Matriarchs, Cows and Epic Villains: New and Selected Fables and Poems by Suniti Namjoshi - Book Review

Publication Date: 24th Mar 2025

Purchase Link (India): https://www.amazon.in/Matriarchs-Cows-Epic-Villains-Selected/dp/819425339X/

Genre: Short Story Collection

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Interesting!

The book is a collection of short stories, fables, lyrical poems, and observations (commentary) based on Hindu epics. It has several pieces, including abridged versions of her two novellas and two books from the Ravana trilogy – Shupi’s Choices and Kumbh.

The book begins with a foreword about the author, her writing, and storytelling style etc.

The first set is a bunch of fables based on Indian and other folklore. These are short and crisp retellings with a feminist twist. However, unlike most feminist works I’ve read so far, the fables don’t preach or rant. They simply present a different perspective on things. This really cuts down the drama and fluff, leaving the reader to think about what the author wants. It’s an effective storytelling style.

There are some poems scattered between the fables. These have a surreal and abstract vibe despite the brief notes provided by the author. I like how they sound, though I can’t explain them if you were to ask (and before you wonder, I’m a poet too).

It’s amazing how some of these pieces have been written in the 1970s. They do have a timeless quality. The author mentioned P.Lal in one of her notes (he published two of her poems). I’m assuming it’s the same Prof. Purushottama Lal who translated the complete Mahabharata into English in verse. Well, if he gave his approval for her works, I’d be more than happy to read along! 

After the short pieces, we get four novellas of sorts:

• The Conversations of a Cow (abridged)
• The Mothers of Maya Diip (abridged)
• Shupi’s Choices (part of the Ravana trilogy)
• Kumbh (part of the Ravana trilogy)

The Conversations of a Cow is divided into five parts (it has an author’s note and an internal content page). The author, a lesbian and a feminist, takes on the lesbian feminist movement using herself as one of the main characters. The genres are a blend of magic realism and bizarro fiction, if you ask me. There’s no gyan or preaching. Just a confused woman trying to figure out who she is while being thoroughly stressed out by so many definitions, labels, and the behavior styles a person labeled as something should follow.

The Mothers of Maya Diip is divided into three parts and is a take on how things would be in a matriarchal society. Kinda dystopian. There isn’t enough world-building to support the plot, so you need to wing it and go with the flow.

Shupi’s Choices and Kumbh have overlapping content since both belong to the same trilogy (they didn’t include the third book). The stories deal with Shurpanaka and Kumbhakarna (Ravana’s siblings) and how they adjust to a modern-day world. As with most retellings, this one also shoves modern-day caste and empowerment into the bygone era and pretty much eliminates the nuances of the epic. Luckily, these have only a minor role. Most of the plot is set in the future timeline (current-day scenario of sorts), so it has something unique to offer (while also ticking off a checklist). As you can guess, these are my least favorite entries in the book. However, I still chuckled at a few scenes, so all is not lost!

I love how the book has been structured and formatted. It is so neat, with clear author’s notes for sections and internal ToC (table of contents). Jojy Philip did a great job typesetting this book.

To summarize, Matriarchs, Cows and Epic Villains is a collection of poems, fables, and stories with women and feminism as the central theme. Most of them are non-preachy, crisp, and thought-provoking.

My thanks to Blogchatter and Penguin Zubaan for a copy of the book. This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program and contains my honest opinions. 

The Girl from Normandy by Rachel Sweasey - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 27^th June 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220707309-the-girl-from-normandy

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Dual Timeline

3 Stars

One Liner: Interesting premise!

Book Blurb:

Paris, 1940: Marie-Claire steps into the Gare de Lyon, not knowing it will be the last time she'll see her husband and son. Fleeing occupied Paris, she travels into the countryside of Normandy and stumbles upon a chateau near Caen and a growing resistance movement. Soon, Marie-Claire finds herself working in a cafe in the quiet village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where she tries to come to terms with all she has lost – but little does she realise that her presence in Normandy will change the course of history…

1998: Half a century later, Esther is returning to the Normandy village she visited as a teenager, seeking a break from her monotonous life. Back then, she'd fallen in love with a rustic farmhouse and the family that lived there – not least the charming eldest son, Jules Joubert. But now, when Esther discovers an old annotated cookbook in the family kitchen, she begins to realise that the place she holds so close to her heart may hide more secrets than even the Jouberts realise...

What stories does the area carry? And could this trip change Esther’s life forever?

