Murder at the Leaning Tower by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #6

Publication Date: 06th Feb 2024

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Italy 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining as always 

Dan Armstrong is asked to provide security for a private villa on the outskirts of Pisa. Villa Gregory is beautiful and large. Still, Dan thinks it should be easy enough to handle the situation. What could go wrong when the ultra-rich meet? 

Everything. 

His girlfriend’s daughter works for one of the guests and isn’t too keen about Dan. Moreover, one of the guests is murdered. With pressure mounting, Dan (and Oscar) need to solve the case and try to prevent more murders while staying alive. 

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

My Thoughts: 

This is one of my comfort-read cozy mystery series. This time, Dan and Oscar go to a villa on the outskirts of Pisa. While the tower makes an appearance only once, the setting is beautiful enough to make me happy. 

Despite being the sixth book in the series, it works as a standalone. There is a necessary backstory without too much info dump. The connections between characters are mentioned in a couple of lines without distracting the reader from the plot. 

Ocsar is his best again. This cute black Lab dons many hats. He has to impress people, explore the surroundings, comfort people when they feel sad, and save lives if necessary. He manages it all and more while doing more than full justice to his love for food. 

The mystery is compact. While I could guess the killer, it was fun to know how the reveal would happen. There are enough clues and a couple of red herrings, along with a list of suspects, to keep guessing. 

The pacing is better, too! This one is slightly faster than the previous books. I won’t call it fast, but it is steady and not slow. 

Virginia, Anna’s daughter, is an interesting character. I hope we get to meet her occasionally in the coming books. I missed Trisha in this one. 

Naturally, we are introduced to new police characters in this one. The one in charge of the case is a specimen, but the other is smart, sweet, and efficient. Of course, justice is served, so all ends well! 

To summarize, Murder at the Leaning Tower is entertaining. It ensures the series continues its momentum. Enjoy the setting, food, and the mystery! 

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

#NetGalley #MurderAtTheLeaningTower

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson - Book Review

Publication Date: 05th March 2024

Genre: Middle-Grade Historical Adventure 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming 

1912, Michigan 

Lucy is an eleven-year-old spirited French-Ojibwe orphan sent to live on the tiny Harmony Island with the large Martins family. She misses her papa (a sailor) and hopes to find the legendary ruby necklace he wanted to find but couldn’t. 

Living on an island is hard when Lucy is afraid of water). Moreover, adjusting to the new life with the Anishinaabe family, the lighthouse keepers, isn’t easy. But no one could say Lucy can’t handle hard. 

If only things were a little easier. Maybe a bit of effort is exactly what’s needed. 

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

My Thoughts: 

A book with a lighthouse, a title with alliteration, and an intriguing premise- do I need more to grab this one? Of course not. 

The book starts with Lucy eavesdropping on a conversation. We get a glimpse into her character and begin to understand her delicate position. The poor girl lost her parents and guardian and is now thrust into an unknown family, that too, a large one. 

Lucy is an engaging MC. She is far from perfect and often switches to different personalities as a coping mechanism. She’s a Princess one moment, an Actress the next, and a Small Waif immediately afterward. These define her means of coping with the sudden changes in the situation and her inability to handle them without feeling overwhelmed. I love how this enriches her arc throughout the book. 

While the ruby necklace is important, it is not the central plot. The main theme is about Lucy finding her place in the Martins family. It’s not easy for both parties, as we can clearly see. The Martins already have six children ranging from high school to pre-nursery. Inserting an eleven-year-old longing for a family is not a stress-free task. 

The setting and the lighthouse descriptions are clear enough to visualize the place but so elaborate that kids will lose interest. It helps that the island is super tiny (a smart move). There’s a map, which broke into a dozen pieces on my Kindle. Maybe it’ll look better in PDF on a computer screen. I wish we could see the drawing of the ruby necklace, too. 

The Martins family, despite the large number, is easy to track. Everyone has a distinct personality, some rude, some sweet, some bored, but even they change as they get to know Lucy and accept her presence. 

We are introduced to a few more characters who play minor but crucial roles in the plot’s progress. 

There’s some adventure and one risky scene in the climax. It is essential to the plot and handled without feeling OTT. 

The inclusion of Anishinaabemowin's words and Mrs. Martin’s determination to teach their native language to the children is so wonderful. I love it. As a pagan, I cannot stress enough the importance of this statement. Frame it, I say! 

It may be fashionable these days to leave one’s heritage behind, but one day, you’ll regret not knowing the things your ancestors did. 

There’s a glossary of Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) and French terms at the end, followed by acknowledgments. This helped understand the meanings of the words better, though most were explained within the story. 

To summarize, The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry is a heartwarming, beautiful, and steady-paced book about a young girl facing her fears and finding a family to call her own. It’s also about grief, mourning, and being optimistic about life. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Holiday House, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheLuminousLifeOfLucyLandry

Unbound by Christy Healy - Book Review

Publication Date: 16th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Romance 

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: Got potential (not a B&B retelling) 

Rozlyn Ó Conchúir spent the majority of her life waiting to find the right person to break her curse. She feels she has a chance of taming the dark magic in her when she meets Jamie. However, a betrayal unleashes the inner monster. 

