My Top Short Stories

Hello and Namaste! 

How can I not write a blog post on this topic? Short stories are my favorite kind! I write them too, so they are even more special.

The best thing about short stories is how much can be said in a limited word count. Also, these make great starting points for new readers. If you can’t sit long enough to enjoy a novel, a short story will get you into the habit of reading. Same if you have a reading slump. Rereading your favorite books or short stories will help get back on track.

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I won’t write a lengthy post about short stories but will provide some recommendations from different genres. You can find a short story from almost any genre and subgenre. The classics are already in the public domain and are free to read online.

I already said I’m a short story writer. You should expect me to promote my books too!

So here it goes. My first solo publication (in paperback) will be out on 3rd July this year. I can’t even tell you how exciting and stressful this feels. I hope I can sell enough books to make my publisher happy. Fingers crossed.

Anyhoo, the book is called Forests and Faeries. It is a collection of short stories for middle-graders but for anyone who loves forests, faeries, and all things magic. The stories have a dash of adventure, a bit of danger, loads of hope, and some sprinkle of fun to make you smile. Give it a try if it sounds like something you will enjoy!

Forests and Faeries: Tales of Adventure and Magic

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/8194982472

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1C1YYT 

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Shared Roots – Tales from the Indosphere

Genre: Short Story Anthology (Multi Author), Indic  

If you are a fan of Indic writing or want to explore it for the first time, check out Shared Roots, a book that explores the connection between India and Cambodia through seven unique pieces. And yes, it has a story by me. ;)

Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0D63MCXCR 

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Enough of self-promotion for now. I’ll recommend authors I love for their writing styles and how their works encourage me to improve my craft.

O Henry aka William Sidney Porter

I loved O Henry’s short stories ever since I read one in my English book at school. I went on to read his collection of a hundred short stories and still like to revisit my personal favorites at times. Check out the following: (these should be available in the public domain)

• The Last Leaf
• Service of Love
• Third Ingredient
• Springtime a la Carte
• Witches’ Loaves

**

So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan

Keegan is one of my favorite contemporary authors. I fell in love with her writing after reading Small Things Like These. I don’t like open endings but I'll never complain when Keegan writes them. Her writing is a free masterclass.

So Late in the Day is a short story. The same title is also used for a collection of three pieces by the author.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5604158795

**

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The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie

I will never miss an opportunity to talk about Christie or this book. Mr. Quin appears only in a handful of short stories (and no novels). He is not a detective. Heck, he may not even be a person. But he has important roles to play in others’ lives. The touch of the paranormal and the musings of old Mr. Satterthwaite make this collection a worthy read.

My review: https://www.writersworkout.net/post/2019/05/10/boss-battle-book-review-the-mysterious-mr-quin

**

How We Disappear by Tara Lynn Masih

If you are into introspective, darkish, and atmospheric reads that also explore human nature, this collection could be the one for you. The stories have a common theme of disappearance even if some are a bit too vague for my liking.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4789434299

**

The Clock in My Mother's House by Annalisa Crawford

Annalisa Crawford is a wonderful indie author who writes slow-burn atmospheric stories. This collection is un-themed and contains stories that have finalists or winners in writing contests. Her writing is beautiful and evocative.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5334493278

**

A Broken People's Playlist: Stories [From Songs] by Chimeka Garricks

This is an #ownvoices collection set in Port Harcourt. The stories are all inspired by songs. Though I didn’t know the songs, it didn’t hamper my reading experience. The pieces are darker but poignant. The writing and execution are amazing.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5412484349

**

Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology

This is a multi-author anthology with stories by indigenous authors from the US and Canada. While the title and foreword make it sound like the book deals with paranormal content, not all stories do. They are dark and disturbing, but may or may not contain otherworldly elements.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5682080345

**

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Grimm Machinations

This is yet another multi-author anthology with fairytale retellings set in the steampunk or gas lamp sub-genre. The results are mixed, but I did enjoy some stories a lot.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5644241229

**

Silverweed Road by Simon Crook

If you are a fan of horror, this could be the book for you. The stories take place in a single setting, the Silverweed Road and are presented as cases investigated by an Inspector.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4846610283

**

Books by The Hive

I’ll end the blog with a bit of promotion (again).

The Hive is a boutique indie publisher. We published a handful of multi-author short story anthologies based on genres/ themes.