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Esther, Marie-Claire, and a couple of other characters.

It has been a long time since I read WWII fiction, that too with the popular dual timeline setting. This one sounded good as I could explore another region of France, Normandy.

The premise is solid. There’s no denying that. The alternating chapters for each track also work well to bring some suspense and keep the reader hooked.

However, both timelines have so much going on that neither gets a chance to be fully explored. Everything happens in 4x speed; one event after another.

Though you’ll want to slow down and feel the emotions, the narration (which is mostly ‘telling’) doesn’t give you that chance. We see how the Nazis were, what they did, et al. However, we cannot fully experience what the characters are going through.

The setting is, of course, lovely. I did enjoy the glimpses into the places mentioned. Some of the events in the book are based on real ones. That’s a bonus.

A couple of developments were strange, like an awkward kind. I couldn’t really understand the reasons, TBH. That said, the book ends on a happy/ hopeful note, which I appreciate.

The side characters were lovely, especially the ones from the historical timeline. I liked them all.

To summarize, The Girl from Normandy is a decent read if you want a lighter version of WWII fiction. I finished it sooner than expected, so no complaints.

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

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Rachel Sweasey

Rachel was born to English 10-pound-pom parents in sub-tropical Brisbane, Australia, and when the family moved back to Poole, Dorset, she was just 5 years old. She then grew up against the stunning backdrop of Poole Harbour where she sailed and played on the beaches of Brownsea Island and Studland, and walked across the Purbeck Hills, all of which inspired her imagination and provided the setting of her debut historical fiction novel set in WWII. Since then, Rachel has moved back to Brisbane, Australia.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @RachelSweaseyAuthor

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

Bookbub Profile: @rachelsweaseyauthor

***

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

A Terribly Nasty Business by Julia Seales - Book Review

Series: Beatrice Steele #2

Publication Date: 24th June 2025 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Mindless fun but with important themes 

After solving a murder (in the previous book), Beatrice Steele feels like things are finally falling into place. She relocated from Swampshire to London with her trusted chaperone, Miss Bolton. Beatrice and Inspector Drake start their detective agency, D.S. Investigations. However, the elusive Sir Huxley is still considered the only real detective in the city. 

When a string of murders put her and her investigating partner in the middle of a mess, Beatrice must survive the threats on their lives, the disturbances in their partnership, the pressure from her mother to marry well, and a lot more! 

The story comes in Beatrice’s third-person POV with snippets like news articles, letters, notes, etc. 

My Thoughts: 

Well, in a way, it’s not different from the previous book. But it becomes a bit darker. I would recommend starting at the beginning. This series is an OTT farcical blend of Austen and Christie’s works. So, you have a P&P-type set-up with a murder mystery. 

The writing style is quirky, satirical, and fun. Maybe not as fun as book one, but it is still good. I laughed out loud many times at the deliberate absurdity of the situation. 

Since the FMC moved from Swampshire to Sweetbriar in London, frogs have been replaced by… flying squirrels. Not as fun, sadly, but deadlier! 

I like the themes, though. Suppression of arts and artists, the noblemen trying to control society with restrictions, banning arts, gender bias, vehemently opposing women’s freedom, etc., are central to the plot. However, the book doesn’t feel preachy or heavy, thanks to the lighthearted writing style. 

The mystery starts on an interesting note. Since it is a cozy book, you can easily figure out the twists and reveals before the main characters. But the pacing is good, so you don’t have to wait long for them to catch up. 

Beatrice seems uncertain and tentative in the new setting. While it aligns with the plot changes, I did miss her spunk from book one. Luckily, she gets back on track towards the end. 

There’s the dreaded love triangle, which wasn’t too bad due to the lingering comic presence. It seems to have been sorted to an extent. I can only hope there won’t be a curveball in the next book. 

That ending is a perfect bait for book #3! I’m so curious about what will happen. As long as there won’t be unwanted complications in the love track, I’ll be eager for the next installment. 

Oh, the comedy quotient is a bit less in the second half as the seriousness increases. I never thought I’d say this, but I miss Mary (we get updates about her, don’t worry)! We still don’t have any explanation, though there are many clues. 

To summarize, A Terribly Nasty Business indeed deals with a terribly nasty business of murders, control, and infuriating men with a generous dose of silliness and fun. Rounding up since it was entertaining. 