Now, she is the ‘queen’ leading a solitary life, and Jamie wants help. Can she give him what he wants? What does it mean for her? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Rozlyn and Jamie. 

My Thoughts: 

Before I proceed further, can I ask who on earth came up with the idea to market this as a gender-bent B&B retelling? Even the author calls it Midir & Étain retelling in her note. That’s how it should have been promoted. (Not that I know the original Irish story, but this isn’t Beauty and the Beast)

The story is divided into two parts and an epilogue. We get Rozyln and Jamie’s alternate POVs in different timelines within each part. The time jumps are easy enough to follow. Here, I don’t mind being duped right in the middle of the action and getting snippets from the past in installments. It works, even if a major chunk of information is missing. 

What I do mind is the lengthy dialogues (monologues). While the banter between the lead characters is fun at times, the sizzle isn’t fully there. For a long time, I couldn’t decide if I wanted them to be together or not. 

We have a ‘beast’ who is so beautiful that you’ll be reminded of it a million times (TBH, half the time, I imagined her as a vampire). The MMC is, of course, very handsome. Even if Rozlyn’s beast is supposed to be her attitude, it doesn’t work much. At the most, I’d call her a privileged brat and selfish. She’s no monster (the shape-shifting doesn’t count). Jamie is no angel, so I don’t mind some of her decisions. 

The setting is quite good, but I wish there was more. We are introduced to many mythical Irish creatures, which I like. Yet, they are so easily tackled that it makes me feel bad for them. Come on, the creatures are supposed to have killed so many people. Make the fight last a while. 

I don’t mind the anachronisms much (it will annoy some readers, so pick it up based on preferences). Would I have liked the book more without them? Not really. However, I would have liked it better if the story was set in a fictional world. An advantage of this is you get to make your own rules. 

The writing is flowery and descriptive, which means the pacing is uneven, and the book drags in many places. And yet, the details aren’t fully clear. The power/ magic thing is hazy. I thought it would get clear over time, but I can’t say it did. 

The epilogue is what we’d expect from a romance read. That said, I’m not 100% sure about a certain aspect. 

Nevertheless, thank you for the list at the end. It provides the pronunciation for all the Irish terms. I’m more than happy to pretend I pronounced them right when reading the story. 

To summarize, Unbound has its moments and introduces us to some creepy mythical creatures and gods, but it ends up as an average read. It's okay. Not a clean romance, but is not spicy either. 

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

#NetGalley #Unbound             

Stranger in the Village by Kate Wells - Book Review

Series: A Malvern Farm Mystery #2 

Publication Date: 30th Jan 2024

Genre: Small Town Dark Cozy Mystery 

3.8 stars 

One Liner: Slow but enjoyable mystery 

Jude Gray is busy keeping her farm afloat and diversifying to generate more income. She is still getting over the previous murder and the attack on her life. 

However, things get complex when Des Smith, a sleazy chauvinist newcomer in the village, gets murdered. His wife, Loretta, is a kind and loving person, a good friend of Jude. There are a few other strangers around, one of them being a mysterious person with red trainers. 

Like it or not, Jude once again has to solve the crime with DS Binnie Khatri. 

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

My Thoughts: 

As guessed, the pacing is on the slower side like the previous book. Even the atmosphere is dark and continues a few months after book #1 ends. The narration is better, so looks like we are settling into the series. 

Little Sebbie is three and going to nursery. He is a lively child, adding some funny moments to the story. Of course, like every other kid, Sebbie can throw a tantrum, and we see it multiple times. And… never underestimate a child’s ability to remember and use cusswords. ;) 

This is my second book that talks of glamping sites on farms as a source of additional income. Both books highlight the need for eco-friendly practices, which I like. However, given the dark atmosphere and the almost bleak setting (despite beautiful locations), I’m not sure how camping here would be glamorous. 

That said, Jude is great at managing the farm. Sure, she has help, but she is not afraid of tough jobs and is willing to learn. Lucy is now working at the retirement center and helps with housework whenever possible. 

The mystery is intriguing and has enough twists to keep the reader hooked. Binnie’s role is more of someone who shares the updates with Jude and discusses ideas to investigate the case. I’d love to see her in action someday. She is balanced, controlled, smart, and dedicated. 

Jude is not without flaws, which makes her annoying at times. A character calls her self-righteous, and I agree. However, this implies the character development is deliberate (to make her more realistic, I guess). Maybe give her a task she cannot do on the farm? That should add to the authenticity factor. 

And… it is easy enough to guess the killer and gets way too evident as more information is revealed. If Jude wants to become a sleuth, she needs to step up and stop trusting every darn soul who acts kind. Not considering a theory coz the person is kind-hearted won’t work! 

And oh, I love the two new members on the farm – Alfie and Ned, cute little pups. The farm already has Pip, the dog; Gertie, the goat; and Pancake, the lamb. The author has a new Alfie, too, but has unfortunately lost her Pip recently. Here’s hoping her sweet dog enjoys exploring the doggy heaven. 