Horror: Route 13 and Trail XIII

Feel Good: Tea With a Drop of Honey and A Second Cup of Tea

Mystery/ Thriller: Blood Runs Cold

Romance: #Love

Link: https://www.amazon.in/stores/The-Hive/author/B085T7DM6P

**

To Sum Up

Well, there is not much to sum up. I have many more recommendations but that’s it for now!

I'm participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter.

 

The Diary at the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles - Book Review

Series: Heaven’s Cove #7 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 08th July 2024

Genre: Small Town Contemporary Fiction 

3.8 stars 

One Liner: A sweet read 

Clara lives with her mother in the cottage on the grounds of Brellasham Manor. It has been her home all her life, with her mother being the housekeeper for the family at the Manor (and so was her grandmother).

River, the owner’s son, returns after fifteen years, still unsure about his relationship with his father and the Manor. He remembers his closeness with Clara, even if she doesn’t seem to want to. 

When Clara finds the diary of Audrey Brellasham, the missing, presumed dead wife and stepmother of the owner, she becomes obsessed with the past. Clara wants to know what actually happened. When the owner announces that the estate will be sold to the developers, Clara knows she is running out of time to find the truth. 

The story comes in Clara, River, and Geoffrey’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a standalone book that shares the location with other books in the series. Heaven’s Cove is a picturesque village with a sea, cliffs, cute streets, and a small community. 

The triple POV works well to add depth to the characters. Surprisingly, I liked River and Geoffrey’s POVs more than Clara’s. While I was a bit frustrated with Geoffrey, I could also empathize with his position.

The pacing is steady and keeps the story moving even when we are yet to find the answers to some questions. 

The diary trope is creatively handled here. We don’t get pages and pages of stories. Instead, we get crisp content, which nudges the FMC to find out more. I like how the diary has a vital role but also doesn’t take up too much space. 

Now, Clara is 31 years old. I can see her situation with her family. Her mother belongs to the previous generation and follows the ‘rules’ way too much. I like that Clara doesn’t simply put her head down but asserts herself when necessary. However, I don’t particularly like it when the FMC becomes stupid in the case of a man. At least, the realization comes soon enough (or I’d have been even more annoyed at her). 

Comparatively, River’s arc and POV feel better. His internal conflict and vulnerability come out very well and make him appear more fleshed out than the FMC. Not something we often see in this genre, but I’ll take it! 

There’s no third-act breakup since the couple doesn’t get together until towards the end. Read this as contemporary fiction (men’s and women’s) rather than romance. You will enjoy it more that way. 

While there are a couple of triggering topics, they are handled with care. We get just enough details, though you may still want to be a tad careful (domestic violence). 

The ending (yes, there is an epilogue) is sweet and heartwarming. It shows things are a work-in-progress just like the characters. I like that it is not too neat but answers all questions satisfactorily. 

To summarize, The Diary at the Last House Before the Sea is a heartwarming standalone set in a beautiful location and deals with second chances, moving on from past traumas, and becoming a better version of ourselves. 

The author’s note says she working on the next in the series. I’m excited to see what she’ll come up with. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheDiaryAtTheLastHouseBeforeTheSea

Murder at Traitors' Gate by Irina Shapiro - Book Review

Series: Tate and Bell Mystery #2

Publication Date: 24th June 2024 

Genre: Historical Mystery 

4 stars 

One Liner: Better than the previous book! 

Police Inspector Sebastian Bell is back on a new case. Someone had hung a dead body with a meat hook outside the Traitor’s Gate. The victim turns out to be a journalist Bell encountered in the previous case. Moreover, he was a war veteran. Bell realizes Gemma might help him find more information. 

After her brother’s death, Gemma Tate moved into a boarding house and got a new job. She is more than happy to leave the dark past of the war behind. But when Bell asks for help, Gemma knows she cannot refuse. 

Soon, they realize there’s a lot more than what’s known. Can Bell and Tate solve the case before it is too late? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Sebastian and Gemma. 

My Thoughts: 

So, I went into this book with a better understanding and it worked well. Despite the series title, this will be Bell and Tate’s investigation, with Sebastian getting more chapters. Gemma’s contribution is limited. 