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

#NetGalley #ATerriblyNastyBusiness

A Body at the Book Fair by Ellie Alexander - Book Review

Series: A Secret Bookcase Mystery #6 

Publication Date: 16th June 2025 

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: The finale… 

Annie and Fletcher, the new co-owners of the Secret Bookcase and private investigators, attend the annual book fair in Santa Clara. Their plan is for Annie to finally solve the mystery behind her best friend, Scarlet’s, death all those years ago. However, Annie ends up becoming a part of another case when an industry colleague dies in front of an audience, and it is clearly a murder. 

Can Annie, with help from her friends, solve both cases and come out alive? 

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

My Thoughts: 

This is the concluding book in the series. While the first two chapters provide the necessary backstory to make this a standalone, I think readers might enjoy it more if they read at least the previous two books. That shouldn’t take long since these are short books and can be finished in a couple of hours or so. 

Here, the main mystery is about the death at the annual book fair. The other is not a mystery since the FMC figured things out in the previous book. This is more of a confrontation/ conclusion part, but not without risks, of course. 

Technological advancement is the central theme, focusing on the use of tech in the publishing and bookselling industry. Would you like a VR (virtual reality) device that ‘shows’ a book’s setting, characters, story, etc., or do you prefer to imagine it yourself? I fall into the latter category. While VR sounds fun, I don’t want technology to replace my imagination! 

We also get some insight into the cut-throat world of publishing, like how stressful the auctions for popular authors’ manuscripts are, how not everything is ethically done, and so on. 

There are some mentions of coffee and food, too. On that note, can anyone tell me what a progressive Indian restaurant is supposed to mean? I thought most Indian restaurants in the West don’t serve traditional dishes (even if they say they do) like we have them here (and anyone willing to try avocado raita? Not me!).  

Anyhoo, the mystery is solved, and the overarching plot is also handled pretty easily. There’s a bit of danger, but since someone in the FMC’s team is actually sensible, everyone is safe and alive. 

There’s a surprise for series readers at the end. Don’t miss the author’s note (it’s a short one anyway). If you enjoyed the books so far, you’ll be happy with the update. 

To summarize, A Body at the Book Fair is the final book in the series and keeps the pacing, plotting, and character development aligned with the previous books. Since the series has been a steady 3.5 stars for me, I think it’s only fair to round up this time. 

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

#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheBookFair

No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee - Book Review

Series: The Heirs #3 

Publication Date: 17th June 2025

Genre: Romance 

4 Stars 

One Liner: This was good! 

Never did Alex Stone think she would take over her father’s company. But now, as the CEO chair at Stone Enterprises, Alex puts all her energies into rebuilding the empire while dodging the attempts on her life and business, with support from her half-sibling. 

Hawk Bronson is Alex’s bodyguard and determined to protect her. With his own past, he cannot afford to get close to her and increase the risk. However, this is easier said than done with their undeniable chemistry. 

Alex and Hawk have to face their past, their family secrets, and threats to have a future together. 

The story comes in Alex and Hawk’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

After enjoying the previous book in the series, I was excited to read this one, where the story concludes and the loose ends are tied up. 

However, the focus is on Alex (Alexandra), the only single Stone sibling since her brothers now have partners. The FMC is strong, independent, and determined, but as the MMC says, she has zero situational awareness. 

Like the previous book, this one has a steady pace. Though it is 400 pages long, it never feels stretched out or slow. In fact, I finished it in two days flat. 

The MMC is easy to like despite his grumpy exterior. He isn’t afraid to be harsh to make the FMC see the extent of danger she is in. However, he is also very protective and caring.  

There are quite a few twists and developments as the story progresses. We can pretty much guess who the actual culprit is, but that’s okay since this is marketed as romance and not a mystery or suspense. 

The romance track is nice and has a bit of steam. The supporting characters are a highlight and continue to enhance the storyline. The bonding between the siblings and their partners is lovely to read. No unwanted drama here. 

While this still works as a standalone, I think I enjoyed it more since I read at least book #2. The central plot starts in the first book, so if you are particular about details, add all three to your TBR. It won’t take long to finish them anyway! 

There’s an epilogue that nicely rounds up everything and gives a solid ending (HEA) to the entire series. 

To summarize, No More Yesterdays is a fast-paced romance with a good dose of suspense and a touch of danger. It is a worthy entertainer with a bit of everything to keep you hooked. I’ll be sure to read more books by the author. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #NoMoreYesterdays

Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: The Inn on the Lake #1

Publication Date: 20th June 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217965087-coming-home-to-maple-tree-lodge

Genre: Small Town Romance

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Sweet and cozy; low-stakes romance

Book Blurb:

A family and hotel in desperate need of help…

Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success, and following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads.

