Until We Shatter by Kate Dylan - Book Review

Publication Date: 17th Oct 2024

Genre: YA Historical Fantasy, LGBT 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Will depend on how you like the FMC 

Cemmy’s life is always under threat. The only safe space for her is the In-Between, the Gray where neither the Council nor the Church can kill her. With her mother’s health failing, Cemmy becomes a thief. However, her latest project lands her and her friends in bigger trouble. 

Cemmy has to work with Chase (and others) to steal an ancient relic hidden by the Church. One wrong step could kill them and the path is filled with twists, landmines, and dead ends. Can she do it? 

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

My Thoughts: 

With a cover and premise like that, I couldn’t resist requesting the book knowing it is YA. Serves me right I suppose!

The author’s note is at the beginning, which I appreciate. It helped me understand the story to an extent. We also get a short list of the colors and their magic but a detailed list would have been helpful. This magic system is kinda complex without a reference. 

We know how important the beginning is for any book. This one has a great first page until the MC starts to talk to herself too often and provides too many details at once. The first two chapters were heavy, slow, and annoying. Instead of making me feel for Cemmy, I ended up being irritated by her. Easing some weight off these chapters should provide a smoother reading experience. 

Too much data about the magic system (especially when the initial chart isn’t enough) made it a laborious read in the first quarter. I was constantly pairing up colors to determine where the Hues fit and all that. I’m a go-with-the-flow kind of reader. Still, it wasn’t easy. 

The Council and Church part was a little easier. It is similar to religion vs. politicians, church vs. nonbelievers, etc., thingy. Think of something set in ancient Europe. That should give you an idea. 

Some of the side characters are cool. I like Novi; she is spunky, sassy, and a no-nonsense person. Eve and Ezzo are nice. The other girl is also nice. Though we are told there’s a found family trope, the dynamics aren’t really there. Also, lies, secrets, and repetitive wrong decisions are used to advance the plot. 

Chase, is well, supposed to be the hero. He tried. I have to admit that the poor guy tried to be the kind of hero readers would appreciate – morally gray with hidden secrets, a sad past, powerful, handsome, etc. I did like him okay. 

If you haven’t guessed by now, my issue is with the narrator and heroine, Cemmy. Thank god, her self-talk reduced considerably as the story progressed but it was too much in the beginning. I can see why it was necessary but, honestly, that girl cannot carry this plot on her whiny shoulders. Girl’s bi, so that’s the queer angle. For more than half the book, she has a thing for someone but suddenly feels attracted to the MMC. However, this ‘romance’ didn’t feel organic nor did they have much chemistry. 

There are dark elements here. Some of it can make you squeamish. That said, older teens should be able to read it. The ‘romance’ is not detailed either. 

There are a few plot holes, which raise some questions about the whole thing. I wish there was more detail about the world-building, the magic system, and the hierarchy in general. The ending is more HFN, which does align with the overall vibe. 

To summarize, Until We Shatter has an ambitious plot that rests on an angsty teenager and a group of ‘misfits’. You will like it better if you connect with the FMC. 

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

#NetGalley #UntilWeShatter

The Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun, Shanna Tan (Translator) - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st Oct 2024 

Genre: Magic Realism, Cozy Contemporary 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Soothing 

When a young Jieun accidentally makes her family vanish, she is determined to find them no matter how long it takes. Yet, the process takes a toll on her. One night, she creates the Marigold Mind Laundry, where people can convert their painful memories into stains on clothes and wash them away. It’s a chance to find some peace and happiness as Jieun helps them by listening to their stories. Somewhere along the way, Jieun realizes there are some lessons she too needs to learn! 

The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters. 

My Thoughts: 

It certainly helps to have the right expectations when starting a book. With the current GR rating at ~3.4 stars, picking this up after two 2-star books was a gamble. However, I needed something soothing, mellow, and gentle. 

In a way, the book is a bit similar to The Full Moon Coffee Shop. While I liked that one better, this did the job and eased my mind. 

There are many sayings in the book; too many of them, in fact, and all of them make this read like self-help. However, the magic realism and the undercurrent melancholy prevent it from becoming a boring book.

The POV jumps are sometimes awkward, so I had to reread a sentence at a few places to follow the thoughts. Also, some dialogues are weird. Not sure if it’s due to translation or if the original was similarly written. 

The episodic style (yet with a bit of interconnectedness) ensures the narrative changes often. The overarching plot doesn’t have much progress, though there are many subtle hints (which I couldn’t always decipher). Every change in the episode/ story is clearly marked with the relevant character’s name and a B&W illustration (this was a surprise).

While the book was almost 4 stars up to 85% or so, the last bit didn’t appeal much. I did guess two elements correctly but somehow the shift felt too abrupt. Though I like that the approach is realistic for the overarching plot, the other aspects lost the charm due to sudden change. Still, it does end on a hopeful note. 

The found family theme is quite strong in the second half and sustains until the last page, which is a bonus. 

To summarize, The Marigold Mind Laundry is a mood read that almost borders on self-help philosophical musings. While it won’t work for everyone, sometimes this is exactly what you might need. 

Thank you, Jordan Forney, NetGalley, and Random House (The Dial Press), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheMarigoldMindLaundry

The Twelve by Liz Hyder, Tom de Freston (Illustrator) - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th Oct 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Bittersweet and touching 

1999, Pembrokeshire

Kit and Libby are sisters living with their single mother. When eleven-year-old Libby goes to the white tower to make a wish at midnight on Winter Solstice, her older sister, Kat, follows behind. Kat sees Libby fall into the void and realizes that every trace of her sister has vanished from the earth. Their mother doesn’t even remember Libby’s existence. 

Things are changing around her, with strange and untimely events occurring at odd moments. The seasons are messed up, and the world is no longer the same. A frantic Kit meets Story, a young boy and the only one who knows Libby. Together, they travel through time to bring Libby back and save the world. Can they do it? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Kit and in the present tense. 

My Thoughts: 

Well, what do I say? I love it but also want more from it! 