The case and the setting are dark like the previous book. It deftly uses the local weather and living conditions to create a sense of discomfort and danger. 

This is a dark mystery but not too gruesome. It has a few graphic details, only to the necessary extent. I appreciate this since it keeps the focus on the plot. Not much humor, though. Don’t expect light-hearted stuff from this one. 

The pacing feels better this time. Though the page count is the same, the narration and action are steady. This keeps the plot moving even when there is little to no progress in the investigation. 

The mystery is solid with enough suspects. There aren’t many red herrings but it does take a while to guess the killer. I got it right based on certain clues, so the reveal aligns with the details provided. 

However, there are quite a few characters to track. Not all of them are major, so it is easy to ignore the ones that simply move the plot forward. 

Yet again, I’m not convinced by the chemistry between the lead couple but it is better than before. Hopefully, I can feel it more in book #3 or #4. There’s already a lead for the third book, so I am curious to see where it’ll go. 

To summarize, Murder at Traitors' Gate is an engaging mystery that’ll keep you wanting to read more. The main characters, especially Bell, make this a worthy read. While the book works as a standalone, starting with the first might be a better idea. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderatTraitorsGate

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 02nd July 2024

Purchase Link (US): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CF15XMF9

Purchase Link (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CF15XMF9

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195889383-the-love-of-my-afterlife 

Genre: Contemporary Women, Magic Realism

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining but a bit lengthy

Book Blurb:

What if the end of her life was just beginning…

If she wasn’t dead already, Delphie Bookham would be dying of embarrassment.

She’s woken up in the afterlife after choking on a microwave burger, wearing the kind of pajamas you’d be mortified if anyone saw you in, and has crashed headlong into the most handsome man she’s ever met. Who is also dead and smiling at her.

As they talk, Delphie starts to feel that elusive spark between them– something she’s waited her whole life to feel. Perhaps the afterlife won’t be so bad if she’s potentially found her soulmate to spend it with… That is until someone comes running in, yelling something about a huge mistake, and sends the dreamy stranger back down to earth, leaving Delphie behind.

Now the powers that be are offering Delphie a deal: go back down to Earth, find her mysterious maybe soulmate, and get him to fall in love with her. Or stay dead. The challenge? She only has ten days to find him, and he has no recollection of them ever having met…

***

My Thoughts:

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

How can I ignore a premise like this? Imagine finding love in your afterlife and having to come back alive for it (way too much work, IMO, but Delphie is game, so why not).

The book opens with a bang. We are right in the scene with Delphie choking on the burger. It shouldn’t be funny but it is.

The Afterlife will need some getting used to. The best thing to do is go with the flow and don’t compare it to other settings or what you know about the place. It sounds more like a corporate office (be warned!).

Though the blurb makes it a romance, the book is also about finding one's tribe, new friendships, coming out of the shell, closing past trauma, etc. That makes the side characters (some of them) quite interesting.

Delphie is a socially awkward twenty-seven-year-old. That leads to a lot of second-hand embarrassment, which went a bit OTT in the middle. While it makes sense in a way, it sure isn’t easy to see the FMC make a fool of herself. Thankfully, things change as the realization strikes. Moreover, we also notice that the FMC made her share of mistakes (which she conveniently forgets), so she is not always easy to like or empathize with. It makes her real but also a tad annoying.

One character is a diehard fan of romance (pun intended), which means other romance authors and tropes are also mentioned in between. This may or may not work for all readers. I didn’t mind it much but I wouldn’t have felt their absence either.

The pacing is a bit uneven though not so much that the story drags. However, I would have preferred it if the ending didn’t try to pack so much into it. The book is already 400 pages, so the narrative should be steady and evenly distributed. A lot happens in the last 20%, some of which do seem a bit excessive.

To summarize, The Love of My Afterlife is an entertainer that attempts to do something different with the tried and tested tropes from the romance genre. That said, you will like it more if you connect with the FMC.

My thanks to Anne (Random Things Tours), NetGalley, and Penguin Publishing House, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

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About the Author – Kirsty Greenwood

Kirsty Greenwood is an internationally bestselling author of funny, fearless romantic comedies about extraordinary love. When she's not writing books she composes musicals and explores London where she lives with her husband.