To summarize, Stranger in the Village is a dark cozy mystery about family, relationships, friendship, doing the right thing, taking chances, and solving crimes. It’s also about not jumping to conclusions and accepting our mistakes. Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

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

#NetGalley #StrangerInTheVillage

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone - Book Review

Publication Date: 13th Feb 2024

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romance 

3.5 Stars (rounded up for the author’s note) 

One Liner: An entertaining read but slow

Eve Hatch has a cozy life in Brooklyn with her steady job and best friend Willa (and her brother Shep). An unexpected one-night stand leads to a surprise pregnancy, and Eve doesn’t know what to do. The baby’s father is conflicted and not sure what to do. Willa is battling her own issues and isn’t that helpful when Eve needs her the most. 

However, Shep turns out to be a blessing. He is there by her side, helping her throughout. It doesn’t take long for Eve to see him as something more than a friend. But things are complicated, and she needs time to figure it out. Maybe her family can grow in unexpected ways! 

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

My Thoughts: 

I admit I requested it mainly for the cover. The story is lighthearted enough yet deals with some serious themes. 

Eve’s first-person narration borders on talking to the readers. It doesn’t break the fourth wall but comes close to it. This aspect is okay, but it took me a while to get used to her POV. She initially seems all over the place. Luckily, things get better as other characters support from the sides. She does grow through the book.  

The pregnancy parts seem quite realistic without making it all goody and easy. The delivery part is frantic and vaguely detailed, just as how someone in that position might share her experience. 

There are funny moments, so the ‘com’ of romcom is justified. The romance is a slow burn, which makes 100% sense considering the situation (even if I don’t get the vibes much). 

I rather like Willa. She is a force and super confident but has her vulnerabilities. She balances Eve well (no wonder they are besties from childhood). Her conversation with Eve in the last quarter is a highlight. 

Shep (I hate that name, and how do you pronounce it?) is this adorable gangly guy who is happy to see others (Eve) happy. I’d have loved his POV. Even otherwise, his emotions are easy to interpret. Ethan is much like Eve (possibly why they got attracted to each other). His character grows, too, which is good to see. I like how all of them managed to find common ground and appreciate the importance of their changing relationships. 

The bond between Willa and her brother Shep is so good. They don’t have many conversations on-page, but we see how they are always there for each other and will do what it takes to protect their sibling. 

The family relationships are done well without getting overly dramatic. Eve is dramatic, but it suits her personality. However, I don’t know why the book has to be 400 pages long and slow. That’s 50 pages extra. Maybe if we cut down some of Eve’s ramblings…? 

Moreover, we get an HFN-ish ending with no epilogue. Come on, you can’t make me read a longer rom-com only to not give a proper, rounded ending (the fam is mentioned but doesn’t meet the baby). 

The author’s note is lovely and feels straight from the heart. I’ve decided to round up the rating as it made me smile. 

To summarize, Ready or Not is a decent read with some great moments, even if it is slow and drags in the middle. There’s an open-door scene in the last quarter. You may want to skim that part if it’s not your thing. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Dial Press Trade Paperback), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #ReadyOrNot

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller - Book Review

Publication Date: 06th Feb 2024

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Interesting premise, clunky execution 

Freya Lockwood has troubles of her own when Aunt Carole calls to inform her that Arthur Crockleford has died. He was her estranged mentor and responsible for her love of antiques. However, something happened that pushed Freya away from her village and Arthur. She decides to go back upon her aunt’s insistence. 

Soon, the duo begins to investigate the case using the cryptic clues left behind by Arthur. There’s a lot to find out. But can Freya and Aunt Carole uncover the truth before they end up like Arthur? 

The story comes in Freya’s first-person POV and the limited third-person POV of multiple characters. 

My Thoughts: 

How can I ignore a book that combines antique hunting and a murder mystery? Naturally, I didn’t, and the results are mixed. 

The setting is well done, be it the village or the manor where most of the action happens. The vibes are spot on. 

It helps that I don’t need to know anything about antiques to follow the plot. That part is kept simple enough for a novice reader to follow. A definite plus. 

Carol is a decent character- a lively, OTT, dramatic aunt in her seventies. Even if the humor isn’t funny, Carol manages to stand out. 

The premise of a 50-something woman getting her life back and doing what she loves is cool. Freya’s backstory is sad enough to make me empathize with her. But I couldn’t, and there lies the biggest problem. It’s hard to enjoy a book when I can’t feel for the MC. 

The repeated references to the past (what happened in Cairo) got a bit too much since the reveal didn’t happen until later. And when we do know, it was underwhelming. Not because the events were bland; the narration lacked the punch. 

The mystery is okayish. The other random POVs add a bit of intrigue, but the characters are boring, except Bella. I wouldn’t have minded if we got more of her POV. That’s someone I’d want to read. 

There was a lot of filler which affected the pacing and made it a slow read. I realized towards the end that this is likely to be a series. It explains the details we get throughout the book. I wouldn’t mind reading the next one to see how it goes. Freya seems to be getting back to her previous self. 

Still, I like the theme of MC’s story from her childhood to the present times. Her relationship with Aunt Carole is beautiful. I’d have loved it if Freya’s POV was done better. 

And oh, the quotes by Arthur (the dead man) at the beginning of each chapter were perfect. I enjoyed those the most (even more than the chapters). 

To summarize, The Antique Hunter's Guide has a decent premise but is hampered by choppy execution. With some good editing and stronger characterization, it can be a worthy cozy mystery. 