With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash-strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cozy, country Cotswolds hotel is the complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!

Can they work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?

Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?

And can Ben show Lily that there's more to life than work?

As autumn at Maple Tree Lodge begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and a reason to stay...

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Lily and Ben’s third-person POVs.

Since I enjoyed the previous series by the author, I was excited to read this one. It is set in the same region, a fictional setting in the UK countryside, close to London. A few characters from the other series make a guest appearance here. Only one of them has a slightly prominent role… Dodgy Del! Yeah, though here, he seems to be less prone to causing trouble.

This is a low-stakes romance with very little angst or drama. If you are into intense love stories, this may not work for you. But if you want something hopeful, lighthearted, and cozy, you will enjoy the book.

The writing is mostly ‘tell’ with very little ‘show’. Also, there’s an infodump right at the beginning (this seems to be the author’s writing style). Still, the book has a good pace. I could finish 70% in a single sitting.

Though we have some heavy themes like the death of a parent, tensions in the family, a heroine with reinforced walls, financial concerns, etc., they don’t feel overwhelming. The feel-good vibes are strong and ensure there’s a sense of hope from start to finish.

Family and friendships are the core of the plot. I loved all members of the Jackson family as well as the friends of the MCs. Two pairs for the next books have been hinted at, and there’s one person left. We’ll have to wait and see how that goes. So, this is also bound to be a four-book series set in the beautiful Maple Tree Lodge.

The remote setting of the lodge nestled in the woods with a lake close by and hundreds of ancient trees feels like the best place to be! I enjoyed the descriptions of the interiors of the lodge and the nature around it. Since the story happens over four-six months, we can see the seasonal changes as well.

To summarize, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge is a cozy and heartwarming story about finding your place in the world and having a supportive family. It works well as a breather between heavier reads.

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

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Alison Sherlock

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.

Follow the Author:

Twitter: @AlisonSherlock

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

Bookbub Profile: @AlisonSherlock

***

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

Breaking His Law by VH Nicolson - Book Review

Series: Billionaire Hart Boys #1 

Publication Date: 10th June 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Insta lust, but the story gets better 

Arianna wants revenge. She joins the law firm that represented her family’s killer to dig into their secrets and expose their cover-up. Of course, meeting Nathan Hart, head of the firm, puts a small spanner in her plans. 

Nathan Hart doesn’t have time for commitments. However, when his one-night stand walks into the office, he is angry at the deception and excited to get to know her. The chemistry is evident, but what will the truth of her past do to him and their growing closeness? 

The story comes in Ari and Nathan’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

So, the premise makes it clear that the book will have insta lust and a third-act breakup. Since I was prepared for both, I enjoyed this spicy (4 peppers) read for what it was. 

After a prologue from the past, we jump right into the central plot. There is a lot of internal dialogue, which serves the purpose of providing the backstory and maybe adding a bit of depth to the characters. Some of this gets repetitive, but it works in the context. 

The dual POV is easy to track. Though there’s a mention under the chapter head, I didn’t always need to look at it to figure out whose POV it was. The voices were distinct enough. 

The side characters, especially the brothers and the mother (and Joseph too!), were good. The three remaining brothers will get their own books (hopefully soon). They have definite personalities, so no confusion about who is who. 

Despite the spice, the book gives us a few sweet/ adorable scenes. This slows down the whirlwind romance a little bit and establishes a deeper connection between the characters. And oh, this is an age-gap romance (he is 44, she is 29). 

The third-act breakup is done well. It aligns with the central premise and gives a good conclusion. While a particular scene could have been a bit more detailed since it is crucial, the rest is decent. We get an epilogue, too! 

I do wish the FMC’s backstory had more information. A few scenes with her family, etc., would have added more emotional depth to the narrative. 

The dynamics between the Hart brothers are awesome, though. The family clearly loves each other. It adds an extra layer to the story and prevents it from being too shallow. 

Goat yoga? Seriously! The kind of shit West does to traditional indigenous knowledge makes me want to puke all over the billion dollar industry. Not a minus point for the book since it only uses what’s already there in the society. 

To summarize, Breaking His Law is a steady-paced spicy romance with banter, secrets, and drama. It should work well as a light beach read or a buffer between heavy books. 

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

#NetGalley #BreakingHisLaw

Courier of Death by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Series: Spencer & Reid Mysteries #3 

Publication Date: 14th June 2025 

Genre: Historical Mystery (Dark) 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: This is going great! 

1884, London 

It has been months since Leonora Spencer discovered the truth of her family’s death. She’s still struggling to cope with it and keeps her distance from Detective Inspector Jasper Reid. However, when a bomb blast outside the police station kills a young constable and a prominent suffragist is accused of the crime, Leo has to step in. 

Jasper has done his best to accept that Leo wanted space. He used this time to focus on his job. But when she begins to interfere in the last case, he is torn between warning her and helping her. 

As Jasper and Leo hunt for clues, they attract the attention of the most dangerous crime syndicate in London and the East End gang. 

The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

After the cliffhanger in the previous book, I knew I had to read this as soon as possible. At the same time, reading this early would mean a long wait for the next one. Sigh! 

As the middle book of the series, this has some fairly important developments. Though there is enough detail provided, I wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone. Start with the first book. 

Compared to the previous two, this was a bit slower. However, it doesn’t drag at any point. With two cases and the tussle between the MCs, there’s enough to keep you flipping the pages. 

We get more details about the past, the FMC’s family, and stuff. I like how the delicate balance between their entwined pasts and the present is handled. We can see both their concerns. Neither is wrong, so we’ll be rooting for them. 

As always, the dark side of London, the gang wars, the suffragette movement and the vehement opposition to it, class differences, gender bias, etc., are seamlessly woven into the plot. 

The mysteries are well done with just enough twists for the suspense, but easy enough for readers to guess the culprits. 

The ending is my favorite. After, there’s a good development after waiting all this while. It still ends in a cliffhanger, and there is lots of danger swirling around, but there’s more hope this time. 

To summarize, Courier of Death is a suspenseful and intriguing mystery with danger, threats, gangs, and an intense past looming overhead. The next book will be out in Sep, and I can’t wait to read it! 

Thank you, Book Sirens and the author, for the eARC.

A Most Unlikely Lady by Darcy McGuire - Book Review

Series: The Queen's Deadly Damsels #4

Publication Date: 06th June 2025 

Genre: Historical Romance

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Not bad! Time-pass read 

Miss Ivy Cavendale becomes a headmistress at an orphanage. One night, she deals with an intruder, relieved that the fear that had gripped her for years hasn’t stopped her from saving her charges. Soon, it’s clear that she and her charges are the next target of The Devil’s Sons. 

Commissioner Edward Worthington owes the head of The Queen’s Deadly Damsels. So, he agrees to watch her latest ward, Ivy. It doesn’t take long to realize that he is attracted to her. But Ivy has childhood trauma, and danger surrounds them. 

Can they identify the criminal and make their happy ever after? 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Ivy and Edward. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the fourth book in the series and works as a standalone with possible minor spoilers for the previous ones. I read the first and second, so I have an idea about the mystery/ overarching plot. 

This is predominantly a romance despite the threat of an intruder and a dangerous gang lurking about. The gang hasn’t been dismantled yet, safe to say there will be more books in the series. 

We met Ivy in the previous books, though I’m not sure about the Commissioner. The events related to her family occur in book #1. In book #2, there are hints about her trauma. Here, we get more information. 

Though the romance is made to seem like it is not insta-love, it actually is. Still, I appreciate the attempt and the conversations that take place as Ivy learns to overcome her fears. That said, it is a spicy (4) book with open-door scenes. 

The first chapter can be a hit or a miss. That’s because it clearly shows the FMC’s character – someone who has always thought of herself as weak. Her inner monologue can be a bit grating, but she proves herself with her actions. 

The MMC is okay, kinda stereotypical, but he does the job. We get more than a glimpse into the Duchess’s past through him, so that’s good. 

A couple of kids shine despite the limited page space. I'd be happy to meet them in the subsequent books. 

The mystery is lackluster, TBH. The villains were too apparent the moment they were introduced. But then, this is not a mystery read but a romance with a touch of danger. 

There is an epilogue that doesn’t really give us much except a wee bit of info about the side characters. 

To summarize, A Most Unlikely Lady is a quick and easy read despite the triggers and the hints of danger. Let’s see what happens in the next book. 

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

#NetGalley #AMostUnlikelyLady

Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop by Jaimie Admans - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: Ever After Street #5 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 26th May 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218164658-finding-love-at-the-magical-curiosity-shop

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Sweet... somewhat!

Book Blurb:

In a shop full of stories, some magic is real.

Mickey Teasdale loves her quaint curiosity shop, where every item feels magical to her. She loves imagining the past owners of her knick-knacks and telling her made-up tales to customers, but lately, the magic has dimmed; the shop feels cluttered, and even her stories seem as worn as the items she sells.

Everything changes when the grumpiest customer Mickey’s ever met—single dad Ren Montague—walks in with his surly teen daughter, Ava. Ren hates mess and clutter and prefers order and calm, but he'll do anything to see Ava smile. Yet, something shifts in him when he meets Mickey, who seems like she stepped out of her very own fairy tale.

When Ava discovers a secret diary, hidden from years long ago, she and Mickey believe it must have once belonged to a real-life mermaid! Ever sceptical, Ren tries to protect Ava from disappointment, but as they unravel the mystery together, something special happens…

Ren learns that happy ever afters still exist if you're brave enough to look for them, and Mickey discovers that real life can sometimes be way more magical than anything she could have ever imagined.

***

My Thoughts:

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

This is the fifth book in the standalone Ever After Street Series. Though we see some couples from the previous books, this works well as a standalone read. Of course, I recommend reading the other books because they are all beautiful.

As a fan of the author's works, I tend to have high expectations of her. Why not? I know she can write!

Like the other books, this one also deals with important topics. Here we have parental death, broken marriage, being a single dad, a young teen’s struggle with the changes in her life, a woman’s desire to surround herself with material things to avoid reality, etc.

I could empathize with the FMC even when I knew her shop was a high-risk accident zone. No matter how much I de-clutter, the shelves tend to look the same, so yeah, it happens! She is a sweetheart, and I love her optimism and hope. Her determination to believe in magic is noteworthy. I try too, though my cynical side doesn’t stay silent for long!

Naturally, I could easily understand the MMC’s perspective too. Yeah, he was rude and prickly, but he could be just as sweet if he allowed himself to be. Then, he had to go and make a mess of it (more on this later).

Ava, the MMC’s thirteen-year-old, was a delight most of the book. She is a teen, through and through, so I could see her outburst making sense to her. I didn’t mind it much as it aligned with her arc until then.

We get snippets from the diary, which read like actual diary entries – thoughts, frantic scribbling, raw emotions, and random bits of information. Yay for this! However, the dialogues in this book felt lengthier somehow. Not a big deal, though.

As always, it’s heartwarming to read the lovey-dovey scenes between the main characters. It seems like the author thought much about my friend and fellow reviewer's reactions to the touchy-feely scenes; she used the same term twice in the book! Haha… :P Of course, I loveeee these scenes the best, and those hugs! Find a partner who hugs you like you are their everything!

Now, we come to the dreaded third-act breakup. I knew it would happen, but man, if I could punch him, I would have. I was rather rooting for Lissa to do it for me… didn’t she? Read to find out.

The resolution came a bit too quickly, I think. While it still made me teary-eyed, I wanted a little more groveling. The FMC doesn’t make it easy, which I appreciate. Still, make him repent more (I hold grudges for a long time, if you haven’t figured out by now, lol).

I found it surprising that they don’t get much dragon fruit in the UK. Thanks to social media, it became so famous in India that we find it at the makeshift stalls on the street corners. Farmers have successfully cultivated dragon fruit locally and are getting good results! Though I’m not a fan of it.

The ending is sweet, of course. There’s no epilogue, but there will be another (last… sniffle) book in the series, so we are likely to get a wee update on them if nothing else.

To summarize, Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop is not as magical as the other books in the series, but it still creates a lovely, cozy feeling in the heart. The romance is clean, comforting, warm, and like a hearty cup of hot chocolate with extra sprinkles.

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

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Jaimie Admans

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. Her series for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @JaimieAdmansBooks

Twitter: @be_the_spark

Instagram: @jaimieadmans1

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

Bookbub Profile: @jaimieadmans1

***

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

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison - Book Review

Publication Date: 03rd June 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming! 

Meg Bryan, aka Lana Lord, is a household name after her hit TV show and her relationship with Hollywood’s latest heartthrob. However, her perfect life comes at a great cost. After a small breakdown on her thirtieth birthday, Meg goes on an impromptu trip to Ireland, that one place she and her best friend Aimee wanted to visit. An accident claimed Aimee’s life a decade ago, and now Meg makes the trip alone. 

However, Meg seemed to have traveled into an alternative universe where she is not a celebrity. The hot bartender is apparently her ex, and her bestie, Aimee, is alive but not talking to her for some reason. Now, Meg has to figure out how and why she broke up with her ex and what happened between her and Aimee. As she navigates through her new life, Meg realizes what she remembers about her past isn’t the complete truth. And soon, she has to decide on her future. 

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

My Thoughts: 

Firstly, I’d tag this women’s fiction or contemporary fiction with a touch of romance. The focal point of the book is Meg’s acceptance of the past and her growth in the present. 

The book starts with a prologue that gives us an insight into the MC’s relationship with her bestie. Then, we jump to the present timeline. 

I like the sliding doors/ alternative setting that occurs pretty soon. No need to wait for it to happen. This gives the MC and us enough time to get used to the shift, dig through the past, and peel her character’s layers. 

The side characters, especially Kiera and Cillian, are terrific. They brighten up the story when it starts to feel repetitive. The bestie, Aimee, is interesting, though I wish to know more about her. 

The first-person POV works for the plot. It has dry humor and a bit of forced humor as well. The first is good, the latter isn’t, but the overall effect is nice. The MC has enough flaws, but is also a nice person, which we can see in her voice. However, it also feels quite YAish, even though she is 30. Maybe because the author is a YA writer, and this is her first adult novel. 

The pacing is uneven thanks to the repetition in the middle. Maybe some of it was necessary, though I feel this could have been used to add some depth to the bestie’s character. 

The ending is more on the line of women’s fiction. It is hopeful and positive, but not fully rounded. Still, it works for the storyline and leaves the reader with a smile (that’s job done right). 

Given the premise, there are many references to Hollywood, celebs, movies, and related drama. Not my jam, exactly. If you enjoy this, you might like the book more. 

The acknowledgments section at the end was fun to read. The author’s natural style did drip a lot into the main character’s voice, but it worked here. 

To summarize, The Other Side of Now is a heartwarming story about grief of losing a loved one, trying to find oneself, making friends (found family), and learning that life goes on. 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

Lessons in Heartbreak by Karla Sorensen - Book Review

Series: The Kings #1

Publication Date: 20th May 2025

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: This was good! 

Ruby, a shy small-town librarian, decided to hire an escort to get over her fear of intimacy without the risk of heartbreak. However, instead of a dating coach, Ruby’s childhood neighbor and pro football player, Griffin King, arrived. He was not the escort, but she didn’t know that! 

As if the embarrassing mix-up wasn’t enough, Ruby stumbles across Griffin everywhere in their little town. He is more than happy to help her, but with their closeness increasing, Ruby has much to think about. 

The story comes in Ruby and Griffin’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

This is my first book by the author. Turns out, this is also the first in a new series, so I intend to read the others. 

The pacing is slow, but it doesn’t feel boring. We get enough backstory and depth for the characters to be more than their physical appearances, though there are many references to how hot they look. Note that the characters start as clichés but gradually show they can do much better than that. 

The MCs are easy to like. They are smart, sweet, and have their issues to deal with. They inevitably help each other grow, which comes across well as the story progresses. The chemistry is great, too, so it’s not long before we root for them. 

There’s enough humor to make the readers laugh or chuckle. This balances the somber elements, especially the scenes dealing with health issues. 

The side characters need a special mention. I liked Lauren right away. Wasn’t sure about Marcus, but he proved himself. Don’t be tricked by his OTT act. He is a sweet guy. 

My favorite part has to be these hunky football players sighing over classic romances like Pride and Prejudice. How they react to the hand flex by Darcy is adorable! 

The book is spicy, probably 4 or more. There’s some dirty talk, but not a lot. However, the story doesn’t feel rushed. There is enough time for feelings to develop. 

We have not one but two epilogues. I love it when authors do this. A regular epilogue is great, but when it is followed by an extended one, it is a double bonus. 

To summarize, Lessons in Heartbreak is a heartwarming, entertaining, and delightful romance set in a small town. Bring on the next book! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #LessonsInHeartbreak

The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley - Book Review

Series: Funny Feelings #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 27th May 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223606076-the-roommate-experiment

Genre: Contemporary Romance

3 Stars

One Liner: Some nice moments

Book Blurb:

Could there be room for attraction?

Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother, Dylan, for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like the friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to change: Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she's being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?

Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.

But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.

But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?

The Roommate Experiment is a roommates-to-lovers, forced proximity, STEMinist rom-com perfect for fans of Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams, and Abby Jimenez.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Hunter and Dylan’s first-person POVs.

Though the book can be a standalone, I would recommend reading book #2 first. Even better if you start at the beginning (I didn’t). But I read the previous book (If the Ring Fits), and it helped. That’s because the events in both books take place at the same time. Seeing Hunter and Dylan from Rowena and Adrian’s POVs first makes this book less awkward.

It’s interesting to revisit a few scenes from the previous book from other POVs. I like such experiments (another reason I recommend reading book #2 first).

This is my fourth book by the author. While I had minor issues with the previous three, I happily rounded up the rating to 4 stars. Unfortunately, this is the weakest one so far.

Firstly, there’s no denying the touches of humor in the narration. The writing style is light even when it deals with serious issues like dyslexia and endometriosis. This prevents the story from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

Hunter’s crush/ obsession with Dylan feels authentic. It is painfully embarrassing at times, but that’s exactly the point. It was supposed to be that way, given she harbored feelings and spun fantasies for over a decade. Her reluctance, jealousy, anger, frustration, hopelessness, etc., come out very well.

Dylan started decent but then got on my nerves. I tried to be patient and see things from his perspective, but there’s a thin line between being good and being a coward. Despite his other noteworthy qualities, he didn’t impress me. The break-up scene was crucial for his character arc, and it was messed up big time.

Not really sure how to classify Olivia. Clingy? Dense? Optimistic? No idea!

There are some spicy scenes towards the end, though it’s a fade-to-black and a closed door. The last quarter rather ups the sexiness, which wasn’t necessary, but okay!

Since this is the last book of the series, we get a combined epilogue. I like it a lot. It has happy developments and leaves one element on a hopeful note; the right way to conclude this series.

To summarize, The Roommate Experiment is a steady-paced and lighthearted romance that touches upon a couple of health issues (lightly). While it is not my favorite (Adrian is still the winner), I will continue to enjoy more books by the author.

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

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Camilla Isley

Camilla Isley is an engineer who left science behind to write bestselling contemporary rom-coms set all around the world. She lives in Italy.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @CamillaIsley

Twitter: @camillaisley

Instagram: @camillaisley

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

Bookbub Profile:@CamillaIsley

***

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

All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson - Book Review

Publication Date: 20th May 2025

Genre: General Fiction 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Nice! 

Charlie Knight is a family doctor in his late thirties. He has a fixed routine and the same clients he’d been seeing since he was a child. However, Charlie has a secret plan to escape and live the life he wants, even if Genevieve Longstaff, the woman he wanted, has long since left the town.  

However, Genevieve is back. Suddenly, Charlie realizes he has gained a new gift. He can see exactly how many days are left in the lives of his visitors/ patients. Charlie thinks he could use his gift to help his patients, but every gift comes with a price. What if there are things he would rather not know? 

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

My Thoughts: 

Should I tag this general fiction or men’s fiction? Either works, I guess. 

The story starts with the MC gaining his gift unexpectedly and goes on from there. He is an easy guy to like. A friendly, sweet, and dedicated doctor whose life feels too structured and safe. He is also lonely. 

While there is some ‘romance’, it is not a love story or a romcom. So if you go in expecting it to be heavy on this element, you will be disappointed. Moreover, there isn’t much chemistry between Charlie and Gen as such. They’d make good friends, though. 

The book deals with themes like guilt, decisions, wanting a second chance, life, death, etc. Naturally, death is a bigger theme, so it does occur more than once. 

Characters like MaryAnn, Gen, Lorraine, etc., had potential, but it seems to be barely explored. In fact, it’s the same for the entire book. The whole narration has a slow and mellow tone. Quite a few topics are touched upon, but none are given full attention. 

The concept of seeing the numbers is intriguing. We get a probable explanation, which is not perfect since even the characters don’t know. This may not appeal to some readers, but it aligns with the book’s tone. 

The ending is hopeful and a tad bittersweet. I guess I can call it an open-ish ending since some issues are never discussed. Still, the book feels complete, so it is not vague or random.  

To summarize, All the Perfect Days offers quite a bit to think about, but doesn’t delve deep into any of those. The pacing is slow, so plan accordingly. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AllThePerfectDays