Follow the Author here:

Twitter (X): @KirstyStories

Instagram: @kirsty_greenwood

Facebook: KirstyGreenwoodBooks

For publicity enquiries: Rachel Kennedy, Publicity Director

Contact: rkennedy@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk| 020 7840 8893

***

This has been a pitstop on the blog tour for #LoveofmyAfterlife by Random Things Tours (@RandomTTours on Twitter). Thank you for stopping by! 

Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes by Cyril Liéron, Benoît Dahan - Book Review

Series: Dans la tête de Sherlock Holmes (#1-2)

Publication Date: 14th Nov 2023

Genre: Graphic Novel, Mystery 

4 Stars (5 for the artwork and 3 for the story)

One Liner: Terrific illustrations but needs a better storyline 

Ever wondered how it looks inside the mind of one of the world’s greatest (fictional) detectives? This graphic novel attempts to show us the inside of Sherlock Holmes’ mind when he is on a case. Do I need any other reason to grab this book? Of course not! 

The book deals with the Case of the Scandalous Ticket which Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate. 

There are two aspects to consider when reviewing the book – the plotline and the illustrations. 

Plot: 

Well, it starts well but somewhere along the way, it gets diluted. It does align with the tropes used back then, which makes the book dated and can be unappealing to readers who want modern views. Personally, I think it works enough to give the book the old British vibes with all the racism, classicism, etc. 

At the same time, there’s a modern touch where these aspects are ‘questioned’ (sort of), which doesn’t really work. It feels more like an attempt at damage control so that readers won’t be annoyed at the book for using stereotypes that are found in the original anyway. 

The whole thing gives mixed vibes.

Illustrations:

I requested the book for the illustrations, to see the inside of Holmes’ mind. The results are wonderful. The characters have sharp lines (pointed beak noses for many) and look like well-planned caricatures which bring out their traits. The color scheme is dark, and so is the artwork. It is complex, twisty, intricate, and detailed. Sinister is the word for it. Compelling would be another apt description. The detailing is meticulous and enriches the reading experience. 

We get quite a few insights into the workings of Holmes’ mind – the way he ‘stores the clues’, connects the dots, identifies patterns, and so on. All these re-establish just how fascinating Sherlock Holmes is and why he has billions of fans. 

I totally enjoyed lingering over the illustrations by zooming in and out to see the details and also consider the bigger picture. The use of maps, a red thread of thought, a setting within a setting, etc., seem to have been carefully planned. 

I did have a few issues with reading the digital copy (had to alter between single and two-page views) but the zoom allowed me to adjust the font size as needed. Read the book on a computer or grab a physical copy. 

To summarize, Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes has stunning artwork even if the story is mediocre. I can see why it is an award-winning book. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Titan Books (Titan Comics), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #InsideTheMindOfSherlockHolmes

Love Story by Lindsey Kelk - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th July 2024

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyable as always but need an epilogue!

Sophie Taylor is a small-town elementary school teacher with popular figures as parents. Not just that, she is the mysterious Este Cox, the author of Butterflies, a book flying off the shelves faster than it can be printed. 

Joe Walsh is arrogant, annoying, overconfident, and way too handsome to be a good man. However, sparks fly between the two and intensify when they meet again. 

Sophie needs help when her bag with her laptop and the latest manuscript is lost. But is Joe the man to help her or will he take advantage of her situation? Let’s find out! 

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

My Thoughts: 

I was excited when I got a widget for the author’s latest book. While I have a few teeny issues with some aspects, no denying that I enjoy her works. And look at that cover. Isn’t it pretty? 

NGL, I was a bit surprised when the MMC entered the story right in the first chapter. I also forgot the premise and spent a while wondering if he was the one or not, lol. A quick look at the blurb cleared things up. 

As you can guess from the premise, this is an enemies-to-lovers trope with insta-love thrown into the mix. There’s no pretense about it, though. It starts as insta-lust which makes sense given how handsome the guy is. *swoon*

The book deftly deals with the bias against romance (never mind that it is one of the bestselling genres). The conversations are scattered throughout the book and raise many points I cheered for. I came across this post on Facebook, which aligns with what the book discusses. 

Considering the FMC’s family background, many authors get a mention. It can be a wee excessive for some readers. The names can get too many at times. 

The writing has a lot of humor, something the author does with ease. It is fun reading and chuckling at the banter between different characters. 

The side characters are distinct and do their bit to keep the story flowing. Charlotte is what we call a chota packet bada dhamaka (small in size but a huge impact). She brings a lot of drama and laughter to the plot. 

There’s one scene that is uncomfortable but is presented with a humorous touch. Just saying that if the roles were reversed, it would never be funny. At least, there’s an acknowledgment that it is not supposed to be funny, so that’s something. 

There is a dreaded third-act breakup, which did leave me with mixed feelings. I’m not a fan of this trope and feel it could have been better with an epilogue. This brings me to the next point – why is there no epilogue? 

When the book advocates the importance of romance reads, it makes sense to have an epilogue and provide readers with the full satisfaction of seeing the characters get their HEA. And if the author hates epilogues, why not extend the last scene to another page and let the happiness sink in. Some of us are fast readers. It doesn’t work well if the book ends before we fully feel the lead couple getting back together. Give us a little something to enjoy and then end the book. Ugh! 

The book has some spice but not as much as I expected. Somehow, the main scenes fade out despite it being (or supposed to be) an open door. So, I’d put it around steam level 2. 

To summarize, Love Story is an enjoyable read with many lighthearted moments and some emotional ones. It makes a strong case for the romance genre without shoving the theme into the readers’ faces. Naturally, I’m ready for the next book by the author. 

Thank you, Vicky Joss, NetGalley, and HarperCollinsUK, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #LoveStory 

A Murder at the Movies by Ellie Alexander - Book Review

Series: A Secret Bookcase Mystery #2

Publication Date: 19th June 2024 

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Nice! 

Annie gets a call from a Hollywood director to organize a movie screening for a thriller after her Mystery Festival weekend becomes a grand success. They are all excited, of course, and agree. 

 However, Annie realizes that the Hwood (even a small fragment) entering the small town may not be a good idea. When a narcissistic film critic dies during the movie premiere, it is up to Annie to find out what happened and who the killer is. 

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

My Thoughts: 

The advantage of reading books 1 & 2 back-to-back is that I could skim through the stuff I already know. That said, new details from Annie’s past are revealed, so it is better to pay attention. 

In a way, this book isn’t different from the previous one. There’s an event, and the most rude and annoying person gets bumped off. Then, we have a list of suspects coz almost everyone hates them. 

Annie is more involved in the investigation this time. While some of it is not realistic, I’ve seen similar stuff in cozies, so I don’t mind it much. 

I forgot to mention Professor Plum, Annie’s cat in my review of book one. The cat doesn’t have any role except to be the MC’s pet. It’s the same in the book but it did feature a few more scenes. 

There’s a slow yet visible shift in the dynamic between our MC and the potential love interest. Irrespective of what happens, I like how it highlights the difference in perspectives and the communication gap between them. 

Priya’s range of coffees is great fun to read (even if ‘turmeric latte’ coming from an Indian like her makes me wince), and the way she names them is too good! 

Yet again, the sleuthing is conversation-based rather than action-based. While conversations reveal details, it gets too much here. I do appreciate the little action in the climax. Give us more and make it a little hard for the MC, please. On the plus side, I can read this even when half-asleep. It is that easy. 

There is a sort of cliffhanger (for the overarching mystery) in this one. We’ll know the details in the next one. The main mystery is complete, though. 

To summarize, A Murder at the Movies continues the series at the same tempo. It is an easy book to read and should work as a standalone (but read the first anyway). The title for the next book is mentioned at the end, so I’ll grab it when a copy is available. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #AMurderattheMovies

The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander - Book Review

Series: A Secret Bookcase Mystery #1

Publication Date: 19th June 2024 

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.5 stars 

One Liner: Decent series starter 

Annie Murray has made the Secret Bookcase her home for the last eight years. Located in a small town in Northern California, the independent bookstore is struggling to attract enough customers. A chance comment sparks an idea in Annie’s mind. She plans an elaborate Mystery Festival weekend to bring people to her town. This is supposed to help every small business in the town. 

The event starts on a high but Annie is shocked to find a dead body hidden behind the bookshelves in the Secret Bookcase bookstore. Annie knows the victim too! When her professor in criminology arrives as the detective on the case, Annie becomes a part of the investigation. She is back doing what she does best. But can Annie find the killer before it is too late? 

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

My Thoughts: 

A new cozy mystery series for me to try! 