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

#NetGalley 

The Memory Library by Kate Storey - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st Feb 2024

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Beautiful (even made me a wee bit teary-eyed) 

Sally Harrison has been building a special library for forty-two years. Each year, on her daughter Ella’s birthday, she chooses a book and writes a note on the first page. Of course, Ella left twenty-two years ago after a fight and hasn’t bothered to come back. 

However, an emergency forces Ella to visit her mother. Slowly, she realizes things may not have been what she assumed. This could be a chance for the mother and daughter to reconnect.. if they can revisit the past and find closure. 

The story comes in Ella and Sally’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

January seems to be my month for mother-daughter books. One book was toxic, the other was super sweet, and this is bittersweet. 

The book starts with a prologue hinting at what could have gone wrong. We then jump into Ella’s POV (she has a major share with Sally’s POV popping up once in a while to show her side) in the present timeline. 

It’s hard to like Ella at first. Her constant ‘If I Were the Queen of the World’ thinking gets on her nerves. However, it is deliberate and meant to show her judgmental side. It shows us how Ella has restricted herself to materialistic things to avoid being hurt. We see her learn, realize, and change as the story progresses. 

Sally is very easy to like. She is kind, compassionate, warm, helpful, and supportive. We can feel her loneliness and how she tries to fill the gap through her activities. 

The side characters are sweet. Their purpose in the story is to show Ella the truth of her mother’s life. Of course, for the characters, Sally is a dear friend/ teacher/ neighbor/ etc., whom they value and cherish. They are diverse, too, but without taking the attention away from the central plot. 

The book is surprisingly steady-paced. I expected this to be a slow burn of sorts, but the % moves ahead steadily. Even with some repetition about the past and Ella’s struggle in coming to terms with the difference between her opinions and reality, the story doesn’t linger for long. The second half feels a bit slower, but it suits the plotline. 

The ending is neatly tied up and a little too sweet, but I don’t mind. I read for HEA endings, so this was right in my alley. However, I did want one aspect to be different (Ella should have continued working. She has become capable enough to handle a career and her family now). 

Books, naturally, play a vital role. I love how seamlessly they are incorporated into the plot. Hadron, the one-eyed cat, is the icing on the cake. Love her! 

I have to mention Charlie as a separate point. While Sally’s friends are all good, Charlie (Ella’s husband) is a rock and a solid support. He is laid back but assertive and accepts Ella with all her flaws. He is mostly in the background, but without him, Ella wouldn’t have done what was necessary. 

To summarize, The Memory Library is a heartwarming story about family, forgiveness, second chances, healing, friendship, connection, and books. It did make me teary-eyed a couple of times. I also love the unsaid – a person will have to live actions and decisions for the rest of their life. Some things cannot be undone even when we move on. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheMemoryLibrary

**

P.S.: Isn’t the cover gorgeous? 

The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers - Book Review

Publication Date: 25th Jan 2024 

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Mystery 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Worthy premise, flat execution 

For centuries, the Everlys have been paying a debt to Penelope for something no one remembers. She is ageless and ruthless, making her almost invincible and impossible to take on. Years ago, Marianne Everly vanished to find a way to break the curse, and Penelope wants either Marianne or her daughter Violet as the repayment. 

Violet has been sheltered by her uncles in an attempt to keep her safe. By hiding the truth from her, they might have put Violet at a greater risk. With very little time left on their side, Violet has to either find her mother or break the curse and be free of Penelope. 

But will the woman let her go? Of course, there’s Aleksander, Penelope’s assistant, someone Violet cannot help but be drawn to. Will he be her friend or betray her? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters (Ambrose Everly, Violet Everly, Aleksander, and Penelope) plus an omnipresent third-person. 

My Thoughts: 

I requested the book for the cover and the premise (since it was supposed to be an adult fantasy). Well, let’s say the results are mixed. Also, the book might work better as New Adult Fantasy (which explains why I couldn’t like it much). 

The book has potential. No two ways about it. Despite the lack of structure and not enough world-building, the writing has a sense of ethereal quality, which will work for some readers. Didn’t make an impact on me, but I can see the talent in there. 

The major issue is with the main character, Violet. The plot is too big for her fragile shoulders. It’s more than okay to have a naïve lead who makes mistakes. But for her to continue being the same doesn’t help. 

The side characters are like sheets of paper fluttering in the wind- so random and not rooted enough to assert themselves. 

Penelope is pure evil, or so it seems. She manages to stand out and carries the book as much as she is allowed to. 

The romance between Violet and Aleksander is expected. However, I couldn’t care less about the track. Never mind that Violet needs helluva growing up to do. Aleksander shows great promise with some grey shades and a tragic past, though the arc is not fully developed. 

The concept of keys to the world is intriguing. The cover is perfect for the setting. Yeah, many aspects of world-building are unexplained. I think I have a vague idea (think being the operative term). It is easy to go with the flow since there isn’t much I can otherwise do. 

The ARC copy doesn’t have proper formatting. There are no indicators for scene breaks. Countless times, I had to reread a paragraph to understand there had been a POV and scene change from the previous one. When the narrative jumps at random between characters, not having clear markers is a recipe for disaster. 

Moreover, the present tense doesn’t help the narrative as the story weaves between the random past and the present. It gets exhausting to fit the event into the timeline, like trying to fit the puzzle pieces. 

There’s an epilogue of sorts, but let’s say I did not like it much either. There is no explanation for how Violet’s growth. We have to accept it since the characters say so (and this happens throughout the book). 

The pacing is inconsistent, too. The first half progresses quickly, but after that, the story goes on and on. The climax is so simple that it made me wonder if we needed all this. 

To summarize, The City of Stardust has great potential but ends up as a lukewarm read with half-baked characters. It needs more development to hit the right notes. I really wanted to like this one, but it’s not to be. Do check out other reviews before you decide. 

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

#NetGalley #TheCityOfStardust

Death at Lovers' Leap by Catherine Coles - Book Review

Series: The Martha Miller Mysteries #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 16th Feb 2024 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3 Stars 

One Liner: It was okay; could have been better! 

Westleham Village 1948

Martha Miller is lamenting her life with Valentine’s Day around the corner. With her husband Stan missing for a while and her growing feelings for the handsome Vicar Luke Walker, she wants to focus on something other than herself for distraction. 

However, she doesn’t expect to stumble upon a dead body near Lover’s Leap, a famous beauty spot in the region. Did the person jump from the bridge, or were they a victim of a crime? It’s up to Martha and Luke to solve the case. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Martha Miller. 

My Thoughts: 

It’s been a while since book #2, so I was excited to read this one. Martha and Luke are back in their village, back to routine lives. 

The book starts with a (not-so) brief intro by Martha. This is useful for readers who haven’t read the previous two books. Still, I did sympathize a little with her situation. Not easy for her. 

There’s a new entry who tries to create trouble. I won’t say more. We meet another new character as well, though she is a delight to read. I hope the latter continues to appear in the series. 

The mystery, as such, is the coziest of cozies. Yeah, there are deaths, but the sleuthing is more of gossiping, questioning the same people, and drinking cups of tea. The resolution is weak, too. 

Not much excitement either since the focus is more on the rumors about Martha and Luke’s ‘relationship’. Can we bump off Stan already and get these two together? There’s only so much of pinning I can read. 

What I do like is that we see how hard it is to blend into a village and become one of them. The gossip, rumors, nosy neighbors, judgments, etc., are highlighted well in this series. Life is not rosy and happy quaint little towns! 

Given the period (post WWII), food rationing, women’s rights, financial concerns, etc., are integral to the plot. 

There’s a development in the subplot, which made me happy even if Ben has almost nothing to do with the sleuthing. 

Despite the lack of action, the book is decently paced and can be read in a couple of hours. That said, the book feels like it was written during a slump/ writer’s block. Hopefully, the next will be back on track. 

To summarize, Death at Lovers' Leap has a few moments but ends as an average read with a thin plot. This would have worked better as a subplot in a more complex main mystery. I did like revisiting the characters and enjoyed the development in the personal track, but that’s it. 

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

#NetGalley #DeathAtLoversLeap

The Bookstore at Rivers End by Phillipa Nefri Clark - Book Review

Series: Temple River #2 (Standalone)

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Fiction 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming 

Harriet Main and her twenty-year-old daughter Olive had moved to River’s End to start a bookstore. It is a dream come true for former librarian Harriet, even if she is still recovering from the pain of her divorce from Jason.

Olive is supportive, and together they start fresh. One day, the mother-daughter duo comes across an old diary. Olive insists they read the contents. Soon, they uncover the mystery of the past and wade through the secrets. It’s up to Harriet to determine if she can help right the wrong. And how does this change her life? 

The story comes in Harriet’s third-person POV and Nettie’s first-person POV (past timeline). 

My Thoughts: 

After enjoying the first book in the series, I wanted to try this and explore the lovely fictional setting in Australia. It is such a beautiful place (based on real locations) with cliffs, beaches, spacious farmlands, and cute homes. 

This is my second read this month set with a bookstore. It is also a second book with mother/ daughter dynamics. Thankfully, it works well on both fronts. 

We have books with good banter between friends, cousins, lovers, etc. Here, the banter between mom and daughter (Harriet and Olive) is a highlight. Even if it sounds too good to be true, Olive is a wonderful 20-year-old, the kind of daughter most mothers would want. I love her character. 

There’s a bit of romance for Harriet, though it is quite mature and doesn’t take the focus away from the central plot, except towards the end, where a closure is necessary. Even then, the contemporary plot is connected to the past track. 

The crux of the story is the diary the mom-dotty duo finds in their second-hand book purchases and the mystery in it. We get the journal entries in a first-person POV, with the first and last paragraphs in italics (written like how we would in a journal). I quite like this format. The mystery has enough elements for us to guess, though some questions have to be answered by the characters. 

A wee change in POV at one point made me wonder if it was an attempt to plug a plot hole. I tend to write myself into a corner and scramble to find a way out. This gives the same feeling. Not an issue as such. 

Of course, most characters are sweet and nice in the small town, and the bookshop is an instant hit with many sales. A bit hard to believe, but that’s okay. Some positivity is good (and much-needed after my previous read). 

The pacing is a bit slow, and I admit I liked Olive more than Harriet. Brock is, of course, a sweetheart in his friendly, kind sort of way. He is confident but in a calm and unstated manner. The hero from book one was just as good (and better since he had a bigger role). It’s refreshing to read such MMCs. 

To summarize, The Bookstore at Rivers End is a heartwarming story of moving on, making friends, valuing relationships, and doing what makes one happy without hurting others. This is a clean romance and works as a standalone. 

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

#NetGalley #TheBookstoreAtRiversEnd

All the Ways We Lied by Aida Zilelian - Book Review

Publication Date: 09th Jan 2024

Genre: Family Drama

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: Started okay but got a bit too messy 

What happens to the dysfunctional immigrant Armenian family in Queens (NY) when a tragedy strikes? 

With the news of their father’s terminal illness, Kohar, Lucine, and Azad have to handle the mess in their personal lives, come to terms with the present, and lay rest to the past. Having a volatile and strict mother further strains their relationships. Will the family survive or break? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of the main characters (Kohar, Lucine, Azad, Jonathan, Garbiel, and Takouhi). 

My Thoughts: 

I follow an Armenian lady on Instagram and love the pictures of her native place (the farms, plants, ancient cathedrals, etc.). This book seemed like a good way to get a glimpse into the community, even if it is from the immigrant perspective. 

Soon, I noticed it had a few parallels with other immigrant books – dysfunctional families, torn between two cultures, the attempts of first-gen immigrants to keep the native culture and traditions alive however possible, etc. Another similarity was in parental control, something we often find in Asian families. I rather liked this sense of familiarity. 

The writing is very good. I even forgot this was a debut work. Despite the lack of indication for time jumps, the plot was easy enough to follow. And most importantly, the characterization is good. It doesn’t matter that half of them are unlikeable and toxic. They make a strong impact. I even felt suffocated in some scenes. 

I like how Gabriel and Jonathan have such unconventional roles. Even with the book being dominated by women, we cannot imagine the plot without these two men. 

You may wonder why such a low rating when the book has such good elements. Well, we’ll tackle them next. There is where I should probably say, ‘it’s not you, it’s me’. 

Though I knew the book would be about toxic families and relationships, this was much like watching a massive collision. Can’t say I particularly liked it. And when things could have gotten a little better, they take a turn for worse. There’s only so much I can bear before getting annoyed. 

Azad was irritating. If there’s one person I couldn’t empathize with, that’s her. I don’t mind Bohemian characters, but she didn’t work for me. 

The book is divided into three parts. The first was good, and the second was okay, even though we see a change in the narrative. The third was off, and since I lost interest by then, I just wanted it to end soon. 

While I don’t mind the time jumps, I still had a hard time following the change in the characters. Of course, a few reveals made things clear, which I appreciate. 

The multiple POVs give us an insight into each character, even if we don’t agree with their actions. But for me, only Kohar’s POV was compelling. Next was Gabriel. 

Being lit fiction, I expected the narrative to be slow, but this one is super dragging. It feels as if the plot couldn’t carry its own burden, especially in the second half. And when there isn’t anything happy or light about the story, such pacing is a disadvantage (at least with readers like me who don’t equate the genre with misery and toxicity). 

And what’s with the last part of the book? I know such things happen often. I also know that woman deserved what she got. I am also glad the character I liked could finally move on. Still, it felt like were pushed from one universe to another. 

To summarize, All the Ways We Lied is a book about toxic people and what one person’s narcissism can do to the family. It is heavy, slow, and tough to read. Got a few triggers, too. 

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

#NetGalley #AllTheWaysWeLied

**

TW: Miscarriage, cancer, parental death, chronic illness, abuse, parental neglect, talks of the Armenian genocide. 

An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans - Book Review

Series: The Ever After Street Series #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Oh, so adorable! 

A Tale as Old as Time is a bookshop on Ever After Street run by Marnie Platt. She had shut herself from everything after losing a dear one, but a letter from the property owner forces her to take action or lose her bookstore. Marnie is distraught, and her wit’s end when help comes from the most unexpected corner. 

No one knows Darcy O'Connell or has seen him. Many don’t even know his name, and that’s how he likes it. His is Marnie’s Scary Neighbor, who sells the most beautiful roses and flower arrangements. As he and Marnie start to interact with each other (with an overgrown hedge as a barrier), they become friends and slowly step out of their comfort zones. 

Things seem to look up, but Marnie knows they have a long way to go. With some help from friends, maybe she can save the bookstore and live again. But she first needs to convince Darcy he is worthy of loving. 

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

My Thoughts: 

The author is now officially one of my favorites. She writes such beautiful characters- layered and flawed but not too annoying (except for the supposed villain who is 2D). 

Darcy can win the grumpiest of grumps hand down. Yet, he is so human! Kind, sweet, and someone who can give without expecting anything in return (the author does grumpy men very well). 

Marnie isn’t sunshine. She is an introvert (someone who can talk non-stop if she feels comfortable with the person). She is lively enough and can do well in a group, except that she has entered a shell and is struggling to come out of it. Her arc is well-structured, and we get many glimpses of what she was before tragedy changed her. 