The book is more suitable for young adults and adults due to the high emotional content and the open yet hopeful ending. Kids who like neatly tied-up HEAs will be disappointed. Heck, even I’m a little disappointed that we don’t get more details. Right now, it seems to be a standalone, so can’t say if there will be a sequel. I would love one for sure (though I know this is right the way it is). 

Most of the story is dark with bits of hope and courage. While it has many heartwarming moments, this is not a lighthearted read with chuckles and laughs. It’s an introspective book that demands readers to think and feel. 

Family (real and found), friendship, bonding, bullying, courage, choices, and love are some themes dealt with here. Nature is the biggest theme and the focal point, though it doesn’t feel that way until much later. 

I wish we had more backstory about Kit’s family. Though the story works based on what we have, extra detail can only enhance it. 

The writing is beautiful. I love the descriptions and imagery. The friendship between Kit and Story, their emotions, the interactions, self-doubt, support, etc., are relatable and wonderfully done. (there’s a bit of romance but it never controls the plot) 

With Kit being a bird lover, we get several names mentioned throughout the book. It’s a good thing I read this on my computer and could google how each bird looked. Such beauties! There are some descriptions but nothing compares with a visual image. 

My favorite is the focus on the pagan past and the role of the ancient indigenous people in protecting nature and being one with it. The book also deals a little with how the new religion(s) have built their structures by destroying the sacred sites of our pagan ancestors. So many temples in India have been desecrated and plundered to build mosques and churches over the centuries. After 500 years of fight, we could reclaim one land! 

Each chapter starts with an illustration (charcoal I think). It’s a rough presentation of what’s to come. These add a little something to the narrative. Would the book feel different without the illustrations? Maybe a bit less appealing if you ask me. 

Not all themes get a proper closure, especially the bullying track. This is my main concern and a reason for rating higher. It’s a serious topic for the target age group. No doubt many would relate to Kit’s feelings. However, the lack of resolution may not give them the required encouragement to handle the situation. 

To summarize, The Twelve is a heartwarming and bittersweet story about a teen girl trying to find her little sister while fighting her personal demons and her friendship with a fellow teenager – a young boy with an old soul! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Press (Chidlren’s), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheTwelve 

Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux - Book Review

Publication Date: 22nd Oct 2024

Genre: Historical Romance 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Unfortunately, not impressed 

1817

Margaret Arden would rather be known as a famous author than become a dutiful wife. However, her family needs money, and she needs to marry well to provide for her widowed mother and two younger sisters. Yet, Margaret cannot give up on her dream. She even dares to approach a publisher with her latest manuscript only to be insulted. 

Captain Bridger Dryden is starting over as a publisher after his days in the war. With a wayward rogue for a younger brother, a father suffering from illness, and a crumbling estate, he has much on his mind. When he finds a stray paper with a fragment of a story, he is determined to publish it. Turns out, it was written by none other than the woman he insulted a prior. 

With Margaret and Bridger attending the same wedding at Pressmore Estate, can they find a truce or will things get worse? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Margaret (Maggie) and Bridger. 

My Thoughts: 

Based on the premise and cover, I had some expectations about a young woman trying to establish herself as a writer and finding love along the way, with some drama, of course! However, the drama part took over and diluted the rest of it. 

The beginning should get a solid 4 stars. It establishes the FMC’s situation and character. Though it doesn’t show the MMC in a good light, I was hoping for a good enemies-to-lovers romance and some banter. 

However, too many elements enter the plot – the rascal brother (the MMC’s), an annoyed ex, a dear one sabotaging the new bride’s life, and more drama! While the end lessons are important, they come at the expense of the main characters. 

I could never really feel the hero and heroine’s relationship. It seemed to progress, but I felt nothing. Bridger wasn’t the kind of grump I like, though he ticked all the boxes. I just couldn’t connect with the developments. 

Despite this, I loved the scenes with Violet and Whinny. The book would have been even more boring with them and Ann. 

As an Indian, I appreciate Ann’s backstory. However, I’d have liked it if she and Lane got their own book to explore the details. This wasn’t the book to make a subplot take over the main theme. 

Unfortunately, we don’t get more than a surface-level detail of the hardships faced by women writers to publish their pieces. I don’t need a thesis, but I would have liked it more if the MCs had a short discussion about the process. Even when they actually discuss poetry, we are told they spoke about it. 

There are a couple of love scenes (moderately graphic). Since I didn’t connect with their romance, these scenes didn’t really feel emotional. 

One thing I did like was how the aunts were depicted. Yet, the person who was responsible for all this doesn’t even get a single word! Where is Margaret’s mother? What does she have to say to her daughters? Does she agree with her ‘savior’ sisters? Does she want her daughters to be happy? Is she conflicted and guilty? We know nothing. We only hear the aunts bashing the poor woman because she married for love and was left penniless after her husband’s death. Her active presence would have enhanced the story a lot. That was more important than the scandal and drama. 

A good thing is that the book is fairly easy to read. I finished the majority of it in one sitting. Also, there are tiny quotes from Shakespeare’s works at the beginning of each chapter and many mentions of his plays. Enjoyed those! 

To summarize, Much Ado About Margaret has a great premise but ends up underwhelming with a bigger subplot than the main plot. It’s a small book, so that’s something. 

NGL, I’m surprised that a book by a bestselling author reads like a rough first draft (I know this is uncorrected proof but both are different). Maybe coz this seems to be her first lighthearted romance (GR shows dark historical fiction on her list of works) and the shift in genres wasn’t smooth?

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

#NetGalley #MuchAdoAboutMargaret

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner - Book Review

Publication Date: 15th Oct 2024

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Magic Realism 

3 Stars 

One Liner: I wish it was better! 

Catherine Lipton is a type-A mathematician who needs lists, a schedule, and an orderly life. Being early for her meetings is her idea of being on time. After living a free-spirited and unpredictable life in her childhood, Catherine clings to order to stay sane. That’s why Luca Morelli, the handsome but casual doorman of her apartment, annoys her. He doesn’t seem to understand the need for order and structure. 

However, when Catherine somehow disappears from the government records and doesn’t seem to exist, her world spirals out of control. With her new teaching position at stake and no one to believe her, Catherine has to take Luca’s help to sort out the problem. Soon, she realizes that her missing identity is helping her find the ‘real’ Catherine. 

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

My Thoughts: 

The premise was interesting, and I expected something similar to Miranda in Retrograde but with a touch of magic realism. While the beginning was good, the book skimmed the surface almost throughout despite having enough elements to add depth. 

Catherine was well done, and I did identify with her need for lists, plans, and the desire to not be late for important events. Her vulnerabilities and the instability of her childhood give a clear idea about her personality. Her yearning to connect with the other parent and know more also comes across well.

However, the other characters don’t do enough to enhance any of this. Luca, for all his charm and helpful nature, ends up without much depth. He needed to be complex to support the FMC’s growth and introspection. Instead, it felt like the choice had to be between this and that. Life rarely works so! The aim should be to highlight the importance of balancing order with flexibility and self with community. For this, Luca had to start simple but become someone capable of proving to Catherine that she could have both. 

Let’s be honest. Catherine wasn’t really off the mark. Help is what we do beyond our work, not instead of it. Some basic responsibilities have to be taken care of at some point. 

I liked how the book showed the difference in attitude when a person’s identity proof is threatened. In a world where we are who we claim to be only when the documents (despite so many fake IDs) support the claim, it can be a nightmare for a genuine person to be considered a fraud. 

That said, the chemistry between the lead couple wasn’t great. I knew they were meant to be, so I went with the flow. Apart from that, I didn’t really feel the urge to root for them. Not much banter either. At least the romance was pretty much closed-door, so that was an advantage here. 

The last quarter also could have been a lot better. A lot is revealed in a few pages, which doesn’t give enough time for everything to sink in. Need more interaction between Catherine and the parent, more heartfelt conversations, and a sustained realization on her part that the choice was either/ or and she could have all of it with some slight adjustment. Simply put, the story is missing nuance which elevates good to great. 

And oh, I hope the timeline mess has been sorted. The days, weeks, months, etc., none of it seem to give a clear picture of the duration. The puzzle pieces are out of place! 

To summarize, Wish I Were Here has some worthy moments but lacks the depth or nuance to enhance the plot. I wish it was better executed. 

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

#NetGalley #WishIWereHere

***

Lastly, why is the western society intent on wiping out our identities and replacing them with a convenient blanket term ‘South Asia’? If Luca is Italian and not Mediterranean or European and the other characters are Americans rather than North Americans, but reduce others to vague terms? Would it hurt to use a specific identity? Couldn’t Dr. Gupta be an Indian? Couldn’t Radhika be a Sri Lankan or a Bangladeshi Hindu? The Indian subcontinent is not South Asia just because some ‘academics’ hate us. 

Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy - Book Review

Series: The Wildersongs Trilogy #1

Publication Date: 15th Oct 2024 

Genre: Historical Fantasy, M/M Romance, YA/ NA  

4 Stars 

One Liner: A good debut! 

Leovander Loveage aka Leo is a scriver, the latest generation of the long-standing Loveage family (gentry). However, he is more comfortable with minor charms, any type of alcohol, and frolicking around; anything to stay away from powerful magic. 

Sebastian Grimm is Leo’s opposite in every way. Belonging to a farming background, he had to and is fighting for his position among the powerful. He doesn’t have time for fun. 

However, when they end up using forbidden magic (unknowingly), Leo and Grimm have to find the counter spell fast. They need someone to do it. This takes them into the dangerous Unique Wood. Leo and Grimm have to work together to dissolve the curse. Can they do it? 

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

My Thoughts: 

Fun Fact: When I first read the blurb, I saw ‘curmudgeonly rival’ and assumed this was a slow-burn love story of 50-something magicians. Surprise, surprise! This is NA. The MCs are 21+. 

It is the first book in the trilogy, so there’s more to come. The book ends more like an episode, so there isn’t a huge cliffhanger or suspense but there’s enough to make us want to know more. 

This a cozy romantasy with a super slow burn, so we see the MCs bickering almost throughout. There really isn’t much romance, which is more than fine for me. Given their ‘relationship’, I’m glad it is taking time to shift gears. Romance can happen in the next book. 

The world-building is just right – not extensive but not so pale that we cannot imagine the setting. Think of something like old England with the rich vs. poor, Oxford or Cambridge with a handful of guys from underprivileged backgrounds, etc., but where magic is an integral part of the system. However… why do we not a have map for this? 

The magic system is explained well. Whether or not we like it, depends on us. I like the concept which seems to be a sort of distribution of power. 

Leo as a narrator can be entertaining and annoying. He is meant to be flawed, so if you keep that in mind, the story will be enjoyable. Lemme tell you that he can get on your nerves more than a few times. Also, I have grave concerns about his liver. The amount of alcohol he drinks can fill an ocean (or three). 

Grimm is your typical grump – handsome, brooding, talented, etc. He is very particular in following rules but is of course not perfect. I alternated between being annoyed at Grimm and Leo, so methinks the balance is good overall.

A few side characters are interesting but don’t have much space due to the change in plot development. I hope to meet them (especially Agnes and Sybilla) in the next book. 

The pacing is a bit uneven. The plot does progress even if we tend to go in circles about a certain important aspect. I can see why it had to be kept a secret until the end. 

There’s some humor, and as with many books, it is not always funny. But then, humor is subjective. I found some antics childish and had to remind myself I’m not exactly the target audience (NA fantasy rarely works for me). 

The last quarter is quite interesting. I like the music concept and its appeal on… shhh! No spoilers! 

To summarize, Sorcery and Small Magics is a good debut and reads fairly well. Thanks to the low stakes, most of the book is easy to read. I would be happy to read the next book to see what’s in store for Leo and Grimm. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group (Orbit), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #SorceryAndSmallMagics

The Cursed Writer by Holly Hepburn - Book Review

Series: The Baker Street Mysteries #2

Publication Date: 17th Oct 2024 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: I like this! 

1930s London 

Harriet White decides to stick to her job as Holmes’ secretary, sending the same standard reply to the countless letters received by the Baker Street building society. However, curiosity gets the better of her when she receives a cryptic telegram about the famous writer St John. 

Turns out, Philip St John has been seeing ghostly apparitions and is inching closer to his demise. Some of the residents at the Thurmwell Manor believe it’s the curse. Harry (Harriet) takes up the case on behalf of the famous fictional detective. With Oliver helping her, she needs to save Philip before it’s too late. However, danger lurks everywhere! 

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

My Thoughts: 

I like this better than the previous one! 

The book should work as a standalone but it would help to read the first in the series since there’s a definite improvement overall. However, the little snippets (some repetition, which is necessary for new readers) provided whenever necessary do the job. 

The story starts almost immediately after the previous case ends (maybe a few days later). The beginning (~10%) is a little slow but soon, we get into a steady pace. 

The mystery doesn’t start right away, though we get some information about it. I like that the culprit is not immediately obvious but is easy to guess once you get some clues. It is well-handled for the genre and there’s no info dump. 

There are two side tracks. Both take the lead from the previous book. While one is easier to follow, the other can cause a few questions if you haven’t read the book. I like the developments here. More will come (I hope), and we get what we’ve been waiting for! 

The arcs of both characters (Harry and Oliver) are getting better, so my expectations from the series have climbed up a couple of inches. Romance hasn’t occurred yet. It will, so just have to wait and watch. 

The book ends with a teeny yet strong lead for the next one. I am excited! After all… nope. Won’t reveal anything. ;) 

To summarize, The Cursed Writer is a solid second entry in the series and feels much better than the previous one. Can’t wait for book three! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheCursedWriter

How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J. Mayo - Book Review

Series: Fairies and Familiars #1

Publication Date: 08th Oct 2024

Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Fairytale Spin-off 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: So good! Excited for the sequel! 

Lady Theodosia Balfour aka Theo is out of options. Her stepsister, Beatrice, the newly crowned princess who married Prince Duncan is telling everyone that Theo, her sister, and her mother are evil. Though Theo knows this isn’t the entire truth, she can do nothing as her life becomes a mess. Her mother forces her betrothal with an aging and pompous Duke to save them from bankruptcy. 

A desperate Theo does the only thing she can – summon a fairy godmother to help her. If a fairy can help her stepsister, she sure can help Theo, right? However, the fairy (Cecily) is less of a godmother and more of a stunning vision in yellow with a cunning attitude. The fairy is willing to help Theo, but only after seeing the proof of Theo’s goodness. With assistance from the fairy’s assistants – Phineas, a flirty human-turned-mockingbird, and grumpy Kasra, a fox shapeshifter, Theo has to complete three tasks and prove she is worthy of the fairy’s help. 

Well, it should be easy enough, right? 

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

My Thoughts: 

I knew I had to read this the moment I saw the cover. The premise made me even more curious to find out how the author spun Cinderella’s plot and enhanced it.  

For me, a retelling/ spin-off loses merit when it simply flips the good as bad and vice versa or when the so-called evil characters are made squeaky clean, and whitewashed beyond recognition. A good re-creation should add depth to the characters and freshness to the plot while retaining the essence of the original. Though this book sometimes straddles the line, it settles comfortably on the right side, thanks to the FMC. 

I guessed the book would have a slower pacing and adjusted my expectations. The first quarter is indeed slow as we meet the characters and explore the settings. However, it picks up pace once the fairy enters. 

The highlight of the book is how it sustains sassy humor (even if it feels a bit excessive at times but necessary for the character arc). Theo is a lot of things and though she is supposed to be the wicked stepsister, I could see her vulnerability almost from the beginning. She is a flawed character learning to become a better person as she has new experiences. 

The book deals with themes like toxic family relationships (mother & sister, between sisters), bullying, societal expectations, presumptions, greed, jealousy, main character syndrome, etc. 

This works well as a cozy fantasy, though I wouldn’t have minded a little more detail about the fairy world. The tone borders on YA (probably coz Theo is a teenager). There isn’t much romance as such, though we do see some ‘moments’. 

Cecily is a terrific fairy. Need more of her in the next book! The supporting characters are pretty much one-dimensional but do the job. Maybe some of them will get more depth in the next book. 

A few dialogues are longish, though we can see these are necessary and have to be said. The last 20% packs a punch with more reveals, twists, and developments. It also shows how the plot had been planned and structured to reach the desired endpoint (I won’t be surprised if the author worked it in reverse). A couple of triggers too. 

While I didn’t expect the story to continue in the next book (I hoped it would be standalone spinoffs), I can’t complain. The book ends just the way it should – a good conclusion to the first part but leaving out enough to wonder where it would go from here. 

To summarize, How to Summon a Fairy Godmother is a solid debut and an entertaining read with many introspective moments. Can’t wait to read the sequel (please don’t keep me in suspense for long). Just hope there won’t be any triangles (or if present, they are handled well). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #HowToSummonAFairyGodmother

***

TW: Animal injury and death 

Christmas Sweater Weather by Jaqueline Snowe - Book Review

Publication Date: 08th Oct 2024

Genre: Christmas Romance 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyable in parts; I wanted more 

Charlotte Calhoun has avoided Hayden Porter, her brother’s best friend after he rejected her love and broke her heart. Now, Charlotte is on her way to attend her brother’s bachelor party. It’s Christmas too, the most favorite time of the year for the Calhoun family. Charlotte tells herself she would do whatever possible to act normal around Hayden. 

Hayden is a single dad to an adorable little girl and a sports coach at a college. He has no time for romance or love. However, he cannot help but want to be with Charlotte. His feelings for her haven’t been casual for a long time. 

With the impending Christmas and the wedding, Charlotte and Hayden also have to navigate their feelings for each other and decide what they want from life. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Charlotte and Hayden. 

My Thoughts: 

Well, I wanted to like it more than I did! 

The Calhouns are crazy about Christmas. The Christmas-obsessed family is also C-centric – Christopher, Claire, Christian, and Charlotte. Thank god, Christian’s girl is named Penny. Though I don’t like it when more than one character has names starting with the same alphabet, I found this cheeky. Also, the parents don’t have a major role, so less confusion all around. 

The blurb makes it clear about what to expect from the FMC. Her love for the guy shines throughout the book. Her POV was enjoyable with genuine emotions. Her reactions feel appropriate since her feelings for the MMC are a (major) part of her. 

Fortunately, in the very first (second) chapter from the MMC’s POV, we know about his feelings for the FMC. I liked it as it wasn’t some ‘oh why didn’t I see you this way before’ which doesn’t always work well. 

However, I’m not a fan of Hayden. I liked him enough initially even if the repetition got on my nerves. But well, let’s just say he needed to be a lot better. Not impressed, dude! We have some great book boyfriends out there. He is not on that list. 

I also feel the characters could have had a little more depth since they have been crafted to carry the book. There’s potential but somehow a majority of it is limited to surface-level stuff aka lust. I don’t complain about steam in books. However, this one needed less steam and more genuine interactions. Scenes where they truly deepen the bond (like that conversation about how much he hurt her years ago).  

The middle drags. Yep. Though there’s some plot progress, we seem to go in circles with the MCs circling each other. I would have loved a couple of more scenes with the family. After all, the side characters (Christian, Penny, & Garrett) were great. Heck, give us some scenes with Gwen instead of telling us about it. 

I could guess what would get messed up in the last quarter. There are clues to it. However, the execution made me dislike the MMC even more. Flawed characters are okay but I think I’m over this kind of hero. They no longer appeal to me. 

There’s an epilogue of sorts, which is good. Somehow, I wasn’t that impressed. In fact, my favorite scenes in this quarter were the ones with the family members. Go figure! 

To summarize, Christmas Sweater Weather has great potential and shines in parts but doesn’t meet my expectations. While it is a cute read with fun Christmasy things, it could have been so much better! 

Not sure if the problem is because the characters are in their mid to late 20s. They are projected to be mature beyond their age but don’t act like that often. 

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

#NetGalley #ChristmasSweaterWeather

The Fake Wedding Project by Pippa Grant

Publication Date: 08th Oct 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance, Family Drama

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A bit of family toxicity, loads of drama, and some love 

The Silvers and Andersons of Tinsel, a small town in Michigan, have an intense family feud going on for decades. No one really knows the reason for the continuing feud. However, the younger generation is tired of it. 

When Amanda panic-blurts about being engaged to Dane Silver, the duo decides to continue the charade. Why not use a fake engagement to end the feud forever? 

It sounds great until things start to feel a bit too real for comfort and they have to make some major decisions. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Dane Silver and Amanda Anderson in alternate chapters. 

My Thoughts: 

The premise makes it clear that there will be some toxic family drama for the main characters to deal with. Some of them are quite decent and actually make an effort while others are idiots. Of course, the intention is to show the toxicity of the situation, so we have to have annoying but necessary scenes. 

While the dual POV helps know what the main characters think, having both in the first person makes it confusing at times. The voices are not always distinct. Also, I’m not sure of this new trend of addressing the readers at random or breaking the fourth wall. I’m tired of it already. 

Though the whole story takes place in a week, it is not really insta love, for one character. We know in the first chapter itself that the MMC had a crush on the FMC. Until around 60%, it is a question of what he’ll do about it and the growing awareness between the two. 

The small-town setting plays an integral part of the plot. Turns out this town sees high temperatures in summer and is a Christmas tourist destination with the festival being celebrated around the year. 

The side characters don’t get much depth. A couple of them are sweet. Everyone does what is expected of them, so the plot keeps moving. 

There’s a mystery too, about the feud and its origins. The varied reasons stated for it are hilarious and crazy, though the actual one might be a little serious. Is there anyone who even knows what it is? Why aren’t they revealing it? 

There’s a sort of third-act breakup which is not a breakup but you get what I mean. They need that space to sort things out in the head. 

The ending is HEA with a bonus epilogue from Chili’s POV. Chili is Dane’s dog, a super lazy one! So, the doggy’s POV adds a quirky touch and brings more smiles. 

To summarize, The Fake Wedding Project is a lighthearted read about family, relationships, small towns, and love. While it does have a few unsavory moments, these are essential for character growth. 

This is my first book by the author but I can see why she is popular in this genre. The writing style is easy to read, and the main characters are well-developed. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheFakeWeddingProject 

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: The Queen's Deadly Damsels #2 (Standalone)

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214540460-a-lady-s-lesson-in-scandal

Publication Date: 12th Oct 2024

Genre: Victorian Romance

3 Stars

One Liner: Okay! Liked the first book better

Book Blurb:

Wallflower at risk of ruin…

Secret femme-fatale in training Millicent Whittenburg needs to escape her unpleasant betrothal. Taking matters into her own hands, she plans her eventual ruin! Then she can disappear from society to carry out the Queen’s deadly missions. Step 1: seduce the one man who despises marriage more than her!

However, she hugely underestimates her target. Major General Beaufort Drake. Fearsome private investigator, he’s notoriously cold and visibly battle-scarred. But Millie’s scandalously public kiss awakens a deeply suppressed desire in Drake. Instead of allowing them both to succumb to shame he does the unthinkable and offers for her hand in a convenient marriage.

Nothing prepares them for the fireworks when a fearless damsel collides with a dangerous Major General! And as their secret missions align they face their hardest test on the glittering battlefield – a week-long wedding house party where there is nowhere to escape…only new and wicked lessons to be learnt!

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POV of Millie and Beau (Drake). 

The book works as a standalone though the characters have met in the earlier one. Reading that is not mandatory but could help see that the MCs had a couple of conversations (banter of sorts).

This series is predominantly steamy romance (~4). The mystery and danger are a subplot and take center stage only in the last quarter. The writing has a contemporary flavor as most books in this genre tend to be.

There’s quite a lot of drama in this one – evil stepmother, shitty exes (jealousy and all that), a struggling relationship (or the lack of it) between the main characters, the mystery of the gang, etc. Some of it works.

For me, the bright spot was Billy Bright, the young lad from book one. Boy, the kid brightened up the scenes whenever he was around. Lady Phillipa, once again, makes her presence felt. I hope she gets her own book.

While the previous book also had a dark backstory for the FMC, the chosen track in this book did not appeal to me. A certain scene, especially around 15% was unexpected. What made sense in the previous book doesn’t work here since the characters and the resolutions are different. Just look at that yellow cover and the flowery design on it. I didn’t expect something this triggering to happen. What’s worse is that the person responsible doesn’t even pay for their actions. No justice! Also, after a point, the issue isn’t even discussed again.

There’s one more random piece of information about a different character that’s revealed and left hanging. Possible that it will be tackled in the next book. Since I did guess a bit from the earlier scene, I knew what the trigger would be. It might affect other readers, though.

Quite a few issues are supposed to be presumed as settled (sorted off page). This doesn’t make the ending as satisfying as it should be. I wanted a more comprehensive approach to tying up at least the major subplots. Only one gets a sort of resolution.

To summarize, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal has its moments but doesn’t appeal to me as much as the previous book in the series. I had high hopes for this since I liked both characters, but the execution wasn’t great. Hopefully, things will be better in the next book. Fingers crossed!

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

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Darcy McGuire

Darcy McGuire is a high school counsellor who grew up in the wilds of New Zealand but happily settled in the Pacific Northwest. In between dodging territorial geese, gathering duck eggs, and taking the dog for long walks, Darcy loves writing about fierce female protagonists who may dodge daggers and bullets but never seem to escape Cupid’s Arrow.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @AuthorDarcyMcGuire

Instagram: @authordarcymcguire

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

***

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

Murder at Wintertide by Fleur Hitchcock - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th Oct 2024

Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoy the chilly mystery! 

Young George is excited to spend Christmas with his Dad and Grandpa at the rented house named Wintertide. When he sees a sudden light on the cliff and hears about a dead body found in the sea, George wonders if the events are connected. Isla, his cousin, seems to have the same doubts. Soon, the tweens band together to find out more and solve the mystery, not realizing that it could very well put their lives at risk. 

The story comes in George’s first-person POV in the present tense. 

My Thoughts: 

The book starts with a short prologue about a body drifting in and out of the sea in the third-person POV. Then, it switches to George’s first-person narrative in the present tense. The kid and his dad are traveling to meet their family for joint celebrations (Grandpa’s birthday and Christmas). 

There’s a bit of a mystery right in the beginning about some people arguing on the road. We slowly get more information about the family dynamics, new members, the boy’s favorite ones, etc. Since it is in his POV, we don’t always know much about the others. However, this slowly changes and the undercurrents become clearer. 

The setting is perfect for the mystery. Lyme Regis is a coastal town, a bit away from the mainline. It has high cliffs, an extensive beach, and beautiful streets. The weather alternates between windy, rainy, snowy, and chilly. Naturally, this makes the mystery more interesting. 

The other kid, Isla is sweet. George is a different kind of sweet. Both are easy to like and root for. Their contrasting personalities and the slowly budding friendship between the new cousins add a nice personal touch to the plot. Of course, there are many other personal elements since this is a family trip. 

The mystery blends archeology, history, action, adventure, danger, some attempted sleuthing, and all the things children would love. As expected, the kids get into situations that could be way dangerous in real life. At least, the adults here are not fully absent. They do try to keep the children safe, and the kids also realize they are getting into tricky stuff (even if it doesn’t stop them).

The culprit is easy to guess thanks to the subtle (and not-so-subtle) clues scattered throughout. It should keep the young readers engaged and make them guess about the whos and whys. 

There’s some light humor sprinkled at random, making George an entertaining narrator. I like the subtle change in him as things change towards the end. 

The ending is heartwarming and sweet, just as how it should be for the target age group. There are some bittersweet moments too, but hope and love do triumph over everything else. 

To summarize, Murder at Wintertide is a steady-paced mystery with young sleuths solving a crime and discovering more than what they want. This is my first book by the author, and I’m curious to read more. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for eARC.  

#NetGalley #MurderAtWintertide

A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney - Book Review

Publication Date: 08th Oct 2024

Genre: Cozy Witchy Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A good debut; cozy read 

Hecate Goodwin aka Kate lives in a cozy cottage near the Ipswich forest in the same compound as her family house, Goodwin Manor. As a hedge witch, she prefers solitude and the company of her black cat, Merlin. 

Suddenly, Kate is bombarded by nightmares, strange messages, her older sister Miranda, and Matthew Cypher, a man who once tricked her. Kate has to host the annual Halloween gathering while dealing with what would occur on her birthday (the same date). Matthew’s arrival complicates things as he comes from a coven that practices forbidden magic. 

However, Matthew may be the only one to help her when the truth of her dead mother’s dark magic practices comes to the front. Turns out, Kate’s mother hid many secrets. Whom should Kate trust? What should she do? 

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

My Thoughts: 

Isn’t that an adorably cozy cover? Despite the word dark in the title, the book doesn’t get too dark or dive deep into scary elements. It has a few scenes and some danger but the overall vibe is pretty much comfy. 

The setting is atmospheric, be it the forest, the cottage, the manor, or the little bits of village we get to see. I could feel the mist and the darkness of the shadows lurking around and waiting for the FMC. 

A lot of space is taken up by routine activities like cooking, eating, etc. This is another reason for the cozy vibe. The story progresses a little during these scenes but not all readers will enjoy it. 

Kate’s arc is decent (she has her flaws) but the others are pretty straightforward. Matthew gets some sort of grey shades but then we know he is the hero, so it’s only Kate and others doubting his intentions. I do wish at least the main side characters had a little more depth. 

This is a romance with some paranormal danger thrown in. While I did like the possibly enemies-to-lovers (at least for Kate) trope, the love happens too fast and some of it feels unbelievable. 

The blurb calls this a celebration of the Halloween season, which is an apt description. Shaman is a big day for the witches, and the preparations start early. There’s a lot of pumpkin as well (carving, latte, etc.). 

The pacing is steady. It may feel slower at times but I think the momentum sustains pretty well. 

An epilogue would have been nice too. It was needed as I had a few questions about some motives, etc. 

There are recipes at the end (yay) for the various dishes mentioned in the book. I like a couple of those and might try them one day. 

To summarize, A Dark and Secret Magic is a cozy witchy romance with a touch of darkness and danger. It is a good debut work (and no kitchen sink). I look forward to reading more books by the author. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #ADarkAndSecretMagic

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman - Book Review

Publication Date: 08th Oct 2024

Genre: Dual Timeline, Romance 

3.3 Stars (almost an outliner)

One Liner: No magic realism; not that impressed 

1987

Augusta Stern had to finally retire from her job as a pharmacist. She moves to Florida upon her niece’s advice. However, not having a busy routine makes her restless. Add to it the reentry of Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy she knew in her teenage years, disturbs her peace of mind. 

As a young girl in the 1920s, Augusta was proud of her father’s pharmacy and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Her great-aunt Esther’s arrival brings many changes in their lives, including the biggest one that leaves Augusta with many regrets. 

Sixty years later, can Augusta find a way to move on with her life and spend the remaining time in peace? What happened back then? 

The story comes in Augusta’s third-person POV in both timelines, with Irving and other POVs at random. 

My Thoughts: 

I’m more of an outliner for this. I wish I could have liked it more.

Firstly, there is no magic realism here. There’s possibly an attempt made but it is just fancy descriptions and wishful thinking. Every healer woman is not a witch nor does she work with magic even if people think otherwise. 

This is mainly a second-chance romance for characters in their 80s. While it is great to read books with senior citizens where they lead active lives, seeing the MCs act childish doesn’t really feel heartwarming. I did empathize with the FMC’s resentment to an extent. 

The side characters like Esther and Shirley could have had more development. Esther especially could have been a lot more than what she ends up here. It would have also helped create a more definite setup for magic realism. And a special yay to Jackie. Love her! 

I do like the topics chosen – women in medicine, gender bias, parental death, medical advancements, bullying, mafia, etc. However, when I realized the core of the plot rests on miscommunication (or the lack of communication), I lost interest. It’s bad enough to read 30 and 40-year-old characters making a mess of relationships. These people are in their 80s and still cannot have a decent conversation until the end! 

Also, the 1987 (present timeline) feels like it is set in the 2000s. My guess is that the age was calculated from the 1920s to decide when the present timeline should be. However, the rest of it feels more contemporary (like after 2010) except for the lack of mobile phones and social media.

The pacing dips in the middle. Though we see both timelines, there isn’t much movement in the present one.

We get the first chapter from Irving’s POV around 35% or so. By then, I was sure this would continue in Augusta’s. The sudden change pulled me out of the story. We also get a few scenes from the omnipresent third-person. The changes should have been introduced earlier. For example, having the first Irving’s chapter at 10-12% would have set the pattern for the rest of the book. 

The Jewish rep is well done without providing too much detail but making it stand out just the same. 

To summarize, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a cozy read about first love, second chances, missed opportunities, misunderstandings, and women in medicine. I wish I liked it more but it is not a bad book by any means. Guess I wasn’t in the mood for it. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for eARC. T

#NetGalley

Mistletoe Season by Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller, and Pepper Basham

Publication Date: 08th Oct 2024

Genre: Christmas Romance Novellas 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Sweet! 

The book is published by the Christian wing of the publisher, so God and faith get a mention more than once in the first two stories. This is a collection of three novelettes set around Christmas and feature Mistletoe in some form. Set in wintery small towns, each story has a couple that will fall in love and a community with all the cozy vibes. All stories are Hallmark-style and can be a little too sweet for some. 

TBH, I requested this book mainly to read Pepper’s The Mistletoe Prince. Prince Arran is Ellie’s brother, mentioned a few times in Loyally, Luke. I knew I had to read his story. The other two stories were a bonus. ;) 

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller – 3.5 Stars 

Emmy Banks loves Christmas. After all, she lives in Mistletoe, Missouri. Kieran O’Neill has lived in Ireland, renovating a castle for over twenty-five years. He returns to Mistletoe for his mother’s seventieth birthday. Kieran is Emmy’s bestie’s older brother and a childhood friend. Renewing their friendship is easy. But what happens when they want more, and Kieran has to leave the town? 

The story comes in Emmy and Kieran’s third-person POVs. 

The characters are in their 40s, a good change from the younger romances. The setting is quite beautiful with the small-town vibe (where everyone knows everyone). The Christmas theme is also done well with an abundance of decorations, the winter fair, hot chocolate, etc. The romance is okay but I cannot help but wonder if it would have been better as a slightly longer piece. Even some 4-5 pages extra would have done the trick. It is still sweet, though. 

The Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham – 4.5 Stars 

Prince Arran of Skymar has to spend three months in a small town in North Carolina, where his sister Ellie lives with her husband, Luke Edgewood. This ‘punishment’ is also a chance for Arran to become his former self and find out who he is if not a prince with a title. Charlie, Luke’s cousin and carpenter, is a tomboy hiding in plain sight and suffering from low self-worth. The Christmas fundraiser is her chance to prove her worth. Can the two broken hearts mend each other as the season works its magic? 

The story comes in Arran and Charlie’s third-person POVs. 

This is the longest story in the book, which means it has enough space for proper development and the traditional arc (including a sort of third-act breakup). Charlie and Arran are lovely characters and easy to root for. Luke has enough presence and adds charm to the plotline. Ellie and Penelope have a teeny scene each but that’s fine. The focus remains on the main characters and their growth. There’s a light touch of faith, similar to the other books in the Skymar series. Beautiful! 

Say No to Mistletoe by Sheila Roberts – 2.5 Stars 

Hailey Fairchild is a romance author whose love life is a mess, thanks to her Mistletoe weakness. Seems that she cannot resist men who kiss her under the mistletoe and learn her lesson late only to repeat the cycle. Of course, it all started with her crush on her brother’s best friend and the popular guy at school, Carwyn Davies. Back in her town for Christmas, Hailey is determined to break the cycle but life may have other plans for her. 

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

This is the shortest and weakest story in the collection. While Hailey’s voice is quirky enough, I couldn’t connect with her. (Hard to when you end up calling the MC an idiot right at the beginning). There are quite a few tropes and with no space for exploration, the story feels underwhelming. It does deal with some important themes like bullying, lack of confidence, fears, etc., but the approach didn’t work for me. 

*

Since it is a Christmas-themed sweet romance collection, I’m rounding it up to 4 stars (also coz I liked the story I wanted to read). 

To summarize, Mistletoe Season is a super sweet set of three novelettes with a Christmas theme as the central point. Check out others' reviews before you decide. 

Thank you, NetGalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and Thomas Nelson, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #MistletoeSeason

The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st Oct 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy (Witchy Family Drama) 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Introspective (irregular pacing) 

Triplets Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley convert their home into a Tearoom after the untimely death of their parents. Their mother, Clara, was a witch who gave up her position for love and married a human. The teashop is what the triplets consider her legacy and a cozy place for people to find answers to questions in the tea leaves. 

With the Council of Witches expecting the sisters to take up a responsibility (with dire consequences) and an old curse being activated, they find themselves being pulled in different directions. Can the sisters retain their bond while exploring their individual identities or will the curse and the Council break them apart? 

The story comes in the third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Ever since I saw the book on NetGalley, I kept hoping it would be Read Now at least for a day. I wasn’t sure if the publisher would approve my request and didn’t want to risk it. Luckily, the book did become available for a week or more. 

Not sure why I thought it would be a contemporary witchy read. It’s a historical one (set in early 1900s). However, there isn’t much about the period. The story could be set anywhere and would still work. 

The house is my favorite part of the book. Imagine a building that can clean itself, do the dishes, dust the cobwebs, and repair everything on its own. I want a house like that! The tearoom setting is beautiful and chaotic. 

The writing is a bit prosey and has a lyrical touch to it in many scenes. While this can slow down the pace, I like how the words flow. 

The sisters have different personalities making it very easy to track their arcs. Though they are triplets, Anne sounds older and more stressed out almost throughout the book. This aligns with the character development as she has somehow become the older and more responsible one after their mother’s death. 

The POV is a blend of limited third-person and omnipresent. This can be a little hard to follow. 

The book drags in the middle as the miscommunication trope stretches on. This could have been trimmed a little. That said, I understand why it had to go on. A rubber band needs to be stretched beyond its elasticity to snap. The same theory applies here. 

The concept of using flavors and scents to talk about memories, truth, lies, etc., is lovely. If only we had such lie detectors in real life too! 

Each chapter starts with a symbol and its interpretation. This aligns with the content in the chapter and provides some knowledge about tea reading (if you can remember or make note of it). 

The ending is hopeful and sweet. It establishes the need for growth and change while showing how these things don’t have to affect relationships and family bonds. 

To summarize, The Crescent Moon Tearoom is a worthy debut dealing with important themes. While there are a few niggles, I like the overall vibe and feel. Will be happy to read more books by the author. 

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

#NetGalley #TheCrescentMoonTearoom

The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 30th Sep 2024

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209499498-the-ravenswood-witch

Genre: Dark Historical Fiction, Paranormal

3 Stars

One Liner: Could have been better!

Book Blurb:

‘There are a lot of shadows at Ravenswood, so you will need to be strong…’

The year is 1885, and a young woman is on the run, knowing if she’s caught, she’ll be hanged for murder. Moments from a safe haven, she collides with a gruff stranger, falling and breaking her ankle.

To her surprise, the man – Marcus Greybourne – convinces the local constable that she is his reclusive wife of ten years, Luna. He carries her back to the neglected and crumbling Ravenswood Hall, promising if she agrees to maintain this charade, he will keep her safe until her injuries have healed.

But the house is haunted by shadows and secrets. What’s more, the real Luna Greybourne is missing without a trace. Scratches and marks made by her around the house suggest witchcraft, and indeed Luna is known locally as the Ravenswood Witch; her reputation is in tatters, like the wallpapers of the padlocked rooms she’d destroyed.

As strange happenings in the house continue, outside the screech of a raven echoes across oppressive woods that seem alive with dark magic. And the woman who is now pretending to be Luna can’t help but fear she’s escaped the noose for a far more terrible fate…

A completely compelling and unforgettable historical book club read – fans of Jane Eyre, Weyward, and The Binding will be utterly spellbound.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POV.

I enjoyed the author’s previous two books (No. 23Burlington Square and At the Stroke of Midnight) and had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, the terrific premise was given an average execution.

Firstly, what I liked about the book –

The setting delivers the Gothic vibes it promised. It is dark, dirty, and suffocating. There’s a bit of animal cruelty as well, though the mentions are limited to what is necessary for the plot. The atmosphere is spot on.

Bran is such a terrific pet. The crow ends up with more personality than some of the characters (take what you will from this statement).

The beginning is great and hooks the reader right away. It establishes the conflict and sets the stage for drama and intrigue.

The romance is not explicit or excessive. While I still wish for a few more interactions between them, it doesn’t overpower the plot most of the time.

However, things started to go downhill pretty soon. Here’s why –

We get extensive snippets about the past from another character’s third-person POV. This could be the young woman or not. While I was initially curious, by the halfway mark, I had enough of it. All this is filler content and unwanted.

A better approach would have been to provide the backstory in three chapters – one to establish the details, the second to deal with the conflict, and the third for the reveal. That way, we would have saved around 50 pages (or more).

Marcus and Real Luna could have gotten a chapter or two each to add depth to their arcs. Except for being the brooding, handsome, heartbroken man, Marcus doesn’t do much. The real Luna is worse since we don’t even get to see her.

A lot of space has been wasted on a character that pretty much went nowhere. Not to mention the repetition that weighed down the pacing and made this move slower than a snail.  

The side characters like Mr. and Mrs. Webber also could have gotten some detailing. A couple of more scenes in the village would have made it easier to support the sudden developments at the end. Right now, it sounds strange and out of character.

For books with paranormal and witchy themes, it is better to go full into the vibe. Going this way and that doesn’t help much. Sustaining the effect is important, irrespective of the characters’ opinions.

To summarize, The Ravenswood Witch has immense potential but ends up underwhelming and slow, with more fluff than substance. However, it will suit your needs if you want an atmospheric read for the season.

Of course, I will read the author's next book.

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

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Jenni Keer

Jenni Keer is a well-reviewed author of historical romances, often with a mystery at their heart. Most recently published by Headline and shortlisted for the 2023 RNA Historical Romantic Novel of the Year.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @JenniKeerAuthor

X/ Twitter: @JenniKeer

Instagram: @JenniKeer

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

Bookbub Profile: @jennikeer

***

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