The opening is quite a hook. It starts with the overarching mystery and provides us an insight into the main character’s past. Her being a student of criminology certainly helps the arc. 

There is some repetition, but it helps understand how much the past weighs on the MC’s mind and how it changed her life drastically. 

The setting is beautiful. I love how cozy small towns are (at least in books). The descriptions of the bookstore make me want to go there. Such a lovely place! 

The side characters like Priya, Fletcher, and Hal are also well-etched. Though we don’t get a lot of information about them, there’s enough to imagine their roles in the story. Dr. Caldwell is also likely to be a recurring character. She could be interesting. 

The list of suspects is decent, making it an engaging read to guess who the killer could be. I did guess who it was but not the reason. It makes sense, though I wish we had more detail about the relevant events. 

The investigation could have been stronger. It’s mostly done through conversations where people reveal details without persuasion. Though it makes a little sense given how everyone in the town has a good opinion of Annie, it doesn’t really show us her skills as a criminology student. Mentioning spreadsheets is not enough. She needs to do more brain work. Since this is the first book in the series, I have hopes for some improvements. 

There’s a possibility of a love track with a guy. I know it is bound to happen. Just not sure if the transition will be seamless based on how things are now. I hope it works out well. Let’s see. As long as we don’t have any triangles to make it even more messy! 

To summarize, The Body in the Bookstore is a decent start to a new cozy mystery series. While it is not great, it has the potential to become better. I have a copy of book #2, so reading it right away. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. 

#NetGalley  #TheBodyInTheBookstore

The Riviera House Swap by Gillian Harvey - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 11th June 2024

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208517081-the-riviera-house-swap

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

3 Stars

One Liner: Good concept and themes but…

Book Blurb:

Would you swap houses with a stranger?

Nina has always played it safe. But when her divorce papers come through on her fortieth birthday she decides enough is enough.

She’s always chosen the sensible route, staying in her stable job and marrying her rather boring ex. In fact – she realizes – she’s chosen security over excitement for years. Ever since she refused to elope with her first love: beautiful, poetic, thoughtful Pierre, the man she met aged 17, on her French exchange. The only man who ever made her heart race.

Maybe it’s time to take a few risks?

Impulsively she goes online and finds another kind of French exchange… a house-swap. She can’t imagine what French businessman Jean-Luc wants with her terraced home in rural England, but she can’t wait to stay in his beautiful, spacious, bougainvillea-strewn villa on the French Riviera.

She’s not just there for the house though. She’s decided to find the love she missed all those years ago. But will Pierre still be the man of her dreams after all this time?

As two lives collide, will love bloom on the French Riviera?

***

My Thoughts:

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

I enjoy lighthearted reads with some important themes. This book promises fun with a touch of romance and some introspection. While the premise is attractive, the results are sadly mixed.

What I Like:

The side characters are cool (except for one person). Nina’s best friends are the right mix of support and caution. They know when to let her rant, when to tease her, when to encourage her decisions, and when to remind her to be careful.

Sabine is proper sunshine. She can be overwhelming but gives exactly what Nina needs. Moreover, the humor in scenes with her feels more realistic and natural.

Nina’s pros and cons lists are great. As a list maker, I see the rationality of this approach even if her actions and decisions aren’t great.

Some scenes with Nina’s fears and vulnerabilities are well done. Her confidence has taken a hit, which makes her do some stupid things but she does realize in time.

The hubby is not the bad guy (this is not a spoiler). Given how most ex-husbands are supposed to be jerks, I like that he is a decent human.

What Could Have Been Better:

For a light read, the pacing is a bit on the slower side. While the plot doesn’t drag, it doesn’t sustain the tempo, either. I was easily distracted during the first half.

This is not a romance. It is women’s fiction with barely a touch of romance. While I enjoy both genres, I wish the ‘love’ track was better handled. I couldn’t feel any chemistry despite liking the character.

The track with Pierre was easy to smell from a mile away. While predictability is a thing of the genre, I think the whole part could have had a little more depth. It is not fun when the reader thinks the FMC is not using her brain cells even when we are 70% into the book.

The initial humor feels forced. It doesn’t become seamless until Sabine enters. That makes the FMC a weaker character. In fact, I never laughed or chuckled when she tried to be funny. It was the others who made me smile.