Marnie and Darcy’s relationship is slow and steady. It’s not without a few hiccups, either. They are both vulnerable, and it shows. The scenes where Darcy bonds with Mrs. Potts are too cute. Despite reading the whole thing in Marnie’s POV, we can feel the change in him and understand his emotions. 

Of course, the plotline is predictable, and there’s no attempt to make it seem otherwise. The writing makes it apparent that the readers are supposed to guess. We know more than the characters (at least the FMC). The focus is on when and how the FMC will connect the dots and what happens next. 

There are many bookish references given the premise. There are also several mentions of Beauty and Beast (all versions). In fact, this is an artful and contemporary retelling of the same, sans the fantasy elements, of course. 

We also don’t have a third-act breakup. Since this is a slow burn, the storyline doesn’t need one. I loved how understanding the characters are and their response when the ‘secrets’ come out. A mature take that aligns with their ages (mid to late 30s). 

Rick’s character feels clichéd, but then I know people who would give him company with their out-of-the-world delusions. 

The community steps in only in the second half and towards the last section. That’s when the plot needs them, though we always know they are there in the background, ready to support their fellow entrepreneurs whenever necessary. 

The pacing is slow and cannot be rushed. I’m used to it now. Can’t wait to see what the next book will be! 

To summarize, An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street is a heartwarming and poignant book that will make you laugh, smile, and even tear up a wee bit. 

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

#NetGalley #AnEnchantedMomentOnEverAfterStreet

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft - Book Review

Publication Date: 02nd Jan 2024 

Genre: YA Romantic Fantasy 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Disjointed and scattered

Niamh Ó Conchobhair is a commoner but a gifted seamstress who can weave enchantments into the dresses she makes. This gets her an invitation to make dresses for the royal wedding in the kingdom of Avaland, a neighbor who has been oppressing her country for generations. Still, Niamh is not willing to let go of the chance to earn money and give her mother and gran a better life. 

Soon, Niamh realizes things aren’t great in Avaland. The groom, Prince Kit (Christopher) is rude and is nothing more than a pawn in a political wedding. As Kit and Niamh spend time together, friendship and love bloom. However, someone knows or suspects it and is now blackmailing them to reveal some crucial secrets. 

What will Niamh and Kit do? Fight for love, sacrifice for the kingdom, or find a way out to solve all problems? 

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

What I Like: 

• The cover of this edition is beautiful. It is whimsical and has an other-worldly feel, which suits the premise. 
  
  
• The bare bones (intentions) are good, be it the conflict between the oppressor and oppressed countries, rich vs. poor, or a magical setting. 
  
  
• Kit’s magic is well done. It’s the only part of the magical system that was detailed to an extent. Niamh’s talents show promise, but that’s it. 
  
  
• Some descriptions are beautiful and paint a vivid picture of the setting. 
  
  
• Infanta Rosa, Miriam, Sofia, and Sinclair have great potential. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

Yes, I know this is YA romance. However, I can’t help but feel that the premise has been wasted and diluted. The book could have been more intricate and compact if it was written for an adult audience. (On that note, I’m not sure if Kit’s excessive smoking and the beginning of the love scene are suitable for younger YA readers.)

Niamh reminds me of Bella from Twilight. A comparison I would have liked in my early 20s but not now. Despite the narration not being her first-person POV (thank god!), there’s a lot of rambling. We need Kit’s POV to balance the narrative. 

The political conflict and all that is so messy! Even if the conflict is meant for the lead couple to ‘overcome’ the obstacles, it should be streamlined. It’s apparently a fantasy take on England vs. Ireland history, not that it would make any difference. There isn’t a proper resolution, either.  

The side characters are way better than the main ones. They should have been more fleshed out. 

The romance between Niamh and Kit is okayish. We don’t really know what Kit thinks. We only know what others tell Niamh what Kit thinks/ feels. Convincing? Nope. 

I wish we had seen Niamh work. I mean work-work like the seamstress she is- delegating jobs to the staff the prince gave her, choosing between different materials, etc. However, we are told she is overworked and killing herself in the process coz she is so selfless and needs to learn to be selfish. She spends more time with her ‘friends’ and poking her nose into the internal matters. (Yes, there are scenes of her sewing, but I want her to do more than stitch and hurt herself with the stupid needle coz she is overworked.)

The book has themes like class differences, political conflicts, civil unrest, political marriage, parental abuse, alcoholism, forbidden romance, a chronic, life-threatening illness (very vague stuff), etc. But none manages to make an impact. 

And… why do we have so many adverbs? 5-6 per Kindle page are too many for my poor brain to ignore. Lots of ‘golden’ light too. *sob* 

To summarize, A Fragile Enchantment has a fantastic premise but flatters in execution. Even for a YA read, it could have been better. It is just too disjointed to make an impact.  

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Wednesday Books), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

The Library of Heartbeats by Laura Imai Messina - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th January 2024

Genre: Japanese Literature, Translation 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Sweet and melancholic; slice-of-life type novel 

Teshima is a tiny peaceful island in Japan with a library of heartbeats. It’s where the heartbeats of people from around the world are collected and safeguarded. Away in Kamakura, Shuichi, a 40-year-old illustrator, arrives to renovate his home after his mother’s death. He spies an 8-year-old boy shadowing the house. After much deliberation, he approaches the kid in his own manner. 

As Shuichi and Kenta form a bond, they decide to travel to the library of heartbeats. Here, the journey is as important as the destination. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Shuichi and Kenta, with a few chapters from others. 

My Thoughts: 

I went into the book with no expectations. From what little I’ve read of Japanese Lit, I know it’s different and needs patience. The beginning is vague and intriguing, even if the pacing is slow. The story comes together in the second half. However, the book will work better if you go with the flow. Categorizing the sections can be confusing. 

There is a short note about surnames and pronunciation before we get into the story. It was quite helpful. 

Suichi is not an easy character to like at times, but he manages to be very much real. Kenta is, of course, a darling little boy you can’t help but empathize with. Sayaka is fine, though she seems more like a side character. I couldn’t connect with her. 

I love the explanation of kanji (Chinese/ Japanese alphabet) and the mini-stories woven around them. Since the alphabet is also provided, it was easy to understand the explanation. 

While the writing is melancholic, halfway through, we realize there’s more sadness and death in the book. We see themes like grieving the death of loved ones, dysfunctional families, a wee bit of bullying, types of mourning and moving on, bonding between two seemingly unrelated people (the man and the boy), etc. 

A few recurring themes are happiness, past (memories), acceptance, and opening one’s heart to love. There are some ‘moral’ dilemmas too. 

The book needs to be read with proper formatting. The ARC (PDF) is missing italics and scene breaks. This made it a bit hard to track the jumps. Luckily, I thought I understood the pattern, but turns out I was wrong and figured it out in the last quarter. The saving grace is that what was supposed to be story-in-story was very much a part of the narrative. I didn’t skip those sections, so I didn’t miss any info. 

While the Library of Heartbeats is the title, the book is about hearts and emotions. TBH, I expected a little more about the wonderful place and the setting. But the focus is more on the main characters. I’d have loved it if the island played a more prominent role. 

The book has an author’s note, glossary, and acknowledgment page, providing a little extra insight into the content. Don’t skip these, as you will understand why the entire premise has such melancholy to it. And the Heartbeat Archives is a real place (good if you already know; I thought it was fictional). 

To summarize, The Library of Heartbeats is a mellow and bittersweet story of loss, grief, family, friendships, and finding love (not romantic) to have the courage to live again. It may not be for everyone and definitely not a book I would NOT recommend if you are already down. While it does have a hopeful ending, the overall sadness will further affect your spirits. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK (Manilla Press), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheLibraryOfHeartbeats

A Body at the Séance by Marty Wingate - Book Review

Series: London Ladies’ Murder Club #2 

Publication Date: 11th Jan 2024

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A good mystery but slow 

November 1921

Mabel is working with the Useful Women’s Agency, hoping for a better case than finding missing dogs. However, she didn’t expect to end up on a crime scene when attending the séance with Mrs. Plomley to communicate with the woman’s dead husband. What’s more, how did Mr. Stamford Plomley die at the séance when he was supposed to have perished almost a year ago? 

Mabel is hired to investigate the previous non-death, though the lines blur soon. Who is Madame Pushkana? Is she a gifted medium being targeted by someone who hates her, or is she a con artist and a murderer? Can Mabel solve the case? 

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

My Thoughts: 

After enjoying book one a few days ago, I was eager to read this and see how Mabel proved her worth as a private investigator. 

As with the previous one, the book starts with Mabel knocking on the door and introducing herself at her job site. That way, we get into action almost right away. 

The mystery is rather interesting and has enough suspects to track. Though it takes a while, there are enough clues to figure out the killer. I guessed right despite the red herrings, and the process is logical. Mabel is still an amateur sleuth, so she is bound to miss a few things. 

We meet the recurring characters again (Cora, Skeff, Park, Inspector Tollerton, Miss Kerr, etc.) and some new ones. Augustus also makes an appearance, much to my delight. Like Mabel, I also have a soft spot for that kid. Gladys, the part-terrier (Park’s dog), is proving to be a lifesaver! 

There’s a touch of paranormal, given the premise. It is well done and just enough to suit the plotline. I like how the whole thing is nicely balanced. 

The bits about séance and its working are interesting enough. However, I should give credit to The Other Side of Mrs. Wood for understanding the whole thing a lot more. 

There’s a wee bit of progress in the expected romance between Mabel and Park. Nothing major, so it doesn’t affect the mystery. 

Two things I like the most – 

Mabel’s comparison of handwriting with music is an intriguing concept. Those who know the music script (and like classical pieces) will enjoy this more. I don’t have the required knowledge, but I love the concept. 

The characters don’t just try to solve the crime. They also provide emotional support to those who require it. They step in to help strangers in need. Moreover, Mabel is good at marketing. She is always ready to recommend her fellow women to her clients based on their requirements. 

But… why is the book so slow? The first one had a steady pace despite introducing the characters and setting. I expected this to be along the same lines, but it is way slower and doesn’t seem inclined to move faster. 

To summarize, A Body at the Séance is a well-plotted and engaging mystery with some twists, laughs, puzzles, and loads of tea. Naturally, I am looking forward to the next book and will read it.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheSéance