The Empress of Indraprastha: Nadir by Sonali Raje - Book Review

Series: The Empress of Indraprastha #3 (Not a standalone) 

Publication Date: 24th May 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Retelling 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: A good one 

Yudhistira loses the game of dice, which leads to gut-wrenching consequences for the Pandavas. Draupadi bears the brunt of the situation more than once. However, she does what needs to be done and spends the thirteen-year exile with her husbands. 

The third book in the series deals with events from the second half of Sabha Parva, Aranyaka (Vana) Parva, and Virata Parva of the Mahabharata.  

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

My Thoughts: 

Like the previous book, this too starts with a note stating that the story is a fanfiction retelling of the Mahabharata and has elements from various versions, including the creativity of the author. 

The book covers a large period by keeping the events brief and maintaining a steady pace. At the same time, we meet new characters and come across scenes that linger with us for a long time afterward.

I particularly like Ashwinkarni (a ten-year-old tribal girl) and Draupadi’s interaction with Hidimbi (Bhima’s rakshasi wife). I’ve always wanted a scene with these two women meeting and enjoyed how this is handled. 

As someone who is not a fan of Yudhistira, I was happy to see him get a good lashing for his strange (restricted) perspective of dharma. Krishna too has a more serious role given the circumstances, but he manages to bring some lighthearted moments. 

What I like so far about the series is that it doesn’t strip the main characters of their layers and turn them into mouthpieces to shout the author’s words. It balances sensitive topics while retaining the essence of the original. Moreover, some characters like Uttarā get an extra spark, which enhances their presence in the overall narrative. 

I admit I love the portrayal of Draupadi and Arjuna’s relationship. The extra flavor added by the author makes it heartwarming. 

The order of the events has been changed to suit the narrative. Not a major concern since the main ones are covered; some in brief and some in detail. 

While I like the inclusion of specific social themes in each book (and this one deals with a very important topic), it feels a bit preachy the way the dialogues are worded. I’d have liked it more if some of it was a bit subtle and showed us the impact rather than relying on lengthy dialogues.

There’s heavy foreshadowing about Karna (as it seems to be a thing with the series), which could go either way. I wasn’t a fan of it but those who haven’t read the original might like those hints. 

To summarize, Nadir is the third book in the five-part series that presents a fictional retelling of the Mahabharata from Draupadi’s POV. The book is an easy read despite the dark topics it handles and manages to be respectful toward the epic while highlighting the flaws of the characters.

I hope the next book details the wedding of Abhimanyu and Uttarā. It would be entertaining to read. Also, I’m curious to see how the author will present the war scenes from Draupadi’s first-person POV. 

Read my reviews of book one and book two. 

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher - Book Review

Publication Date: 06th August 2024 

Genre: Fantasy (Historical) 

2.7 Stars (outliner) 

One Liner: Kinda underwhelming 

Cordelia, a fourteen-year-old, knows her mother is different. Why else would she insist Cordelia keep no secret from her and make her obedient for hours? Why else would Cordelia have no friends and live in a house with no doors closed? 

Hester is a fifty-plus spinster living with her brother Samuel, a Squire. However, when deliberate planning brings Cordelia and her mother to Hester’s doorstep, the old woman knows she needs to do something.

But facing someone like Cordelia’s mother is not easy. Can Hester save her brother and Cordelia from a sorceress? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Cordelia and Hester. 

My Thoughts: 

The book is marketed as the reimagining of The Goose Girl, a dark fairytale by the Grimms brothers. However, due to my lack of familiarity with the original, I read this as a standalone. 

This is my first book by the author. I can see that she writes well. Some scenes are compelling and atmospheric. However, the whole thing needs more work. The book works on the presumption that readers would fill the gaps based on what is provided. While we can do that to an extent, other elements need to be detailed. 

I don’t mind vague settings as I write such stuff myself. But then I write short stories. A full-length novel can do with a little more information. The descriptions could have been a wee bit elaborate. 

The dual POV of Cordelia and Hester (two totally different characters) is a good idea. However, adding 3-4 short bits from the mother’s (Evangeline) POV would have elevated the book. Right now, we get to know her plans because she reveals everything to her daughter. This weakens her characterization. 

The magic elements are interesting but with no detail. The how, what, where, etc., are not answered. Are we supposed to gather this information from those bookish snippets included? No idea! 

The pacing is slow; not because there’s detail but because things don’t seem to happen quickly. I don’t deny that some of it is necessary for the plot. That doesn’t mean all those repeated dinners couldn’t have been helpful in another way too. 

The last quarter is where things happen. I’m in two minds about this. While I like that the haphazard attempts align with the plotline developed until then, I do wish the young girl could have done more. 

There is more talk (monologues and dialogues) and less action, which isn’t a good thing in this genre. It makes the story feel flat and surface-level. 

The ending is nice and works for HEA fans like me. 

To summarize, A Sorceress Comes to Call has a great premise but only seems to skim the surface without delving deep into the dark elements. Can’t help but feel it could have been a lot better. 

I did read Goose Girl after finishing the book. This one is almost nothing like the fairytale. Falada, the horse, and the geese are the only common elements.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group (Tor Books), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer - Book Review

Publication Date: 16th July 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Magic Realism 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming and a tad whimsical 

Young boys and best friends, Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell, disappeared in the Red Crow Forest and were found six months later. One of them knows what happened, while the other wants answers he cannot be given. Fifteen years later, Jeremy is a missing persons investigator and Rafe is a recluse. 

Emilie wants to find her missing sister and contacts Jeremy. He knows where she is but it would mean going back to where they were during those six special months. As the trio embarks on a new adventure, they hope to find more than answers. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Emilie and Rafe with one chapter from Jeremy and occasional snippets from the ‘storyteller’. 

My Thoughts: 

After loving The Wishing Game, I was excited to this book. It is supposed to have a good dose of magic realism, which is my favorite. 

The book started great. I liked the characters though the men seemed they didn’t always act their age. That could be explained by their mysterious disappearance (or so I told myself). Fritz was a cute addition too! 

The bits by the storyteller were cute, though not all readers will enjoy such interruptions to the plot. I liked those, though. 

The pacing is a bit uneven. The blurb reveals 50% of the plot. Or, it would be more accurate to say that the event mentioned in the blurb occurs at the midpoint of the story. Quite a long wait if you ask me. 

The second half of the book is a lot different given the change in the setting. I initially enjoyed the setting despite the weird phrases that popped up from time to time. It sounded like teens wanting to appear cool by using ‘adult’ language (mostly for the guys). The conversation between the girls was good. 

I hoped there wouldn’t be a love triangle, so to see the romance track develop differently made me very happy. While it was sweet, the vibes were off at times. That said, I can’t deny it was rather sweet in some scenes. 

The last quarter felt like it dragged on a little. I was ready for a HEA when we got a new development. Can see why it had to happen but I wouldn’t have minded a shorter and easier resolution. The ending is hopeful (HFN types). I did wonder if there would be a sequel though I think that won’t be necessary. 

The world-building is patchy but provides enough details for the readers to imagine the setting. Considering the book’s length, I’m okay with what we get. I would have loved more of it (obviously). 

The author’s note is charming, cute, and funny. Don’t miss it. 

To summarize, The Lost Story is a bittersweet tale about second chances, healing, found family, love, and the power of magic (writing). While it didn’t wow me, I can’t deny that it made me smile many times. 

(If you loved The Wishing Game, maybe go into this with lesser expectations). 

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

#NetGalley #TheLostStory

The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne - Book Review

Publication Date: 03rd Sep 2024 (first published in 1922) 

Genre: Classic Cozy Mystery 

3.2 Stars 

One Liner: Fun but with limitations 

Mark Ablett had a spacious estate in the quaint English countryside. He had been hosting some guests when the news of his estranged brother, Robert, arrived. Robert was shipped to Australia and was arriving for a visit after fifteen years. However, things turn bad when Robert is found dead in a locked room and Mark is nowhere to be seen. 

Enter Anthony Gillingham, a friend of Bill Beverly (one of the guests) at the crime scene. Anthony does this and that, and decides that he could very well start a new profession and become a detective. Bill is too happy to help him. 

Now, it’s up to Anthony and Bill to solve the mystery. Can they do it?  

The story comes from an omnipresent third-person narrator (with frequent breaking of the fourth wall). 

My Thoughts: 

The book starts with a quirky author’s note (added in 1926) and sets the stage for the story. We know what kind of mystery to expect (after all, the author is very particular about it). 

Given what Milne is known for, it is no surprise that the narrative is sprinkled with a liberal dose of humor, irony, and chuckle-worthy observations. The narrative style may not work for everyone but once I realized how it would be, I could go with the flow and enjoy it. 

I knew what the case was at around 20% or less. For a contemporary cozy mystery lover, it is familiar and tackled by hundreds of books. However, remember that the book was first published in 1922. This will also help in understanding that some of the content (comments) will be outdated. That’s bound to happen, so no big deal. 

The book will work well if you don’t think (at all) and read it for the sake of some light chuckles. Start thinking, and you will dislike many elements. Another way to enjoy the book is to consider it a satirical take on mysteries. It is like a farce, be it the characters, the dialogue, or the actions. The repeated references to Sherlocky and Watsony can go either way and will sound funny only when this book is read as a farce. 

I can see why this is the only mystery by the author. A smart decision! It was fun while it lasted, though. 

I was still willing to rate it high but the method of reveal ruined it for me. Why, oh, why did it have to be that way? I would rather read the amateur detective spell it out in a monologue than this. Sigh! 

To summarize, The Red House Mystery is indeed a fun read if you go with the right expectations (as a farcical take on mysteries) and do not look too closely at the details. Read it on a cozy noon with some hot chocolate. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Vertigo, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheRedHouseMystery

Murder at Cleve College by Merryn Allingham - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: Flora Steele Mystery #9

Publication Date: 24th July 2024

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0CW1J7W8Jsocial

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208955165-murder-at-cleve-college

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: The series is still on a high!

Book Blurb:

Bookshop owner Flora Steele and writer Jack Carrington fell in love solving mysteries. Now they’re taking their first steps as husband and wife… straight into their most perplexing case yet.

Sussex, 1958: A radiant Flora is being twirled across the dancefloor by her dashing new husband, Jack. It’s the perfect wedding in Abbeymead until a mysterious stranger is found dead just outside the village.

But when Flora finds an envelope tucked into the man’s silver cigarette case, the address is key to discovering the poor chap’s name – Russell Farr. He isn’t known to any of the villagers, so at first, all signs point to a tragic accident. That is until they discover Farr previously worked at the esteemed Cleve College, where Jack is now a writer-in-residence.

The college has made Jack feel uneasy ever since he learned his predecessor drowned in its lake, and now it appears a second suspicious death is connected to it. But who would want two mild-mannered academics dead?

Could it be Jocelyn, the ambitious young teacher with her sights set on the top? Joe, the sly porter living beyond his means? Or perhaps Maurice, the college dean who seems far more interested in power than educating students?

Just when it looks like no amount of studying will crack this case, a chance encounter brings Flora closer to the truth. But when Jack goes missing, it seems someone is determined to teach them both a lesson.

Can Flora and Jack outwit the killer before they graduate to becoming the next victims? Or will their first case as husband and wife be their last?

An absolutely page-turning cosy mystery, packed with unforgettable characters and sensational twists! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and Joy Ellis.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.

They are married! I’m glad that we get a short scene with the wedding and reception. Given the book’s size, it works well and continues to keep the focus on the mystery. The book should work as a standalone but will be better when you know at least some backstory of the characters.

Ordinary couples may hate starting their new journey with a dead body, but not Flora and Jack. Jack is understandably a bit reluctant to divert his attention to sleuthing since he is already multi-tasking but Flora is as curious as ever to solve the crime.

The mystery is intriguing and has many threads. Quite a few suspects too, though I had my target on someone the sleuthing couple didn’t focus on (should I specify I was right?). The case is intricate with enough red herrings and reaches a logical conclusion.

The pacing felt a little off or maybe it was coz my timetable went for a toss, leaving me with less time to read! Either way, I could finish it as per the plan, so all good.

Jack has relocated to Flora’s cottage, so it is some time for adjustments for both. They manage to create a schedule that suits their career commitments and gives them some time to spend together. There isn’t any extra lovey-dovey which I like. After all, their character arcs don’t change.

There are a few more developments in the village, some of which are definitely annoying our dear Alice. I like how even the side characters have meaningful character arcs. Charlie is growing up too fast, and we don’t get enough of him now!

To summarize, Murder at Cleve College easily sustains the momentum of the series while also keeping it fresh with new changes. The danger levels are a bit high in this one, adding to the intrigue and entertainment.

Can’t wait for the next book. I guessed where the next case is likely to be. Now, I wait until the blurb is out to confirm.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderAtCleveCollege

***

About the Author – Merryn Allingham

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion, and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas, and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cozy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

Follow the Author –

Website: https://merrynallingham.com/ 

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

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

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Merryn Allingham here: https://www.bookouture.com/merryn-allingham

***

This has been a pitstop on the blog tour by Bookouture (@bookouture). Thank you for stopping by! 

Sign up for all the best Bookouture deals: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki, Jesse Kirkwood (Translator) - Book Review

Series: The Full Moon Coffee Shop #1 

Publication: 20th August 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Magic Realism 

4 stars 

One Liner: Beautiful! (but not for everyone) 

Cats are a symbol of good luck in Japan and might even help a person figure out their lives! The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a celestial enterprise with no fixed location. It finds people who need help and appears with food and advice. 

In this book, a school teacher-turned-screenwriter, an ambitious manager, an actress, and a shy young man find guidance from an unexpected source. How do the cats of the coffee shop help their beloved customers? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Mizuki Serikawa and Akari Nayakama and the third-person POV of Takashi, each divided into neat sections. 

My Thoughts: 

Firstly, thanks to Lady Clem and Jayme for their reviews. I requested the book knowing what to expect. It has cats, astrology, and magic realism. My favorites!

This is a set of interconnected stories where each character gets the limelight in each section (but also has a teeny role in others). It's a short book too. I finished it in a single sitting. 

The narrative is mellow and soothing almost throughout. The first-person POV makes this more of ‘telling’ than ‘showing’ but I still enjoyed it. 

The descriptions of the food (not your regular kind) are magical. I would love to taste those teas, coffees, and desserts. 

Astrology is the core element of the book (even the section titles are based on it). A bit strange that the book uses Western astrology when the setting and characters are Japanese. Maybe it was done to make it easier for readers to understand the concepts. 

What I love the most is how various threads were connected as the story progressed. The stakes are low, so you won’t find any angst here. But what you will find is enough food for thought to introspect about ourselves, perspectives, actions, and decisions. Quite a few takeaways from the book if we want to. 

Classical music is another theme in the book. But my lack of familiarity with it meant I couldn’t fully benefit from how cleverly the songs were selected for different situations. 

The epilogue neatly ties up the loose ends and manages to surprise with another little story. I wish there was an author’s note. 

The bits with mercury retrograde got me chuckling. Guess what, we are in the shadow phase for another one now after starting the year with it. Haha… though it’s Mercury who will be laughing! 

To summarize, The Full Moon Coffee Shop is a sweet, heartwarming, and lovely read about second chances, understanding ourselves, and hoping for a better and happier future. This is the first book in the series, so I’ll be waiting for the next ones to be translated! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Ballantine), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheFullMoonCoffeeShop

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn - Book Review

Publication Date: 18 July 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction 

4.2 stars 

One Liner: A long book but enjoyable 

1950, Washington D.C

The Briarwood House is a boarding house for women and holds many secrets. When a widow, Grace March, moves into the attic, it leads to new friendships with diverse people. Soon, Grace is hosting weekly dinners and finding solace in her new life. However, the secrets of her past continue to haunt her. When a murder occurs in the boarding house, it’s time for the women to make some tough decisions. Lives will change forever. What will happen to Grace and her friends? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Pete, Nora, Reka, Fliss, Bea, Grace, Arlene, and a special character). 

My Thoughts: 

This is my first book by the author. I’ve seen many friends praise her works and know she writes lengthy yet well-crafted historical novels (turns out this is not like her previous works). The Briar Club is 444 pages (my NG copy) and feels like a 500-page book. 

However, soon I was immersed in the setting and the characters. The prologue is set in 1954 (crime scene). The story begins in 1950 when Grace enters Briarwood House. The narrative comes from different characters who share their backstory as well as carry the plot forward. This serves a dual purpose to make us understand the people who live in the boarding house while minimizing repetition. 

Each woman is different and clearly defined. The main male characters are also given enough depth (depending on their purpose in the plot). 

Since food plays one of the major roles in the book, we get recipes between chapters. However, these are not your standard recipes and act only as small interludes in those never-ending chapters. Why each POV had to be a single chapter beats me, but each one is 50-70 pages long (I think). Only one POV is short (thankfully).

The narrative is slow and steady. You cannot increase the speed. But that’s okay since things happen, and we don’t want to miss any of it. I was also ticking the characters to see if I could guess who was killed. 

I like that the first POV belongs to the young Pete (some reviews hated this) as it gives us an overview of the main characters and establishes the plot. 

There is a lot of talk about politics, the US welcoming every immigrant, communists vs. republicans, and blah blah. As you can guess, it gets boring after a while, though some of it is necessary for the plot. Considering the events that occurred when I was reading this one, let’s say, the big brother needs to stop bothering about democracy in other countries and focus on its own mess. Glass houses and all that (IYKYK). 

While the mystery is dangled as a carrot, this should not be read as a mystery book. It is a character-driven historical fiction that can also be read as a series of interconnected stories). The epilogue ends the story with the right blend of HEA and reality. 

My favorite is, of course, the detailed Author’s Note where she talks about the idea, how it grew, and what influenced the arcs of each main character. Wonderful! Don’t skip this even if you are not into the habit of reading author notes. 

To summarize, The Briar Club is an interesting read dealing with many themes and subplots. I enjoyed it, despite the few issues, and can see why the author is popular though readers say this is not her usual style. It worked for me, and that’s all I need! 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheBriarClub

The Magical Adventures of Diesel the Husky by Perry & Rosie Tobin - Book review - Book Tour

Publication Date: 15th November 2023

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/dieselthehusky-zbt

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200758671-the-magical-adventures-of-diesel-the-husky

Genre: Children’s Book, Dogs

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Cute

Book Blurb:

Join Diesel on his enchanting adventures through the snowy wilderness and into the magical forest, where kindness, friendship, and heroism shine brightly.

In this captivating children’s book series, readers of all ages will be transported to a world filled with wonder and excitement as they follow Diesel and his friends on their thrilling quests.

Each heart-warming tale is packed with valuable life lessons, promoting the importance of compassion, teamwork, and bravery. Prepare to be whisked away on an exciting journey that will leave you and your little ones spellbound with joy and delight!

***

My Thoughts:

This is a short and cute little story about an adorable Husky named Diesel. The doggie loves to explore and finds a magic crystal that gives it superpowers.

Let me specify that this is a picture book and not an illustrated one. It has photos (not art). I’m not sure if real images have been edited (the author couple has huskies and one of them is Diesel) or if some are AI-generated. A couple of the images do look AI-ish. If you go into the book expecting ‘illustrations’, you will be disappointed. The cover is the right indicator of what to expect. 

The story is straightforward and is written in two to three lines under each image. This makes it easy for younger ones to read. There’s a moral lesson too, which parents can discuss with their kiddos.

The book is set up to be the first in the series. Diesel the Husky will go on to have many more adventures. I hope the plots for the next books become a little more intricate as it adds to the fun element. Right now, the story is a bit too simple.

The author has dyslexia, and his wife helps him improve his reading and writing abilities. I applaud the author duo for pursuing what they love and sharing their work with the public. Best wishes to them.

***

About the Authors – Perry and Rosie Tobin

Perry is a 31-year-old author from Somerset. He has always struggled with dyslexia but was always fascinated with books. He dedicated his free time, to learning to read through his disability, and in spite of the challenge.

He gained custody of his two children the same year he met his partner, Rosie.

Rosie at the time had two children, the youngest being home-schooled, due to no spaces in local schools. So, along with their three youngest children, Rosie helped Perry with his reading and, understanding of the English language. Even though it took some time, he, along with their children fell madly in love with books, and the adventures of reading.

Rosie is a 35-year-old author from Somerset. She is the youngest of three girls and has two children (now four.). Her favourite books are the Night World series by L.J Smith, although she is still, keenly awaiting the final book. She met her partner in 2018, and moved her little family to Somerset, including her beloved husky, Diesel. She loved teaching her children to read, and now watching them fall in love with stories and literature.

Together they turned their love of reading, to creating. Always having loved animals, now having five cats and two huskies. So basing adventures around their pets, mainly their cherished boy. Keeping his memory alive forever. Comprising a series of short stories, to help other children learn to read, or parents to enjoy fun bedtime stories.

Children eventually grow up, and no longer want bedtime stories. Parents and children alike will always cherish the memories, and stories that were read the most. Eventually, passing the same books, memories, and characters down to the new generations. Like Biff and Chip.

Debut books, The Magical Adventures of Diesel the Husky.

Follow the Authors –

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dieselthemagicalhusky

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

*

Follow the Publisher –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100059899875258

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlossomSpring3

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossom.spring.publishing/

Website: https://www.blossomspringpublishing.com/

***

This is a pitstop on the blog tour by ZooLoo’s Book Tours. Thank you for stopping by! 

A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 08th July 2024

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209616261-a-love-letter-to-paris

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

3.25 Stars (Outliner)

One Liner: Cute in parts; great side characters

Book Blurb:

Late at night when I wander the streets of Paris, my thoughts turn to her… How do I tell her how I feel? Perhaps, I need to show her…

The pretty little streets of Montmartre are abuzz with rumour. Apparently, a mystery matchmaker, known only as ‘Paris Cupid’, has somehow helped the city’s most famous bachelor find love.

But old-fashioned romantic Lilou is staying very quiet. She’d just wanted to set up her best friend, and to get on with her life selling whimsical old love letters, in Paris’s famous St. Ouen market.

She hadn’t imagined her little Paris Cupid project could ever have attracted so many people looking for true, heartfelt romance. Though the truth is that Lilou adores helping people find the right person. Even if her own love life is nothing short of disastrous.

But then a message arrives. And it’s just for her. Someone is in love with her. Someone who knows her secret. But they’re keeping their own identity secret too… Could it be from cheerful, talkative, flame-haired Felix? Or quiet, beautifully handsome Benoit? Or even Pascale – who drives Lilou mad every day?

After so long of helping others find their soulmate, is it time for Lilou to find love of her own in Paris herself?

***

My Thoughts:

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

A cozy book set in Paris dealing with love letters – what’s not to like? It is categorized as General Fiction on NetGalley, an apt tag. Don’t look for romance though there’s a lot of about around it.

The good things first –

The setting is lovely! The market reminded me of the bazaars in my city with multiple shops bundled in one region. It is almost always buzzing with activity.  

The side characters are very well crafted. In fact, I liked them more than the main character. They come in different types – flirty, old school, gossipy, friendly, nerdy, etc.

The cats, Minou and Marmalade, are a treat (even if Minou’s antics can give you grey hair!). They elevated the book when I was losing interest.

Lilou’s character is decent too. I like how she was great at giving relationship advice to others but too afraid to try it herself (relatable, lol). It is easy to see the bigger picture when we are a few steps away from the situation. Of course, her concerns about public opinions and SM outrage are more than valid!

If only –

Based on the cute cover and the premise (it mentions three men!), I expected it to have a lot more romance. While there is some love, most of it occurs off-page and mainly for other characters.

The first-person POV means we see only what Lilou sees. Though this didn’t affect my opinion of some characters, it definitely distanced me from the MMC.

Moreover, in an attempt to keep the suspense going for as long as possible, we don’t get Lilou’s ‘real’ feelings. So I found zero chemistry between her and the main guy even though we are supposed to guess it. Enemies-to-lovers is not an easy trope, and without good banter, it feels flatter than a crepe.

The ending is rushed and wrapped up too quickly. There’s no surprise since that’s the only way it would go. But that doesn’t mean the characters cannot at least have a decent connection. I still don’t know why the MMC fell in love with her.

At least, there’s a short epilogue which is good.

To summarize, A Love Letter to Paris is more of a story about a woman realizing she needs to follow the relationship advice she gives others through the matchmaking website. Would have enjoyed it more if I saw the FMC fall in love.

I’m an outliner here, so check other reviews before you decide.

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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About the Author – Rebecca Raisin

Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once-in-a-lifetime love. Her bestselling novel Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop has been optioned for film with MRC studios and Frolic Media.

Follow the Author-

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaraisinwrites2/

TikTok: @rebeccaraisinwrites

Newsletter Sign Up: bit.ly/RebeccaRaisinNews

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rebecca-raisin

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

Smothermoss by Alisa Alering - Book Review

Publication Date: 16th July 2024 

Genre: Southern Dark Mystery, Magic Realism 

2.7 stars 

One Liner: Ambitious and dark but flatters in execution 

1980s, Appalachia

Sheila, a seventeen-year-old, lives with an old woman, a twelve-year-old sister Angie, and their mother. Life is hard and a constant battle of bullying, lack of money, and too much work. It doesn’t help that Angie lives in her own world and draws cards that seem to have a life of their own. 

When a pair of female hikers is murdered in the region, the sisters are drawn to the case. This brings danger and violence closer to their home. As things get murkier, can Sheila and Angie survive the aftermath? 

The story comes in the third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

There’s something dark and suffocating about the title and cover, which made me request a copy of the book. The premise was intriguing too, especially the setting. The main characters are YA but this is an adult read. I wouldn’t recommend it to teens (unless they are comfortable with dark themes). 

What I Like:

The setting is dark and intense. It shows the brutal side of nature, which aligns perfectly with the plot and the characters. The atmosphere is thick, suffocating, strange, uncomfortable, and sinister. Anything can go wrong and they do. 

There’s hardly any lighter moment or a scene that makes the reader smile. Everything is tainted with suspicion. Naturally, it makes for an intense read. I enjoyed how the elements were used even when the rest wasn’t working as expected. 

Despite the characters living in imaginary worlds, the situations are very much real and gritty. The MCs are poor, outcasts, and bullied. They have different coping mechanisms. The adults aren’t great either. Flawed and compelling. 

The chapters' titles and the drawings are intriguing.

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

There’s magic realism of sorts, and the lines between real and imaginary often blur. I don’t have issues with this since it is one of my favorite genres. However, I do need things to be a little less haphazard.

The mystery is so, so weak! I hoped for some tension-filled stuff. But nothing much happens for a long, long time and then something happens. After that, I’m not sure how the whole thing would work in reality. It’s confusing and disappointing. 

While I understood metaphors like the invisible rope, I’m still not sure about ifs and what’s regarding the recurring role of rabbits. Is there even some sort of inference? No idea! 

There are a few more themes like sexuality, gender orientation, eating disorders, dysfunctional family, etc. These weave in and out of the narrative but don’t always make sense. The whole thing feels elusive and hazy. 

The ending is okay, decent. There is some progress but this feels largely like a slice-of-life narrative that doesn’t provide any answers. All those bits and pieces were underdeveloped and went nowhere. 

The POVs jump from one character to another and from reality to make-believe. It is easy to lose track if we don’t give it 100% attention. In fact, I’ve had to reread some paragraphs even when I was fully focused on the narrative. It feels like a fever dream in many places. 

The book is just 250+ pages but packed full, though nothing much seems to happen. This is a strange mix of everything and nothing and further weighs down the reader (unless you enjoy such styles). 

To summarize, Smothermoss sounds great in theory and has some worthy elements. It works great in parts but ends up a bit undercooked as a whole. The results will be case-sensitive. So, if my nays are your ayes, give this a try. I know I’d want to read another book by the author. Good potential. 

My thanks to NetGalley, and Tin House Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #Smothermoss 

A Poisoner's Tale by Cathryn Kemp - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th July 2024

Genre: Dark Historical Fiction 

3.5 Stars (rounded up) 

One Liner: A dark yet poignant read 

17th Century, Rome 

The plague has taken over the city. People are dropped dead in hundreds. Deep inside the Eternal City are the witches and sorceresses, hiding from those in power who are ever-ready to hang them in public. 

Giulia has spent her life helping broken women from all parts of the society. She is a healer, midwife, abortionist and poisoner, depending on what the women need. 

Pope Alessandro VII is determined to rid his city of the witches and the mysterious women, no matter what. Will he succeed? Can Giulia come out alive and escape the witch hunt? 

The story comes in Guilia and Pope Alessandro VII’s first-person POVs in the present tense. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a dark book with several triggers (listed at the end). It is a fictional take on the life of Giulia Tofana, the woman who helped hundreds of women poison the men in their lives for various reasons (abuse mostly). I first read about her in the League of Lady Poisoners by Lisa Perrin. However, I confess it took me some time to connect the dots and realize that the book is about the same person. 

The narrative starts with a prologue where Giulia and four other women are being hanged for witchcraft. So we already know how the book will end. Now, we go back to when Giulia was thirteen and first let into the secret world of her mother. 

The content is pretty graphic and can be hard to read at a stretch. There’s a lot of abuse (physical & sexual), which makes it hard to keep going. The book openly shows what women faced from men (husbands, fathers, brothers, lovers, clients, strangers, and just about everyone). 

While I appreciate the first-person POV, I’m unsure why we get it in the present tense. Based on the prologue, this would have worked better in the past tense. Also, the voice is not too different, whether the FMC is thirteen or thirty-six. This would have made sense in the past tense. 

However, I have to ask- why does the Pope get a first-person POV? This is a poisoner’s tale. It is supposed to be Giulia’s narrative. The Pope could have been limited third person. It would have been better and easier to keep the focus on the FMC. 

As with most real-life-based retellings, this one also leaves me with mixed feelings. While I like that the FMC is a flawed person who made wrong decisions (which put others at risk), I’m not sure how it seems when comparing the book to a real person. As a character, Giulia makes a strong impression. 

Sadly, I can’t say the same about her daughter who feels like a surreal butterfly or a spoiled brat. However, I do like the pattern we see here – the younger generation thinking it is better than the elders while making similar mistakes. 

Tarot reading is one of the devices used for foreshadowing. No surprise that I liked how it played in the plot. I did find it ironic that the Hierophant card is called the Pope when the Church thinks things like tarot are a sin [Hierophant is the traditional head of spirituality (any religion), the masculine counterpart of High Priestess.] Of course, the card’s interpretation in the book aligns with Pope’s role in the story (and reality).

The abuse and torture are not too graphic but disturbing enough to affect the reader. Some of those details are necessary to show why the women did what they did and how they had to pay for it. And oh, some of those torture devices were used during the Goan Inquisition to covert people. 

To summarize, A Poisoner's Tale is a dark, disturbing, and difficult read based on a real person. Make sure you are in the right mindset to read this one. There’s a bibliography at the end, which I appreciate.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers (Bantam), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #APoisonersTale

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TW: Pedophilia, rape (repeated), assault, domestic violence, miscarriage (deliberate), abortion, abuse, torture, hanging, strangling, plague (epidemic), torture 

It Started with a Book by Camilla Isley - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 05^th July 2024

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209203155-it-started-with-a-book

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Magic Realism (of sorts)

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Go with the flow and enjoy!

Book Blurb:

Lose yourself in Lakeville Hills in this gorgeous new romance from bestselling author Camilla Isley...

When she’s ghosted by yet another Tinder match, Leighton swears off dating for life. Who needs apps and blind dates when she has the perfect-in-every-way (apart from being fictional) heroes of her beloved romance novels?

That night Leigh finds a second-hand book on her TBR pile, which transports her to the small-town of Lakeville Hills, where the heroines wear shorty-shorts and the men drink bourbon. And as Leigh drifts off to sleep, she dreams of billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, who could win a gold medal for smouldering and bicep flexing.

For a while, Leigh finds it easier to stomach misogynistic supervisors, newly coupled friends, and extravagant bridesmaid duties knowing she can return to Lakeville Hills each evening. Until one day, she wakes up to find she’s brought a bit of Lakeville Hills back with her: the impossible sexy and entirely implausible Killian St Clair is in her apartment.

Now Leigh must help Killian navigate the real world. But as she gets to know the man behind the trope, can she keep her heart safe, or does she risk falling in love with her book boyfriend in real life?

***

My Thoughts:

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

This is the kind of book where you have to go with the flow and forget logic. Its premise makes it clear. I was willing, and quite enjoyed the ride.

Humor is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making this a light-hearted read even when the scenes deal with misogyny, etc. The couples' wisdom quotes are hilarious.

Not sure if it is a new trend, but many romcoms seem to be ‘talking’ about the tropes in the plot.  Love Story and The Love of My Afterlife had the same. This book also has the characters discussing and jokes about the tropes in their lives. It makes sense given the character arcs, so it was fun.

The book is sexy but not that steamy. When it comes to the scenes, it goes fade to black. Since it has quite a few dream sequences, we get enough time to see the main characters connect and know more about each other.

Though we get only Leigh’s POV, it is easy to see Killian’s side. He is open about his feelings most of the time. Though he is the alpha male, he is also a cinnamon roll. A nice package by all means!

The beginning is slow (until about 30%) but it picks up a steady pace afterward. There really isn’t a third-act breakup, though there is a small fight and a patch-up real soon.

Given the premise, there are a few missing (logical) details. But answering those would be risky and could mess up the whole plot, so things are left the way they are. In short, this needs the suspension of belief.

To summarize, It Started with a Book is a light and funny read about dreams coming true and book boyfriends becoming real. Well, I sure wouldn’t mind this happening (are you listening, guardian angels).

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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About the Author – Camilla Isley

Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.

She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you're a vampire, of course.

Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She's a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveller, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn't want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Follow the Author –

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/camillaisley

Instagram: Camilla Isley (@camillaisley) • Instagram photos and videos

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

Bookbub Profile: Camilla Isley Books - BookBub

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

The Day Where Past and Present Coexist!

Hello! 

So, I promised my school friends at our recent reunion that I would write a poem about it. This is dedicated to them! 

Twenty! The word weighs heavy and poignant 

Making us wonder if time flew by or crawled past 

From the days of uniforms, hangouts, and annoying fights 

To grow up into adults with stressful lives 

 

A day to meet, to become a child again 

A trip into the past, one-way time travel 

But with adult responsibilities attached to the hip 

Rose-tinted glasses which become olive branches 

 

So full of laughter, hugs, cheers, and boos 

Of course, a dash of tears, a touch of nostalgia 

Brimming over the edges, cascading like waterfalls 

Or the burst of showers, a fitting finale to a day well spent 

 

Changes everywhere, loss and gains 

Highs and lows, rock bottoms and mountain tops 

All left outside the little bubble that grew bigger

Embraced each of us, managing not to burst 

 

Good things come to an end, but do they have to? 

The answers are maybes and if nots- vague and wistful 

And so it stays, dormant for now but nurturing with hope

Until the adults become kids again, in another school reunion 

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