was a great ride. Knowing the author’s style, I can say this book displays her writing talent in full. It starts with an author’s note, establishing what to expect from the story. This helps since there’s quite a bit of content that would make some readers uncomfortable. A fair amount of cussing too! 

Right from the beginning, we know there will be nothing fluffy or lighthearted here. The primacy characters are damaged in some way or another. It’s hard to like most of them but we aren't expected to. Yet, we might empathize with a couple of them. 

The FMC is gritty, foul-mouthed, bitter, angry, and toxic. She lashes out at anyone and everyone but there’s a part of her that bleeds for others. She’ll annoy you like crazy. Yet you grudgingly feel sad for her at times. It’s like watching a train wreck. You know it’ll hurt. Still, you cannot help but be fascinated by it. And the way she carries the plot on her shoulders is marvelous. 

The chapters alter between the past and present. It might take a little while, but you’ll get used to the change in tenses. In fact, I stopped noticing the shift. After all, the timeline is clear in the tense. 

The other main characters have varying levels of character development. It suits their importance in the plot. However, I wish the FMC’s hubby also got some development. It’s very sketchy, though for some that’s all they need to know. I need more before I decide. I confirmed from the author that she plans to make it a series (the book works perfectly well as a standalone), so the hubby might have something when it happens. 

As expected from a book high on feminist rage, the men are evil in varying degrees or jerks/ idiots in some cases. So far, there’s just one guy who seems decent, soft, and compassionate (and the poor guy gets abused for it). I would have liked it if just one guy was nice and assertive. Maybe in the next book? 

So, there’s a bit of graphic content about kink along with some open-door scenes. These have just the required amount of detail and are used to provide a picture of the characters. A few other scenes are just mentioned, which works out to balance the effect. I gained some knowledge too (hey, it's all a part of a writer’s life).  

There are a bunch of triggers too (check TW at the end). Most of it is presented in a matter-of-fact tone which helps. The grief over a child’s death hits really hard, though. It is raw and so potent that the feeling lingers for a while. 

The pacing is steady from start to finish. I finished 60% in one go and had to stop for dinner. This means, the book doesn’t linger on descriptions but keeps the plot moving through actions and dialogues. Those who want a feel of the setting won’t really find it. Should be okay for Indian readers since the cities tend to have common aspects but it may not work for everyone. 

The same can be said about the lack of a glossary, though there are only a few words that need to be translated. Adding one for the international readers would have helped. 

The mystery as such can be figured out after the halfway point. There isn’t any attempt to surprise the reader with unwanted twists, so the progress feels organic. 

To summarize, Shameless in Stilettos is a fast-paced gritty thriller with unlikeable but well-crafted characters. The book is not for everyone. However, if you are into dark subjects and like messed-up characters it might be your thing! 

The author is a friend (we’ve worked together on the editorial board of The Hive) and a fellow writer. That does not affect my review.

***

TW: BDSM, kink, abuse, assault, mentions of rape and murder, mentions of pedophilia, death of child, grief, homophobia, mentions of domestic abuse 

The House of Echoes by Rachel Crowther - Book Review

Publication Date: 09th Dec 2024

Genre: Contemporary Family Drama 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Mixed feelings 

After the death of Mab and Nessa’s mother, their father relocated to New Zealand and married his third wife, dusting off his young daughters’ responsibilities. The kids had to deal with a lot more than the loss of parental support. 

Twenty years later, the sisters receive the news of their father’s death. They are forced to handle the grief that weighed them down for years and confront the secrets from the past that changed their lives forever. 

They return to the Lowlands where they live for a while with Con, their father’s first wife. Can Mab and Nessa find the answers this time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Mab, Con, and Nessa in a dual timeline. 

My Thoughts: 

Rating this is hard coz I like it but also didn’t like it much. 

The book is essentially a family drama with secrets and messy emotions. The story shifts between present and past, clearly distinguished by the years mentioned under the chapter title. 

Mab has a major share of the narration, which works and doesn’t work. At times, she sounds like an adult. But most of the time, she sounds pretty much like the eight-year-old version in the past. Moreover, her POV is not entirely reliable since she continues to think like a kid even twenty years later. The way her thoughts spiral into a tangled mess is exhausting to read. 

 Nessa, the older sister, has a better arc. She was parentified as a young teen and grew up taking care of her younger sister (Mab). This affected her in many ways, though her POV is reliable and easier to read. 

Con is an intriguing character. She is rather sweet and lovely, which is a welcome change from a bad stepmom (though she is not really a stepmother). However, she too is flawed and makes some mistakes, which have long-lasting effects. 

The core premise relies on assumptions, keeping secrets, and lack of communication. While it works to an extent, the story goes in circles in the first and second parts to keep the reader in suspense. However, there are clues to guess (which I did) that make it hard to enjoy the narration. 

While the descriptions are lovely, there’s too much internal thought. Some of it aids in character development but it mostly reduces the pace and tires the reader. There were many instances when I had to skim a bit when the characters went on and on without a break (Mab specializes in this). 

The third part is stronger since we finally address the issue. Such a relief! The ending is hopeful and positive. It may seem like an easy way out but I don’t mind. 

Not sure why but the last chapter (the one before the epilogue) is in omnipresent third-person POV breaking the fourth wall and has a philosophical touch. I don’t think this is necessary. Much of it could have been included in the epilogue. 

To summarize, The House of Echoes is a slow-moving story about a dysfunctional and broken family caused by a selfish man who couldn’t take responsibility for his actions or for his people. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bloodhound Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheHouseOfEchoes

***

TW: Parental death (cancer and heart stroke), abandonment, death of teen, infidelity. 

 

Sixty Is The New Assassin by Shesh - Book Review

Publication Date: 17th Nov 2024 

Genre: Humorous Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A good debut book 

Ishmael Dollah is a sixty-year-old retired CEO living in Singapore with his wife, Nysa. They have a son Shahed and daughter-in-law Marianna, who also enjoy busy lives with successful careers. 

Everything is good, or so Ishmael thinks until he finds out that his daughter-in-law is having an affair. Being the kind to get things done, he applies his years of experience to create a checklist to handle the matter. Soon, he realizes that his new life gives him much satisfaction and enjoyment! 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Ishmael Dollah with a few interludes (also in the first-person) from Nysa, Shahed, Marianna, and another character. 

My Thoughts: 

Sixty-something sleuths and assassins are a thing right now. There are quite a few books in the subgenre though I read only two or three. The premise here felt fresh despite using the same old family drama trope. 

For a debut book, I’d say the writing style is pretty easy to read. It doesn’t try to pack a lot of themes, either— just the ones associated with the plotline. 

The first-person narrative allows readers to know the MC. Whether you like him or not depends on your taste but he sure manages to entertain the readers. I like how the snippets from his past are woven into the narrative. Aligning his current plan with management lessons works well for me. I’m a list girl myself, so anyone who is systematic, planned, and careful in their approach will get my approval. 

There’s some repetition throughout. Some of it cannot be avoided but others could have been replaced with new detail (this could also have added more depth to the characters). 

Nysa won me over as the story progressed. I began to enjoy her interludes the most. The others were there just to provide info (these could have been in limited third-person. We don’t need all POVs to be in the first person). 

The setting (Singapore) is well utilized and an integral part of the plot. There aren’t any excessive descriptions but just enough for us to get an idea of the place. I wouldn’t have minded a rough map, though. 

There are many mentions of food. Yummm! That’s a foodie family, and man, they made me hungry! That said, I found out dosa is spelled thosai in Singapore. Oh well! 

The mystery, as such, is easy to put together. There are enough twists but I guessed them all. It may not offer anything special to mystery lovers. However, the main character carries the plot well on his shoulders. 

There is some humor. Some cheeky stuff that might bring out a few half smiles. Despite the slow beginning, the narration picks up pace quickly. I finished 75% of the book in one sitting. 

To summarize, Sixty Is The New Assassin is a solid debut with a Singaporean 60-something lead character who has an affinity for lists and planning. This could very well become a series, though it works well as a standalone. If there’s a book two, I’ll be sure to read it. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book. 

The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri - Book Review

Publication Date: 02nd Jan 2024 

Genre: Literary Fiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Sad but beautiful; a bit meandering 

Greece 

Irini, a musician, lives with her painter husband, Tasso, and their sweet ten-year-old daughter Chara. They live in a beautiful home deep in an ancient forest bordering a seaside village. One day, a raging forest fire devours the village and many of its people. Chara is injured. Tasso’s hands are burnt and he lost his sense of purpose. 

Irini does her best to survive the aftermath and return to a new routine with her family like everyone else in the region. However, one day she stumbles upon the man responsible for the fire; the man whose greed led to utter destruction. Irini makes a split-second decision that stays with her forever. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Irini and snippets from The Book of Fire in the third-person. 

My Thoughts: 

We need to be in a certain mood for some books. This is one such example. I pushed this down my 2024 list because I wasn’t in the right mindset for it back then.

As someone who loves forests (shamelessly plugging my book Forests and Faeries), I 1000% enjoyed the descriptions of the region. So mesmerizing, vivid, and surreal! It felt as if I was in the forest, walking barefoot and breathing in the special scent. Bliss! (On that note, some readers may find this excessive)

Irini’s narration takes some time to get used to. She likes to go around in circles. I’d call this borderline stream of consciousness. Once you get into the flow, it’ll become easier to follow where her thoughts take her. Also, she is not someone who likes to face disturbing things, so her avoidance makes the narration go around in circles. Interestingly, this shapes her daughter’s personality (and I did feel sad for the kid a few times). 

Half the details are provided through chapters titled The Book of Fire. These have a sort of distant tone, which makes sense and works well to balance Irini’s first-person POV in the other chapters. We also get some history lessons without a load of info dump. 

NGL, I expected the book to be slow. But it is not! Wouldn’t call it fast-paced but it is steady and has a good tempo. Or maybe it is because I like to lose myself in the forest. 

There’s a bit of repetition and some discrepancies in details. Also, the dialogues sound a bit off. However, these are minor complaints. 

The ending is hopeful, a necessity since the book has heavy melancholy, pain, and tragedy. While not everything is fixed, there is enough happiness to find peace and accept reality. 

The author’s note is informative and thought-provoking. It is also probably the only lyrical author’s note I read so far. This makes the note feel more like an extension of the book than a separate entity added at the end. 

To summarize, The Book of Fire is a heartbreakingly beautiful, lyrical, and poignant story of people, nature, family, and life. It is a heavy read so pick it up when you are in the mood for something like this. 

And oh, thank you for mentioning how to pronounce Chara (C is silent) right when the character was introduced. I wasn’t sure if it was ‘Ch’ara or ‘K’ara. Neither, apparently! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheBookOfFire

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th Feb 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Family Drama 

2.5 Stars (outliner) 

One Liner: Enjoyed the writing but disappointed by the ending 

Life hasn’t been easy for Gail Baines. Losing her job, not being invited to participate in her daughter’s wedding activities, and the sudden arrival of her ex-husband (with a cat) cause more than enough stress. 

However, Debbie, her daughter, shares a secret with her parents, and it takes drama to the next level. How can Gail and her family navigate the situation? Will they address the past to find a way for the future? 

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

My Thoughts: 

This novella is a family drama divided into three parts – day one, day two, and day three.

Since we get the story from Gail’s POV, we only see what she presumes and assumes. This makes for an interesting choice since she is quite judgmental and quick to jump to conclusions. 

The pacing is steady even as the narration moves between the present, the MC’s thoughts, and tiny snippets of the past. I’m not a fan of long chapters but this format made it easy to separate the days and their events. 

Despite having a heavy vibe, there are little bits of unexpected (dry) humor that lighten the scene and provide a little insight into the character(s). 

Of course, it is easy enough to guess the reveal that comes midway through but this is not a mystery book, so no extra points for the reader. 

Max brings his share of charm and humor while getting on the MC’s nerves for no reason. I empathized more with him as the story progressed. Though he is not the kind of person I like (have some ambition!), Gail made me root for him instead of her. TBH, he deserved better. 

Gail, our narrator, and main lead. What do I say? I don’t mind unlikeable characters. I understand her lack of social skills or discomfort in interacting with others. I can even see why she holds herself aloof and distanced. But, she is so darn judgmental and selfish! Though I felt for her initially, by the end, I couldn’t support her. Despite that, I liked how the author created her and Max’s characters to contrast and complement each other. 

A few things have been felt open, which is fine since this is a slice-of-life kind of novella. However, the ending was disappointing. I did not want THAT to happen. There has to be an adult-to-adult conversation, acknowledgment, apology, and acceptance. Some things cannot be brushed under the carpet or ignored when they have such a lasting impact on their lives. Also, the message it sends is very unappealing. 

To summarize, Three Days in June is an interesting read as a study of characters but was a letdown in terms of plot development and conclusion. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #ThreeDaysInJune 

The Lost Bride Trilogy #1 & #2 by Nora Roberts - Book Reviews

Inheritance 

Series: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1 (cliffhanger)

Publication Date: 21st Nov 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance 

4 Stars 

One Liner: It's Nora Roberts! 

1806

Astrid Poole, a happy bride in love with Collin Poole, was excited about her future. However, before her marriage was consummated, she was murdered and the ring torn from her finger. Astrid promised never to leave Collin and kept it for centuries. 

Sonya MacTavish is a graphic designer who ended up without a fiancé and her wedding in a few minutes. However, a bigger shock to her is finding out that her late father was adopted and had a twin brother. Sonya has inherited a Victorian mansion on the Maine Coast. 

Reaching the mansion, Sonya is excited and nervous. Despite her self-assurances, she has to soon admit that the mansion is indeed haunted by the Lost Brides. She needs to break the centuries-old curse to free the ghosts as well as herself and the future generations from brutal deaths. 

The story comes in Sonya’s third-person POV with snippets from others’ POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

I’m always excited to read a book by Nora Roberts. It’s been a while since I enjoyed her works, so this seemed like a good opportunity (I’d have been happier if all three books of the trilogy were out but two are better than one). 

The book takes its time to get to the gothic mansion. The beginning establishes Sonya’s character and gives us an idea about her family, career, etc. Though we are made to wait, this initial setup makes it easy to understand how she settles in Poole Manor once she gets there. 

I absolutely love how the author writes friendships. I’ve seen this in most of her books and enjoy it every time. They could be cousins, best friends, childhood buddies, new friends, or anything basically, the interactions are usually positive, cheeky, and fun with many feel-good vibes. No gender bias either. 

Another aspect I noticed is how at least one main character is an artist (professionally). The characters are not only talented but love their craft and are passionate about it. I enjoy the scenes detailing their artwork. 

Naturally, I loved Cleo. She is not just a perfect balance to Sonya but also a very lovable character. The men (Trey and Owen) are just as good and complement the ladies well. 

Descriptions are another favorite. It was her books that made me fall in love with magical Ireland. While this one doesn’t reach that level of awesomeness, I could picturize the mansion and the surroundings. Who wouldn’t want to live there (never mind the haunted part)? 

One thing I didn’t expect was the slower pace throughout. I usually used to breeze through her books (to be fair, most of them were physical copies from the library) but this one took some time. I wasn’t bored but I wondered why the % moved so slowly. 

The romance between the lead couple could have been a little slower. While they don’t jump into the act right away, the slow burn is missing. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more teasing. 

Thank god I had the next book ready. That was one heck of a cliffhanger. Most of her trilogies tend to have moderate cliffhangers. Of course, this one deviated from the template of three couples (which got repetitive), so maybe that’s the reason. 

Oh, there are a lot of characters to remember. That’s bound to happen when you need to cover seven generations. A family tree would be a spoiler, so we can’t ask for it. Just go with the flow. You’ll figure them out soon. 

To summarize, Inheritance is a slow-paced yet entertaining contemporary gothic romance with enough lighthearted moments to make you smile. The dogs are adorable! 

***

The Mirror 

Publication Date: 19th Nov 2024

4.5 Stars (since I read it with book one)

One Liner: I was lured into the haunted manor  

Sonya MacTavish is actually a Poole and the only one who can break the centuries-old curse and free the lost brides in the manor.

One night, the elusive mirror appears, and Sonya walks through to watch a bride get killed and her ring stolen. The events seem to happen in a loop. Sonya and her friends have to find the rings soon, but that’s easier said than done.

The story comes mainly in Sonya’s third-person POV (with a few scenes from others’ POVs).

My Thoughts:

I continued with book two immediately after the previous one, so the cliffhanger lasted only a few seconds. My poor heart was saved, lol!

The story continues seamlessly as we get bits and pieces of new information. There’s progress on multiple levels but it is blended into routine. This makes it seem like the book has a lot of fluff with the same scenes (working, eating, meeting, etc.). It is necessary to create this buffer for the development to feel organic. Think of it as watching the episodes of your favorite serial. You get lured into their lives, watching them live a make-believe life on the screen with subtle developments. It’s the same here.

Hence, the pacing continues to be on the slower side. Again, I don’t mind. I love Molly, Clover, Jack, and the fur babies who enrich the narrative. Imagine a haunted house with built-in cleaning services, a DJ, a pet sitter, and a spooky witch. Yeah, we can do without the last one but she’ll be there until they break the curse.

I absolutely love Clover. I liked her a lot in book one but here she is easily my favorite. Though I’m not into English music, the song titles were enough to see just how wonderful she was. We meet more side characters, and Imogene stands out with ease. I like Winter too (everyone needs a mom like her) but Imogene is a star. I hope we get to meet her in the next book again.

When I started Inheritance, I didn’t think it would become a new favorite (The Sign of Seven trilogy continues to be at the top). However, this one might reach there. I don’t think the year-long gap between the books would work. In fact, reading one and two back to back kept me inside the haunted manor for six+ days and made me a part of the story. A long break would diffuse that mood and may make this feel slow and repetitive.

I was prepared for a cliffhanger ending, so this didn’t shock me. Knowing the stakes, I know book three will have a lot of action and intense scenes. We also need to get more information about Hester-Pest. I’m curious to see what lay in her past.

There is romance but it is pretty much mild. From what I remember, her books have a little more spice. This one doesn’t. Not a complaint since the current stuff works well but I wouldn’t say no if the next book has an extra sprinkle of heat. ;)

To summarize, The Mirror is a great continuation of book one. It establishes the character arcs, sets a routine, and provides more details about the lost brides. Can I get the ARC for book three when it is available? Pretty please!

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

Not Before You by Lata Gwalani - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st March 2024

Genre: Family Drama, Contemporary 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Introspective but a bit biased 

Thirty-two-year-old Nikhil has never sat, spoken, or moved. His mother, Jaya, spent the past three decades nursing and caring for him. After her sixtieth birthday, Jaya’s anxiety began to overwhelm her. What will happen to her son after she’s gone? 

Her health issues and mounting concerns lead Jaya on a search for alternative care options or any solution she can find. As she plunges deep into it, her estranged husband and daughter are forced to reconsider their decisions and perceptions. 

The story comes in omnipresent third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Before I begin, let me say I am not a mother. I am a daughter. 

The book starts with a poem of couplets. While it introduces the conflict in brief, a few rhymes feel forced. A free verse would have worked better. 

The perspective of death is interesting. Initially, it acts as the omnipresent narrator establishing the plot for the readers. There are a few snippets by Death scattered throughout. Over time, these lose the philosophical element.  

The characters are flawed, which makes the story feel realistic to a point. No one is perfect. They made decisions based on what they think is right. Factors like ego, irritation, stress, anger, etc., make their presence felt more than once. 

In a way, they are quite typical. People who cannot and will not communicate. People who make decisions for others. People who want things done their way. People holding grudges. All this works well to sustain the conflict. 

However, the biggest drawback was the constant reminder that Jaya was right. Somehow, the book’s tone overemphasizes Jaya. She is supposed to be this strong single mother of a specially-abled child who does nothing wrong. All her mistakes are justified because she made them out of her love for her son. 

As a reader, I do not prefer being told which character to support. That’s a decision I make. When the narration insists I need to root for Jaya, my mind invariably does the opposite. Sure, I can see nothing has been easy for her. But I can also see she is responsible for some of it. 

Most importantly, I cannot not see Divya. I started the review by stating I’m a daughter. My heart bleeds for Divya. She is collateral damage that cannot be fixed because Jaya suddenly decides she wants to. 

Moreover, the repetitive omnipresent statements about how Divya misunderstood her mother or had a wrong perspective got on my nerves. Let’s be honest, Jaya made her choice and it wasn’t Divya. This story belongs to Jaya and Nikhil, and the dear boy can’t even speak for himself, so it belongs to Jaya. It tried hard to establish Jaya as ‘the mother’. I understand but I don’t agree. 

I appreciate the focus on the emotional, social, familial, and monetary pressure of being a parent to a specially-abled child. I would have liked it better if we got a little more focus on the lack of proper care facilities and the anxiety parents constantly face. 

There are quite a few side characters that seem to blink in and out of the narrative as necessary. Maybe giving them a more meaningful presence would have enhanced the impact. There’s only one central male character, Suraj. As it happens with this genre, he is the weaker person, leaving everything on Jaya. But… yet again, being told that he is supposed to be so-and-so makes me look at things from a different perspective. Not that I elevate his character (nope) but I can see him better than I’m supposed to. 

Frankly, I thought the book would end differently. I would have preferred if it stayed with the track it began. Of course, the idea provided has merit and is necessary. But so is the other one. Maybe it would have hit harder that way. 

To summarize, Not Before You is a melancholic story of a woman doing her best to ensure the dignity of her child with special needs and how her choices affect her and others’ lives over the years. 

My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion. 

The Tinker's Daughter by Josephine Angelini - Book Review

Series: The Chronicles of Lucitopia #2

Publication Date: 17th Dec 2024 

Genre: NA Fantasy Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A fluffy and lighthearted read 

Jonara has been a good girl all her life, which makes her a perfect choice as the village’s sacrificial offering to the dragon. Luckily for her, the dragon doesn’t eat virgins. Using this chance and the dragon’s help, Jonara rallies an army to fight Asphodel who had been destroying one town after another to claim the throne vacated by the death king. 

However, the dragon has its own secrets and Jonara could play a vital role. What does the future have in store for this feisty good girl?  

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

My Thoughts: 

I quite enjoyed the first book in the series, though I don’t remember much about the details. However, it’s not necessary. This works well as a standalone. The characters and the setting are different though the universe is the fantasy land of Lucitopia. 

While book #1 was YA, this is NA bordering on adult fiction. The lead characters are twenty and above, and there’s a fair bit of… *ahem* Still, it is closed-door romance. 

Jonara is quite a personality. She can order anyone around like a military commander. Is it any surprise that she plays a vital role in building an army to fight the villain? 

The Dragon is a sweet guy but also a sort of confused alpha. I rather like him. Also, I wouldn’t mind having such a dragon of my own. Scratch him and get gold! I’d be rich in no time. ;) 

The world-building is pretty basic but it doesn’t affect the reading experience. We can visualize the scenes as there is enough information.

The writing style is casual which may not work for everyone. Jonara’s instinct to boss around might annoy some readers. I wasn’t bothered since I expected something like that (based on my experience from book one). 

A certain scene in the first half might put off some readers, especially if they haven’t guessed it would happen. I knew what to expect (it’s a trope-y thing, and there are enough clues) so I wasn’t the least bit surprised. 

The ending provides a short glimpse into the future (as in what’s to come in the next books). I noticed book #4 added to the list and read the blurb. Do NOT do that.  

The pacing is a little off in this one but I wasn’t bored at any point. The book was exactly what I wanted to remove the traces of annoyance at my previous read. 

To summarize, The Tinker's Daughter is what a GR friend calls brain candy – it is fluffy, lighthearted, cheeky, a bit dangerous, and has a good dose of romance. Ready for book #3! 

Thank you, NetGalley, Sungrazer Publishing, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheTinkersDaughter 

The Book of Gold by Ruth Frances Long - Book review

Series: The Feral Gods #1

Publication Date: 28th Nov 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy 

2.5 Stars (outliner) 

One Liner: Depends on how much you like the main character 

Lyta is a notorious thief but she’ll do anything for her little big brother, Kit. 

Kit wants nothing to do with his sister and leads a respectable life until he is arrested on sedition charges for printing a pamphlet in his press. 

Lyta makes a bargain with the king to save Kit. She will steal The Book (the one with mysterious magical powers) in exchange for Kit’s life.

Sylvain is a reformed pirate and the king’s bodyguard. He wants nothing to do with Lyta after what she did to him. However, he seems to have no choice but to be with her for this heist. 

Things will have to get dangerous before they are sorted. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Lyta, Kit, and Sylvain Chant. 

My Thoughts: 

Yep, it’s me, once again falling for a pretty cover and an intriguing premise. This is supposed to be adult fantasy romance even if the main characters act like teens. 

The book starts with a list of characters and their roles as well as the list of gods and their domains. Given how the characters are introduced in the first 20%, I’m glad to have this list in advance. 

The three POVs (thanks for the third-person narration) give us the story and backstories from different perspectives. This helps since I didn’t (almost) always like the FMC and the other two balanced it out well. 

Kit was a pretty decent character. Ben and Beatriz are intriguing (I wanted more of her). The king and queen are mysterious and mercurial. Sylvain was okay too. In fact, I empathized more with him as the plot progressed though I cannot figure out why he loves Lyta. Love is brainless, at least in this case! 

Now, what do I say about Lyta? In theory, she is a great character. However, in execution, she is 200% cocky and has 10% substance. I don’t understand why we are hyping the fantasy FMCs only to make them act as if all their brain cells have turned charcoal. She is supposed to be a great thief. Guess what? It’s the opposite. None of her plans and attempts go without a hitch. Worse still, she put herself and others in danger. Also, she is too reckless and impulsive to be a pro-thief. Can anyone tell me why it is such a bad thing to do as someone else says when it is a better plan? Quite a few times, I was reminded of Until We Shatter (and not in a good way). 

This is a plot-driven book, which means the characters don’t stay true to their arcs. That affected Lyta the worst. Even her love for her brother, Kit, doesn’t always show her in good light. 

However, the plot isn’t executed well either. It is all over the place. In fact, I assumed this was a debut author’s work only to realize the author has written more books in the same genre. Moreover, I read two of her books under the pen name Jessica Throne. I’m surprised! While those books weren’t perfect, they were much better written. Three possible reasons for this:  

• The author experimented with something here

• The other publisher had a much better editor 

• This is a very early draft 

It wasn’t until after 60% that the story started to be gripping. There were many gaps even then, but I could feel the tensions and danger rising. By the way, calling it a ‘heist for the ages’ is silly. It is not; nowhere close. 

The world-building is patchy too, though I don’t know if it’ll be better in the coming books. While I like the premise of old gods being targeted by the Church, I also feel authors are using this as a go-to trope but not doing justice to it. I cannot feel the indigenous flavor or the emotion, which rather defeats the purpose. After reading the author’s note at the end, I felt she should have stuck to the original bit instead of bringing in old gods. 

It seems fantasy authors like to ‘use’ old gods but have no real respect or understanding of them. Most of them look at it from the same western Abrahamic framework which does not help the cause. 

There’s an ending but it is a semi-cliffhanger. Plot-wise I’m tempted to know more, but unfortunately, I do not like Lyta. I mostly won’t continue with the series. 

To summarize, The Book of Gold has an intriguing premise but ends up underwhelming due to various reasons. It will work better for readers who like YA fantasy (even if this is an adult book). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton (Hodderscape), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheBookofGold

Still The One by Aimee Brown - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 26th Nov 2024

Publication Date: https://mybook.to/stilltheone

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216636168-still-the-one

Genre: Contemporary Romance

3.3 Stars

One Liner: Enjoyable but has some loose ends

Book Blurb:

Eve Cassidy thought Guy Foster was the only man she would ever love. Theirs was a whirlwind romance and marriage - until it all ended in tears...

Five years after their breakup, Eve still hasn’t found a reason to believe in true love. But when Foster has an accident and she discovers she’s still listed as his next of kin, Eve knows she can’t let him wake up in the hospital with no one by his side. After all, those devilishly blue eyes have always been hard to say no to…

Foster isn’t sure if his poor battered brain is playing tricks on him when he sees the only woman he’s ever loved sitting next to his bedside. Maybe Eve never got over him like he never got over her? And when Eve agrees to him moving into her one-bedroom apartment to recover, it’s clear these exes have unfinished business.

Will weeks in close quarters be the making or breaking of this smoldering second-chance love story? Up close and personal, old habits can be hard to break.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Eve and Foster’s first-person POVs.

The premise is rather sweet, and I hoped for a heartwarming story. It is a nice book, no doubt there. However, it doesn’t reach its full potential.

Eve and Foster are well-written. Since we get both POVs, we see their feelings for each other, their fears, their vulnerability, etc. I like that we never have to doubt Foster’s love for Eve. It is steady and unwavering from start to finish. Eve’s feelings are clear too though she is a bit more tentative and wary of commitment (the second time).

The flashbacks of the past are short yet detailed. Those they are not linear, it is easy to put the pieces together. What started as an insta-love ends up convincing by the end. However, I wish we had more scenes (at least 2 more) from the past.

Foster injuries make this a slow burn with no spice (not even in the past). I admit it’s a little disappointing but fine. The banter is childish and silly but fun too. I laughed and rolled my eyes at their flirting. It fits the character arcs.

I also like the medical and nursing part of the plot. The author’s professional experience blends the details into the storyline seamlessly. (This isn’t my field, I don’t know if something is incorrect)

The premise calls for extra depth to the narrative and some tears. However, the story doesn’t dig deep. Quite a few leads have been provided but have gone nowhere. Sustaining those would have made it better (the memory lapse part, the video, the annoying friend & sis, the lack of official documents which Eve didn’t seem to wonder about until the end, Eve’s other exes, etc.).

That said, the MCs do have good conversations and don’t try to hide their feelings (or confusion). Even if they messed up in the past, they try to fix things by being open about their current situation.

I tend to like the best friends more in this genre but I couldn’t really like Kait and Jess. Gen, Phil, and Matt are much better. I was glad when Eve stood her ground and set boundaries.

Don’t go into the book for the tropes, though. The forced proximity part is okay but the one-bed thing is not even an issue in a way. Read it as a clean second-chance romance (not really smoldering in there). It’s got a steady pace, so you can finish it in a couple of hours.

To summarize, Still The One is a good read about lovers finding their way back to each other after a painful separation. It could have been a lot better but should work if you want something light yet touching.

The author’s note throws a light on some of the whys, but I wish the editors worked a little more on the inconsistencies to iron out the wrinkles.

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Aimee Brown

Aimee Brown is the bestselling romantic comedy author of several books including The Lucky Dress. She’s an Oregon native, now living in a tiny town in cold Montana, and sets her books in Portland. Previously published by Aria, her new series for Boldwood is full of love, laughter, and real-life issues. The first book will be published in January 2023.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @authoraimeebrown

Twitter: @AimeeBWrites

Instagram: @authoraimeeb

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AimeeBrownNews

Bookbub profile: @AimeeBrown

***

This has been a stop on the #StillTheOne blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

Mix-Up under the Mistletoe by Margaret Amatt - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: The Glenbriar Series #11 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 23^rd Nov 2024

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/mixupmistletoe

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217072101-mix-up-under-the-mistletoe

Genre: Contemporary Christmas Romance

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Cute! 

Book Blurb:

She’s always on the outside looking in, but his door might just be the one to open for her this Christmas.

‘Her name’s Tilly. Tilly Thorpe. She lives in London.’

To stop his family from speculating about his love life, travel company CEO Rafe Harrington casually drops Tilly Thorpe’s name as his girlfriend. After all, they’ll never meet – she’s just a name he saw on a rival company’s website.

But when Rafe arrives at his family’s home in Glenbriar for Christmas, he’s shocked to find ‘his girlfriend’ waiting for him.
He has some explaining to do and so does Tilly.

Why did Rafe’s family welcome her with open arms when she’s little more than a spy? Someone who’s trying hard to please her superiors, hoping it’ll bring some desperately desired happiness to her lonely existence.

Rafe isn’t a big fan of the festive season, but neither he nor Tilly can ignore their instant spark. With bad weather forecast, now is the ideal moment to discover some magic. Tilly’s never felt this at home anywhere, but none of it’s real, and that’s not why she’s here.

With time running short, can they seize this unexpected chance to fall in love not only with Christmas but also with each other?

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Raffe and Tilly’s third-person POVs.

This is the standalone eleventh book in the series. It’s my first time reading the author, so I have no idea about the previous books. However, the common element seems to be Glenbriar (a cute place in Scotland), so I could enjoy this book for what it is.

The dual POV of the main characters is helpful, especially since it is in the third person. There’s no confusion in the voice.

Since the entire story takes place in December, it is insta-love. However, the family presence and the Christmas vibes make it easier to understand the development of romance.

The main characters are well-etched, especially Tilly. Her backstory is heavier and might feel repetitive but it reinforces her thoughts, doubts, actions, and decisions. Her growth does feel organic in the given context and page count.

The romance is pretty cute with a bit of spice. Since this is very much a Hallmark-y book, most characters are easy to like (except for a selected few whom we will anyway dislike).

The book also deals with the theme of abandonment issues and limerence. I could empathize with the character and was glad when the right answers were provided. The role of a therapist is so difficult! Not being firm enough wouldn’t help the person but being too straightforward could lead to more issues.

There’s a bit of faith and talk of Christmas miracle as well. I didn’t quite expect that but it shouldn’t be an issue. We could do with a miracle this Christmas (I’m asking for it in advance).

To summarize, Mix-Up under the Mistletoe is a cute, cozy, and festive romance. It shows how a loving family and supportive people can bring out the best in us. And oh… I wouldn’t mind a huge slice of that cake!

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources, Leannan Press, and the author, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

***

About the Author – Margaret Amatt

Margaret is a bestselling Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel in 2021. It was the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.

Margaret is also the author of the acclaimed Glenbriar Series, based in the fictional Scottish town of Glenbriar. This is an ongoing series with more books coming in 2024 and 2025.

The stories are unashamedly romantic, but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone, but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with the characters.

Follow the Author:

Website: https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AmattAuthor

***

This has been a stop on the #MixUpUnderTheMistletoe blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan - Book Review

Publication Date: 19th Nov 2024

Genre: Historical Romance (Victorian Era) 

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: Okayish 

1896, London 

William Margrave, the Duke of Ellis, tried his best to be a duke since he unexpectedly got the title a decade ago. He planned it all and his sight set on a perfect Lady to become his Duchess. 

Phoebe Atkinson is the middle daughter of a self-made businessman. While she, her older sister Alex, and younger sister Winnie were friends with Will before the dukedom, things have changed. Phoebe is now a school teacher the working class girls and has no time for society. 

However, when one of Phoebe’s pupils goes missing, she needs Will to help her out. As they search across the city to find the missing girl, Phoebe and Will realize a few things about themselves. 

The story comes in Phoebe and Will’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

The premise guarantees some drama and entertainment, right? We do get some of both but not to the extent I hoped. 

The beginning was good. I liked Phoebe’s spunk in the beginning. Will presented his dilemma about taking the ducal rules too seriously and how it affected his life. 

The mystery is decent though we cannot call it that. There’s some intrigue and a showcasing of the hypocrisy and evil side of those with power but it doesn’t overpower the plot. 

However, soon, things started to dim. Phoebe turned into a self-righteous martyr activist who thinks giving up the comforts of her home and living in a cramped flat to teach poor girls Homer and Shakespeare made her an award-winning activist. She judged everyone left, right, and center. Yeah, she sometimes accepts she is judgmental but continues to do the same. 

Then Will the Duke. He goes on and on and on about how Phoebe is not duchess material and how important it is for him to marry someone who fits the checklist. Even when he is made to realize how stupid it is, he continues to harp on it. They deserve each other, IMO. 

Now, the main characters, unfortunately, didn’t make a positive impact. But hey, the side characters were cool. Alex is my favorite. I can’t wait to read her book. She has a good head and knows how to use her privilege and position to help others. Freddie seemed interesting too with her sparkling personality that hides a sense of restlessness. 

I think something went a bit wrong in planning the characters and executing them. They shouldn’t have been like this but act realistically and show some flaws. Sadly, I couldn’t empathize with either of them. 

The romance wasn’t great either. There’s some spice but even that didn’t really make a difference. It could also be that I read a couple of books with similar ‘not duchess material’ trope this year and those were much better in terms of characterization and development. 

Luckily, it is a quick read and things get settled without much drama. Some of it is left for the next books, and the epilogue provides a definite lead. You bet I’m more curious about that one. 

To summarize, Duchess Material is a moderately spicy romance novel if you want something light and fluffy to read. I will read the next book since I already like the other two characters. 

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

#NetGalley #DuchessMaterial