To summarize, The Riviera House Swap is an easy read with some decent themes. I’d say your enjoyment will depend on how well you connect with the main character.

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

#NetGalley

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Author Bio – Gillian Harvey

Gillian Harvey is a freelance journalist and the author of two well-reviewed women’s fiction novels published by Orion. She has lived in Limousin, France for the past twelve years, from where she derives the inspiration and settings for her books such as A Year at the French Farmhouse and A Month in Provence.

Follow the Author:  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GillPlusFive

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

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

Bookbub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gillian-harvey

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

Simha's Roar by Arun Krishnan - Book Review

Series: The Battle of Vathapi #3 (Not a Standalone)

Publication Date: 24th May 2024

Genre: Indian Historical Fiction 

4.5 stars 

One Liner: A fitting finale! 

7th Century, Bharat 

In the final installment of the trilogy, the Pallavas and Chalukyas are heading for a big war with allies supporting them on both sides. This is a game of cat and mouse where luck plays a role. The three Pallava captains are back in action, putting their lives at risk for the king they love. 

What happens when the clash begins? Who wins? Who losses? How many lives will the war take? 

The story comes in third-person omnipresent POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is NOT a standalone. The trilogy should be read in the same order for it to make sense. Check out my reviews for Nandi's Charge and Varaha's Vengeance.  

As with the previous two books, we get a list of the characters and their roles neatly categorized kingdom-wise. There are a couple of illustrations as well. 

The last book of the trilogy is the smallest in the series and is packed to the brim with action. We jump right into the main plot with the initial chapters continuing the individual threads from before. 

There are many decisions to make, some harder than others but war demands sacrifices and those involved have to pay. Given how I’m invested in the lives of my favorite three Pallava captains, I admit to getting teary-eyed more than once. 

The narration doesn't slack or dip at any point. We move on from one scene to another and from one setting to another at a steady pace. This keeps the momentum going (with loads of tension) and puts the reader in the right mood to anticipate the war scenes. 

The women don’t have much role in this one, though they do their bit. The leading ladies have to spend a lot of time waiting but that cannot be changed. That’s how it is. Since the aspect is more in the background, we can continue to focus on the plot development. 

The editing doesn’t seem to be at par with the previous books but it is not bad. A random repetition here and there. Nothing that should annoy the readers. 

I’ll be repeating myself but I have to mention how well the fighting scenes are executed. It is easy to visualize the moves and counter moves. The final sword fight between two kings is so, so good! Loved the whole scene. 

The discussions about war ethics – dos and don’ts yet again make the readers think. I cannot help but wonder if following some of these put us at a disadvantage and made the land more vulnerable to invasions. Sigh! 

Also, without revealing spoilers, I’ll say that the ending is bittersweet (more bitter and less sweet). As a writer, I know I’d do the same, but as a reader, I want something happier. *sob*

Still, the ending lingers in the mind long after the reader closes the book. It leaves us with a semi-heavy heart. This is the purpose. The ending doesn't dilute the impact of war but asserts how it can affect people and change their lives forever. 

To summarize, Simha’s Roar is a satisfying and worthy finale for the trilogy. I heartily recommend the series for fans of Indian historical war fiction. Note that the cast is huge and can be confusing but don’t let that stop you! 

Thank you, HarperCollins India, for eARC. 

A Body by the Henhouse by Kate Wells - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: Malvern Farm Mystery #3

Publication Date: 12^th June 2024

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205900171-a-body-by-the-henhouse

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery

4 stars

One Liner: Well done!

Book Blurb:

The time for celebrations is over…

Jude Gray’s farm is going from strength to strength, and even though her grumpy neighbor has concerns about the new campsite in the lower field, she is undeterred.

When a hen party arrives for a weekend away, she does her best to cater for their celebrations. But with a sheep needing urgent care – an accidental mishap or something more nefarious? – she finds herself consulting the group, which coincidentally contains four vets.

When one of the hens goes missing, it becomes clear there are more sinister forces at play, and someone is targeting her farm. With the help of close friend Detective Inspector Binnie Khatri, Jude once again dons her amateur sleuthing hat.

They uncover a web of deceit, affairs, and rivalries, but will they find the perpetrator before events turn murderous?

***

My Thoughts:

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

Book three of the Malvern Farm Mystery is possibly the best until now. The pacing is steady. There are enough twists to keep the reader guessing about the culprit and the reason.

The ‘murder’ doesn’t happen for a long time. However, one of the characters disappears. This adds to the drama as we see the undercurrents between the women almost from the introduction.

However, the book is not limited to a mystery. It also deals with the difficulties of farm life, be it the rising expenses or crop damage due to various factors. The work is never-ending on a farm.

Lucy and Sebbie are, of course, a part of the book. Little Sebbie is four (already!) and adds the much-needed humor to the mystery. We get a few insights into Jude’s thoughts and uncertainties about the future.

There are five women in the hen party, which can be confusing but doesn’t. Each of them has a distinct personality. They are flawed, some more than others. That means it is easy to take sides (and want certain characters to be bumped off).

DI Binnie has a lot of work to do in this book, which I really like. Though it is Jude who connects the dots, Binnie has an active role and provides some vital information. I love how assertive and steady she is.

Jude’s arc is much better in this one though she still jumps to conclusions at times. However, that makes her real instead of perfect, so no complaints. Seems she did learn her lesson after what happened in book two.

The other side characters like Granny Margot have small but important roles in the plot.

To summarize, A Body by the Henhouse is an enjoyable mystery with enough twists to keep you hooked. The ending offers two surprises, so I’m excited to see where it goes next.

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

#NetGalley

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P.S: Some sheep are poisoned but don’t worry. They are all alive and healthy. I appreciate that.

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Author Bio – Kate Wells

Kate Wells is the author of a number of well-reviewed books for children and is now writing a new cozy crime series set in the Malvern Hills, inspired by the farm where she grew up.

Follow the Author:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatePoels

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

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

Bookbub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-wells

***

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

 

The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella - Book Review

Publication Date: 02nd July 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction (Men’s Fiction) 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A warm and mellow read 

The Schmidts have run the family restaurant for decades. The beachfront setting makes it a prime location for good business. Jake had been running the establishment since his father's demise. Now at 52, he is single, exhausted, and has no life beyond the restaurant. 

With the DelDine group taking over many restaurants in the region, Jake knows he should sell his as well to them and finally live the life he wanted. Maybe find someone to call his own. However, he is tied to the place with many invisible bonds. The restaurant is his everything but leaves him with nothing. Can Jake make a fresh start or will he surrender his life to the restaurant? 

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

My Thoughts: 

After my friend recently read ‘Men’s Fiction’ I wanted to try one. Imagine my surprise when I realized this would fit the tag, though it is marked General Fiction. 

This is a character-driven story with a loose plot and an open ending. The story is divided into two parts – Jack’s indecision and what happens after he decides. 

The narrative is mellow though it deals with quite a few heavy themes (parental death, PTSD, a wayward son, depression, dementia, loneliness, suicide, etc.). However, since we get the story from Jack’s POV, things are softened to a large extent. He is the kind of person who wants to say and do a lot but ends up saying almost nothing. 

That means the reader has to really work to empathize with the characters. Though we know Jack’s internal thoughts, it doesn’t have the impact it should. While it would work well as a character study, it may not be a gripping story if you want more action. Of course, this is case-sensitive. 

The initial pacing is slow but it picks up as we progress. The setting is also a character and the ‘snippets from the guidebook’ add to this. I like seeing the changes in Jack and his growing appreciation for the beauty around him as he learns to become active in his life. 

The side characters are intriguing but I couldn’t entirely connect with any of them. I like Vivian for her no-nonsense attitude, and Nicole manages to make a mark. And oh, Lara is great too, in whatever little space she has. I wouldn’t have minded a little more detailing for others. 

The restaurant, the responsibilities, the pressure from big chains and their exploiting tactics, etc., are very well presented and seamlessly woven into the plot without any excessiveness. No lectures or preaching. Just a situation and a possible solution that applies here. 

I like the ending is hopeful and positive but open. It’s exactly how slice-of-life stories should conclude. Not everything is tied up neatly even if it can give me my favorite HEA. It would have been a little too neat here, so this works the best. 

To summarize, The Same Bright Stars is a heartwarming read with realistic characters. It shows the various dilemmas they face in their lives and how their decisions can have long-lasting repercussions on them and others. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Scribner, for eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheSameBrightStars