The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction Vol 2 by Tarun K. Saint - Book Review

Series: The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction

Publication Date: 20th June 2025

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.in/Hachette-Book-Indian-Detective-Fiction/dp/935731332X

Genre: Mystery Short Story Anthology, Multi-Author

3.53 Stars

One Liner: Pretty decent

The second volume of the Indian Detective Fiction has seventeen stories (some are translated works) with diverse themes, timelines, and topics. It begins with the editor’s note, which details that this volume focuses on police procedurals and historical mysteries. Then, the editor goes on to explain the concepts of both genres by providing brief insights into the stories from the collection.

The independence era, colonial, and post-colonial rule seem to be recurring themes.

As always, I review each story in brief as and when I finish reading it and compile it into a review (like this).

Detective Kanaicharan and the Missing Ship by Rajarshi Das Bhowmik, Arunava Sinha (Translator) – 3.5 Stars

Not a proper police procedural as such, but it has a police detective solving a cold case from the time of British rule. It’s an interesting mystery and will be more entertaining if you know Indian history.

Kama by Vikram Chandra – 2 Stars

This is a bigger story and a part of the author’s Love and Longing in Bombay collection. Apparently, the MC from here (Sartaj) played a prominent role in Sacred Games. As a mystery (since that is the book’s theme), the story is pretty weak with ambiguous implications and some not-so-subtle hate for a certain group. The story would have worked better in the original collection (based on the title). The extended open-door sex scenes add nothing to the mystery element here. (And before some overenthusiastic readers call me a prude, I regularly read 4+ spice and have no issues with it as long as it aligns with the plot.)

A Darkling Plain by Giti Chandra – 4 Stars

This is a short and crisp story with a dark enough twist to be a mystery. Though it emphasizes the caste stereotypes, the execution is tight and noteworthy. Despite having two first-person POVs in a short piece, the voices are distinguishable, and the narrative is taut.

All That Glitters by Swati Kaushal – 4 Stars

I think this police procedural was written for the screen. It has OTT drama and dialogues worthy of a Hindi show. However, the scenes are super easy to visualize from start to finish. The story is entertaining and fast-paced. Technically, it has to be 3.5 stars, but I love the ending, so 4 it is!

The Woman with the Snake Tattoo by Ajay Chowdhury – 4 Stars

Another compact police procedural about murder and theft in a jewelry store (the previous story also deals with a jewelry store). I like that this balances the personal and professional life of the MC very well. The characters are rather pleasing, unlike the ‘disillusioned toxic cop’ drama most authors seem to prefer. For that alone, this gets a higher rating.

When Goyenda Met Daroga by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Debaditya Mukhopadhyay (Translator) – 3.5 Stars

This is a lighthearted drama with no real mystery. I think it’s from a detective series. While it works as a standalone and has some cheeky humor, don’t expect anything more. It’s just a little fun read.

To Be Continued by Vish Dhamija – 4 Stars

How did the policeman die? Set in Nainital, the case has to be solved by a newly minted woman CID officer named Rita. While the case as such is not too complex, the narration (feels like a blend of news report and omnipresent), though it is in the limited third person, somehow works for the plot.

Sound Motive by Salil Desai – 4 Stars

A rather dramatic story with an OTT character, and luckily, there's an almost efficient police officer in charge of the case. It’s a short one but well-written. The gruesome murder may seem odd in the setting, but it fits. Whoever gave the title has the same talent as I do when it comes to naming stories (IYKYK).

The Devil of Delhi by Mahendra Jakhar – 4 Stars

This is a slightly darker story with an efficient and determined Phoolan in the lead role. I liked her immediately, so I enjoyed the story more. Based on the title, you can guess that it shows the dark side of the city. Don’t worry. It only touches the surface, which is enough for this plot.

Bravo! What a Theft by Sharatchandra Sarkar, Shampa Roy (Translator) – 3.5 Stars

This is historical fiction divided into parts narrated by two men. Almost gives Holmes and Watson vibes, but the characters are entirely different. Given the original written date, some of the content feels outdated. But the plotline is timeless.

Ghosts of Partition by Vaseem Khan – 3.5 Stars

I’ve read another short story featuring the same FMC in another anthology. Comparatively, I liked that one better. The title is a spoiler here. There isn’t much of a plot or a mystery. It’s a shorter story, too.

Arsenic and the Shepherd by Nev March – 4 Stars

Another historical police procedural, but set during the British Raj. It’s a simple case… until it is not. I like how it ends. The concluding sentence hits the bullseye. 4 stars just for that.

Sudden Appearances by Anuradha Kumar – 3.5 Stars

A historical mystery about a ghost that wants her story to be written. It has Rudyard Kipling as one of the main side characters. It’s of moderate length and takes some time to set the stage for the mystery. A bit of humor, too. We’ve dealt with the plot before, but the story has an appeal.  

A Convenient Corpse by Madhulika Liddle – 4 Stars

Set in historical Delhi, I think during the British rule, where the Islamic rulers also had power. I like the sleuth in this one. The plot has been done and dusted a few times. The setting and the characters make it interesting.

The Diva’s Last Bow by Arjun Raj Gaind – 3 Stars

Not a bad story! It is well-written. Just that the plot has been reused many times, and I could sniff it the moment the death occurred. The title is suggestive too (who knew so many authors are like me, lol). Oh, this is historical detective fiction.

Murder in the Monsoons by Shashi Warrier – 4 Stars

This is another historical story set a year before Independence. However, the mystery is focused on a family in a little village in Tamil Nadu. It’s a cold case, too. What stands out here is not the event but the reactions to it and how things changed afterward. Something that will leave you thinking for a while.

A Scandal in Punjab by Avtar Singh – 1.5 Stars

Sadly, this is the weakest story in the collection. It felt more like an extract than a proper story. Even the mystery was very lukewarm and uninteresting. Was it included because it was set during the Partition/ Independence era? I zoned out so many times when reading it and had to spend 30 minutes on a handful of pages.

The last story is followed by author bios, where you can find a few titles they’d written and look them up to add more books to your TBR.

To summarize, The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction Vol 2 is an enjoyable collection of detective mysteries primarily from the historical fiction and police procedural subgenres. As with most anthologies, it has some great and not-so-great stories. What you like depends on your preferences.

My thanks to Blogchatter and Hachette India for a copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.  

Third Time Lucky by Aimee Brown - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 22nd July 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221981291-third-time-lucky

Genre: Contemporary Romance

3.5 Stars

One Liner: An escapist read with some laughs and sweet moments

Book Blurb:

Could a blast from the past be the secret ingredient to their future?

Asher Wright has spent his career creating and concocting the perfect dishes and is about to open his very own restaurant. Life is good. His love life, however, is far from cooking! He hasn’t thought about Lucy Gray in years – not since they both graduated, reeling from the shocking loss of her then-boyfriend and his best friend Kris, who tragically died at 18. So when he witnesses the breakdown of her wedding in all its humiliating glory - old wounds and long-buried emotions resurface.

As Lucy lands a right hook on her soon-to-be ex-fiancée in front of their entire wedding party, she has a moment of realization... Love is not on the menu for her! Fate, however, has other plans... A chance twist of events lands Asher as the private chef for Lucy’s spirited grandmother, Mitzi, and what begins as awkward encounters in Mitzi’s Portland mansion soon evolves into a simmering connection she never expected.

As Asher and Lucy work through their past, they discover a bond that feels both familiar and excitingly new.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Lucy and Asher’s first-person POVs.

At the beginning, there’s a short note/ dedication where the author says you get two stories (HEAs) for the price of one. Like a typical middle-class Indian, I was excited for this one plus one offer.

We are right away introduced to the main characters and get a brief gist of their past connection. Most of this is done well. We are supposed to cringe at the primary side character, which happens easily, lol.

The FMC and MMC get two chapters each before a switch in POV. While this is helpful, it was rather hard to distinguish between their voices. They sounded very much alike – nervous, tensed, worried, and stressed.

I appreciate an MMC who looks tall, handsome, et al, and has loads of tattoos that give him a rugged and alpha vibe, but is actually a softie, nervous wreck with an overthinking brain. He is the opposite of cocky. It’s quite refreshing to read such a character. I would have liked it better if his voice were distinguishable from the FMCs.

The connection between the main characters is sweet. Despite all the overthinking, they can communicate well enough. However, the lack of conflict makes it a bit dull compared to the OTTness of the other couple.

Moreover, the secondary couple (the free HEA) gets almost equal space, which puts the main couple at a disadvantage. Though you can clearly see that the MCs have a healthier dynamic, the drama in the secondary track takes over the stage. This can be a hit or a miss. I like how it contrasted their love stories. From a writer’s perspective, I can see why readers love drama and angst. Easy and sweet romance just doesn’t hit the same way, though it has more green flags!

Mitzi is my favorite character. She is a loving, caring, assertive, lively, quirky, and adorable grandmother. The risk of having such a fab side character is that the FMC gets easily shadowed. Since the secondary female character is also more sparkly than the FMC, it causes some issues with the interest levels.

Despite having many laugh-out-loud moments, the book touches upon serious themes like death, dysfunctional families, infidelity, cheating, trust issues, etc. Still, none of these are deep. They aren’t meant to be.

The author’s note at the end is heartfelt.

To summarize, Third Time Lucky is a lighthearted read with some funny and serious moments. It’s pure escapist fiction with characters you can root for.

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 – Aimee Brown

Aimee Brown is a writer of romantic comedies set in Portland, Oregon. She writes closed-door romance (NO sex scenes, light kissing) with humor and crude language. She spends much of her time writing, raising three kids (who are all nearly grown now), binge-watching shows on Netflix, and obsessively cleaning and redecorating her house. She's fluent in sarcasm and has been known to utter profanities like she's competing for a medal.

Aimee grew up in Oregon but is now a transplant living in cold Montana with her husband of twenty+ years, two of three children, and far too many pets. She is a lot older than she looks, and yes, that is a tattoo across her chest.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @authoraimeebrown

Instagram: @authoraimeeb

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

Bookbub Profile: @AimeeBrown

***

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

 

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia - Book Review

Publication Date: 15th July 2025 

Genre: Urban Fantasy 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Atmospheric, though predictable 

1990s 

Nana Alba’s stories always talked about the witches. Great-granddaughter Minerva spent her life listening to them. It’s no surprise that Minerva chose to graduate in the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, a horror author not known by many. 

When she finds out that the author’s novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story, Minerva is curious. Turns out, Trembley was a student at the same university and became obsessed with her roommate, only to disappear under mysterious circumstances.  

Soon, Minerva finds out common elements in Trembley’s life and her Nana Alba’s stories about the 1900s in Mexico. Looks like the same situation is repeating with her. Can Minerva figure out the next step? 

The story comes in three timelines (1998-Minerva, 1908-Alba, and 1934-Beatrice). Minerva and Alba’s POVs are in the third person, and Beatrice’s is in the first person. 

My Thoughts: 

I read only Gods of Jade and Shadow by the author and enjoyed the atmospheric settings in it. This book promises something good, and it does to a good extent. Don’t expect it to be a mystery or a thriller despite the vibes. It is slow-burn atmospheric horror (of sorts). 

The book is divided into three timelines with three women narrators. Two of them are proper historical, while Minerva’s track is in 1998. Still, the setting gives a nice ‘oldish’ vibe. I like that Minerva and Alba’s tracks have 13 chapters each, and Beatrice’s (Betty) has 7. This evens out the story and sorts it into neat sections.

The timelines are in alternate chapters with clear headings and numbers. Very easy for readers to follow each track without confusion. 

The pacing is quite slow in the first half. It takes a lot of time to establish the setting and the characters. Of course, right away, we know how things are likely to go. I didn’t feel any attempt to hide it or mislead the readers, so I’m guessing it was a deliberate move. 

The mention of the actual witches (type of witches, to be specific) comes rather late. Until then, it’s all hints and vibes. Even afterward, there isn’t much info about them. I could have done with a creepy story or two, like the couple of ones we get in the earliest timeline. 

The main characters are well-defined and are what they seem. There’s no unwanted romance in Minerva’s timeline, which I appreciate. It doesn’t suit her character arc. Though I’m not sure what to think of the Conrad guy. 

The book is informative too, in the sense that I learned a bit about Mexican beliefs as well as life on the university campus as a student-cum-employee. 

The ending is just right, filling the gaps as required and retaining the sense of fear and caution. That said, I would have enjoyed this much more if the dangerous elements/ scenes were a bit more. The horror quotient could have been upped by a level or two. 

To summarize, The Bewitching is an atmospheric slow burn that can give you chills. While some elements could have been better, the narration flows well and can keep you interested from start to finish. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey(Inklore), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheBewitching

Berserk by Tejaswi Priyadarshi - Book Review

Publication Date: 10th March 2025

Genre: Drama, Pulp Horror 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Fast-paced! 

Ramakrishna, a humble teacher, marries his feisty student Nazm. However, their love story is doomed when Nazm is murdered on their wedding night. A desperate Ramakrishna partners with someone called the Coffee Man, whose ruthless methods seem to create more trouble. Can Ramakrishna find justice for Nazm, or will this association with the Coffee Man destroy his soul? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of different characters. 

My Thoughts: 

I’ve read the author’s previous book and knew what to expect in terms of gore. I’d say this one probably has less graphic content, but don’t take my word for it. I could be wrong.  

The best part of the book is its pacing. After the initial setup (the first two chapters), the book steadily gains momentum and keeps going. I read it in one sitting since I didn’t want to break the flow. It’s easy enough since the book has fewer than 210 pages. 

Things get squeamish from the very beginning. You can identify your tolerance level after the first chapter. It’ll only get more graphic from there on.  

Since it has multiple first-person POVs, I’d recommend using the chapter titles as clues. I’m sure they were intended to be the same since they worked perfectly as trackers. 

A disadvantage of fast-paced narration is the lack of proper character development or emotional connection. Things happen way too soon for the readers to get used to the idea. This distances us from the events. I’d have preferred for the central ‘love track’ to be explored in detail since everything sort of hinges on it. Given the nature of the relationship, it could have benefited from some space to unfurl a little more organically. 

That said, the book still explores the dark side of humans. It presents how a person can slip and spiral into the abyss and what it does to them and the people around them. This aligns with the characters’ voices and their justifications as they move beyond any chance of redemption. 

You can guess how the plot will go after the first reveal. That’s exactly what happens. This may not work for some readers since it dampens the excitement. However, I prefer things to follow a pattern (and I like being right), rather than have random twists for the sake of it. 

The book is mainly set in two cities, with a couple of scenes in a village. The settings are used just right. They create a good feel of the local culture and vibe without distracting from the plot. 

And yes, Berserk is a more suitable title for the story than ‘We’. The goldfish on the cover smartly represents the characters. 

To summarize, Berserk is a fast-paced pulp horror drama about the dangerous side of humans and what it could do if unleashed without restraint. Despite the flaws, the book is entertaining, that is, if you are squeamish about blood. 

It always makes me happy when the acknowledgement section names my friends!

My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

See the Stars by Eleanor Ray - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 10th July 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228885851-see-the-stars

Genre: Women’s Fiction

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming!

Book Blurb:

Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?

When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.

Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing, and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?

Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel reminds us all that we need the darkness if we want to see the stars.

***

My Thoughts:

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

This is the second book I read in the same month dealing with burnout in a 30-something career woman. The rest of the plots are vastly different, and both books have handled it well.

The main reason I got the book was because of the stars. If my plans had gone the way I wanted them to, I would have been an astrophysicist. I love space and all things up there in the vast, wide universe. The book does justice to the topic without making it sound like a science show.

The narrative shifts between the past and present. The past comes in installments with the year clearly marked. Though it may seem like you have to calculate the age, there’s no need to do it every time. Once is enough. You can track it from there.

This is a book where almost every character is flawed. They are not evil or villainous. They are just people with flaws, and those who thought it was the right thing at that time. I like that the fiancé is not made to be a bad guy. No need to demean him unnecessarily, right?

The characters are not that deep, but they aren’t shallow either. While we could have gotten more information (especially about Matt), the story works fine with what we know.

It is not romance. It is purely women’s fiction with just a bit of ‘love’ that doesn’t dominate the central plot, not even at the end.

The book also touches on academia and politics, among other topics, especially when you are a woman in STEM. I’m sure you can guess what I’m implying!

Bertie, the 13-year-old, is my favorite. The kid is super smart (but no social cues), which makes him a refreshingly honest buddy as those around him try to be polite and say the right things.

To summarize, See the Stars is a heartwarming and introspective read about life, relationships, passion, and doing what makes one happy (while also bringing an income).

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

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Eleanor Ray

Eleanor Ray is the author of the highly acclaimed novels Everything is Beautiful and The Art of Belonging. She has an MA in English Literature from Edinburgh University and had a career in financial marketing before turning to writing. She lives in London with her husband and three young children.

See the Stars, her new novel, is about reclaiming our dreams and was inspired by her own career change. Her son’s passion for space fuelled her research, and together they visited science museums, planetariums, and observatories around the world. She is currently writing her next novel.

Follow the Author:

Instagram: @eleanorraybooks

Facebook: @eleanorraybooks

TikTok: @eleanorraybooks

X: @eleanorraybooks

***

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

The Case of the Body on the Orient Express by Kelly Oliver - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: The Detection Club #2

Publication Date: 14^th July 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227744805-the-case-of-the-body-on-the-orient-express

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Nice!

Book Blurb:

Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in both her work and private life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.

But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in his murder.

As the train hurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.

Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will this be one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in third-person POVs of Eliza and Theo.

This is the second book in the new series, which has real-life characters and fictional ones. While the mystery is standalone, I think reading the previous book would help establish the base for character interactions.

The book takes a time leap, which I did not expect, especially since the previous one ended on a cliffhanger. Moreover, that element seems to have been brushed aside with just a little mention! Maybe it will be taken up in the coming books.

It’s a small book, so I could finish it in a single sitting. The mystery is cozy but with some high stakes, as international criminals and MI5 seem to be involved. There are enough twists to keep you hooked.

Dorothy and Agatha are good at what they do, though we must remember that the book belongs to Eliza, who is a bit too competent and a one-woman show. While I love competent heroines, I like them better when they are sensible. Eliza seems to be multitalented, with the only character flaw being too forceful and an utter lack of ability to see that Theo loves her when the guy is pretty much holding a banner you could see from the moon!

In theory, I like the contrast between Eliza and Theo’s characters. He is the softer one, someone who faints at the sight of blood and is a struggling writer.  He has a good brain but spends much time thinking about Eliza. After a point, I wanted him to stop it and focus on himself.

The setting of the Orient Express and other places is well done. The descriptions are just enough to visualize the details without slowing down the plot.

Don’t skip the author’s note at the end. It’s informative. I like how the author was extra careful and added a large spoiler tag with the note. She discusses a few important events in the book based on real incidents.

To summarize, The Case of the Body on the Orient Express is a decent continuation of the series and works as a light read between intense works. I’m hopeful it’ll get better, so let’s wait and see what happens next.

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 – Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @KellyOliverAuthor

Twitter: @KellyOliverBook

Instagram: @kellyoliverbooks

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

Bookbub profile: @KellyOliverBook

***

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

The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey - Book Review

Publication Date: 12th July 2025 

Genre: Women’s Fiction

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming and hopeful 

Becky Thorne cannot afford to stop or slow down. Who cares about burnout when she has to climb up the ladder while handling her mother’s meddling? However, when she is signed off and asked to get some rest, Becky doesn’t know what to do. She learns about the café she inherited from her great-aunt and flies to France. 

Becky’s plan is clear. Sell the café. But the tenant is not willing to budge. She flies to France for a show, but the trip brings forth a visit to the past, a meeting with the handsome tenant, and interactions with the villagers. Maybe it’s time for Becky to sit and think about what she wants. 

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

My Thoughts: 

This is proper women’s fiction with a sprinkling of romance. The book is about finding oneself, prioritizing relationships over jobs, and not being afraid to do something different. 

The FMC is flawed and realistic. She can be annoying, which is exactly how she should be. This is the story of her character growth. At the same time, there’s nothing too deep or complex about it. 

The tone and quick pacing work well to make this a light yet heartwarming read. If you want philosophical explorations, this is not for you. But if you want feel-good fiction with characters who realize some valuable lessons, pick this up. 

Amber is my favorite character. She is such a wonderful bestie! I felt sad for her quite a few times, seeing how the FMC takes her for granted and acts selfishly. Still, it aligns with the arc and is done realistically. Can’t complain! 

The side characters (including the love interest) are okay. He is a decent guy, one who is not afraid to hold a mirror or tell the truth to the FMC. Still, he is compassionate and kind. 

Since romance is not the central plot, there isn’t enough development or connection for readers to root for. So, when it happens, it feels formulaic rather than organic. 

The book discusses the pressure of corporate culture, security vs. freedom, success vs. happiness, etc., and whether one should come at the cost of the other. It makes valid points about how a person can choose to take risks only when they have financial security to cushion them. After all, you have to pay the bills every month, like it or not! 

To summarize, The Village Cafe in the Loire is a heartwarming book well suited for a weekend read or when you want something thoughtful yet light. It’s a small book and can be completed in a couple of hours. 

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

#NetGalley #TheVillageCafeInTheLoire

The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen - Book Review

Series: Hart and Mercy #3

Publication Date: 08th July 2025 

Genre: Fantasy Romance 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Had some fun moments! 

Rosie Fox, the immortal demigod, had been patrolling Tanria for decades, but there are only so many times she can die and be born again before the newness wears off! When it happens yet again in a portal, the portal’s inventor, a grumpy Dr Adam Lee, arrives to repair the damage. 

However, the portal breakdown and the duo ends up stuck in the Mist by a thorny plant. With nothing much to do, Rosie realizes that their personal histories are tangled. Maybe they can find a way to fix the issues while also ensuring they don’t end up stuck in the Mist forever. 

The story comes in Rosie’s third-person POV (mostly). 

My Thoughts: 

I was rather excited to read this one since Rosie is a demigod and all that. Of course, I hoped for the Ducker & Zeddie subplot too, since I was rooting for them from the first. 

There’s a time leap between the previous books and this one. It makes sense once you delve a little into the story. 

The FMC is a tall, curvy, and loud character, an immortal demigod who is more than a century and a half old but with the personality of someone in their twenties. I like her quirkiness, though it sometimes feels forced. The repetition about 'soft intimates' did get boring. 

The MMC is a short, composed, and efficient inventor with an interesting backstory. This reveal was my favorite part of the book. And it was well-written. 

The last quarter is the strongest, where quite a few adventures take place. The setting and the old gods come alive in this section. Compared to this, the rest of it feels a little bland despite the sprinkling of OOT humor and a heavy dose of profanity. 

For those eager to know about Duckers and Z, yes, they have a subplot. It could have been better, though! Two very important developments happen off-page since the book is from the FMC’s POV, and she is not present during those events. This diluted the impact. I was looking forward to their scenes. 

We meet the dragons again! The scenes with the pink dragons that chirp like birds and sneeze sparkling goo are always a treat. Can I ride a dragon, too, please? 

Meeting the side characters again is one reason I like the standalone series. They have tiny roles, enough to make series readers happy, but not enough to confuse someone picking the book at random.  

The romance is where things get a bit off. It is both insta-love and slow-burn. I appreciate the theme chosen – height differences in couples, where the woman is much taller than her guy (the FMC is 6’5”). You can see this on the cover too! 

The pacing is slow, as it is in this series. However, combined with the repetition, it doesn’t have the same impact as the first book. The setting also doesn’t stand out any longer until the last quarter, when it comes alive. 

There’s an epilogue of sorts, which is good. The book has many moments. I would be lying if I said I didn’t laugh. I did! I laughed, chuckled, and snorted many times, even when I rolled my eyes. 

To summarize, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam is a slow-paced but entertaining read. While the book has some flaws, it should still leave you with a smile. Rounded up the rating as I enjoyed it. 

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

#NetGalley #TheUndercuttingOfRosieAndAdam

Annapurna's Bounty: Indian Food Legends Retold by Veena Gokhale - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st July 2025

Genre: Short Story Anthology, Food

2.5 Stars

One Liner: Sadly, nope!

This is a collection of stories that explore food in various forms. It combines stories from Indian history, real, mythological, and fictional, where food plays a role in the plot. Some stories are set in the contemporary period.

My Thoughts:

Annapurna is the Goddess of Food and Nourishment, an avatar of Goddess Parvati (Shiva’s consort). We have a shloka we recite thanking Annapurna for providing us with food before the start of every meal.

With food and Indian stories mentioned in the blurb, I knew I had to read this collection. The blurb ends with the sentence, ‘Expertly blending ancient and modern, mystic and mundane, East and West, these delectable tales will banish negativity, to entertain and inspire in equal measure.’

Well, how can I resist something that banishes negativity and promises to entertain? I should have resisted!

The title is Hindu, the tagline says Indian Food: Legends Retold. However, the book leans heavily towards the invaders. Why have so many invaders when there are enough legends about food in Hinduism? And for stories that have Hindu characters, it’s all about giving free gyan. A typical colonial framework, and I’m sick of it.

The book starts with an author’s note about the inspiration and theme for the book. Even that didn’t prepare me for the contents.

As I prefer to do with anthologies, I rated each story after reading it and edited it at the end for typos. This collection has ten stories, each followed by a vegetarian recipe mentioned in it. Of course, I won’t disclose the names of the recipes shared.

I like that each story starts with the character list.

Land of Milk and Sugar – 3.5 Stars 

This is about the Zoroastrians who fled to India when their country was invaded by the Arabs. If you know this story, you would have guessed the central plot based on the title. Here, it has a proper arc and a storyteller sharing the details with the reader. While the story is emotional, the narrative style could have been stronger.

Parvati Bai and the Bandits – 3 Stars

What does Parvati Bai do when she hears the news of the fearsome bandits attacking her village? This is a story of ‘thinking outside the box’ that also touches a bit upon human emotions. I wish it were a wee bit longer.

The Emperor Who Loved Mangoes – 2.5 Stars

As you can guess, this story is about Akbar and Birbal. I enjoyed many of these tales as comics, TV shows, etc., so I knew what to expect. However, the narration was disappointing. I just didn’t feel the vibe. The dialogue felt mechanical and bland.

If you want a lighthearted version of Akbar and Birbal, see if you can find the episodes of Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, which aired on Big Magic a few years ago.

Three Grains of Mustard – 3.5 Stars

This is the story of a mother’s grief. A different version of the story was used in a Telugu movie, so I figured out the plot soon. Once again, the narration feels surface-level for what could have been an intense story. Still, it manages to stir some emotions in the reader.

Annapurna’s Soup Kitchen – 1.5 Stars

Oh, boy! This should have been my favorite story in the book, but the result was the opposite. This is one about Parvati and her avatar, Annapurna. It is presented as a story-in-story, something a mother reads to her child. Now, would a children’s story (not even MG) mention lovemaking, even if it is between gods? I don’t think so.

Moreover, the Kichadi mentioned here is a modern version. Kichadi is a satvik dish, meaning it doesn’t have onion and garlic. It is also a softer dish, comfort food cooked when someone is ill or recovering. You don’t dump a whole lot of spices into it. The idea of Kichadi is to feed a person something substantial but easy to digest.

Interlude

Not rating this as it provides some snippets about the word ‘curry’ and such, some of which are taken from Wikipedia. *eye roll*

Do the Right Thing – 2.5 Stars

A typical story about a caste and a Sikh guru enlightening a Hindu about being a good human, yada yada. Something the West will love. I’d have liked it better if there had been some nuance or proper character development instead of a bland recital.

The Fisherman and the Sorceress – 2.5 Stars

What happens when an unlucky fisherman gets help from a woman performing black magic to turn the tide for the better? NGL, this one had a heck of a premise and could have been so darn atmospheric. But, sadly, it is not. I’m not sure why the focus shifted from the main character to a side character.

Chef William and Captain Tyrant – 2 Stars

Well, based on the title, you can guess it is about the British Colonizers in India. The beginning was quite interesting. But when it ended, I couldn’t figure out what the story’s purpose or intent was. What was I supposed to take from it?

The Cries of Animals – 2 Stars

This story features Krishna and his cousin, someone I haven’t read about until now. I do know about the famous Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, where paal payasam is offered as prasad to Krishna. Though I’m not from Kerala, I know that in the South, we don’t use Basmati rice for prasadam. We use locally-grown rice (each state has its own type of rice, some have more than one).

The Travels of Sanbusak – 2 Stars

This doesn’t even seem like an Indian story. The author’s note at the end says it’s a fictional piece. Maybe they should have kept it for another book. I zoned out a few times despite all the drama in the plot. Go figure!

To summarize, Annapurna's Bounty, while providing some interesting recipes, doesn’t meet expectations. The book (recipes) might appeal to the target audience, though the dry narrative style doesn’t do the stories any favor.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Dundurn Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AnnapurnasBounty

 

 

The Magic of Provence by Alison Roberts - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: A Year in France #3

Publication Date: 05^th July 2025

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

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219279423-the-magic-of-provence

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Hopeful

Book Blurb:

Sometimes facing your fears can be the start of something wonderful

Fiona Gilchrist has spent years running from her demons. But deciding to take back control, she packs up her life and makes the trip to Provence to be reunited with her sisters. And almost instantly, there is something about La Maisonette which is healing and Fi knows she’s ready for a chance to start again.

When an opportunity arises to work alongside vet Christophe Brabant, Fi, although hesitant cannot resist saying yes. Because immersing herself in what she loves is the ultimate distraction. And while Christophe may be utterly charming, he’s also committed to his job so Fi knows she’s in safe hands. Yet, what starts as a blossoming friendship quickly turns to something deeper. Because for the first time in her life, Fi begins to feel relaxed and completely at ease. Could it be that Christophe’s heart is more like hers than she realises? Or has she allowed him to penetrate the boundaries she always considered unbreachable?

Coming to France took a leap of faith, but in doing so it has allowed these two damaged souls a chance to find each other while Provence works its magic…

***

My Thoughts:

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

This is the last book in the series, so it reads more like women’s fiction than a full-length romance. The ‘father’ track runs in parallel with Fiona’s story. Since I read the previous books, I knew what to expect from this.

However, it would be incorrect to call it ‘a dreamy, escapist romance…’. The book has triggers for sexual assault, parental abandonment, and more. Though there are no descriptive scenes, the mood is heavier than what one would expect.

That aside, the book highlights the importance of family support, understanding, love, and friendships. It talks of second chances in life and how one’s worth doesn’t depend on what happened to them.

Given the MCs’ professions, animals, especially donkeys, play a major role in the book. There’s a cute new addition to the donkey family! So adorable!

The setting, once again, is the best part of the book. This time, we explore the nearby forest, the special old train, Menton (a picturesque town), etc. It’s always wonderful to go on such virtual tours.

The romance is indeed mellow, which suits what the characters need. And… there’s no third-act breakup! I was dreading one as it wouldn’t be suited to the story, so you can imagine how happy I was when it didn’t happen. Yay!

We meet little Theo and two other kiddos and their parents (the two couples from the previous books). They have substantial roles, so it would be better to start the series from the first if you want a wholesome experience.

There’s an epilogue that rounds up the book and the series satisfactorily.

To summarize, The Magic of Provence is a hopeful read about second chances, family, friendships, and love. You’ll enjoy it even more if you like donkeys.

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 Roberts

Alison Roberts is the author of over one hundred romance novels with Mills and Boon, and now writes romance and escapist fiction for Boldwood.

Follow the Author:

Twitter: @RobertsAli54060

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

Bookbub Profile: @rosi3

***

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

The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain, Jane Aitken (Translator), Emily Boyce (Translator) - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st July 2025 (first published in March 2014) 

Genre: Social Drama, Contemporary Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Interesting! 

Bookseller Laurent Letellier finds an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street. He picks it up, intending to return it to its owner. However, the bag has no contact information, except for a little red notebook where the owner wrote her thoughts. As Laurent reads the book, he feels connected with her and wants to meet her. But he knows neither her name nor her address. Can he find the owner of the red notebook in the large city? 

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

My Thoughts: 

This is the English translation of a French novella. The setting is the beautiful Paris with its cafes, bookstores, and lovely streets, which aren’t devoid of dark elements like thieves. 

The book starts with a graphic mugging incident. If this is a trigger, skim through the first two pages. The rest is fine. 

Though this is a kind of romance, it is not your typical one. I’d rather call it general fiction with a sprinkling of rom. 

Considering the premise of the MMC trying to find the bag’s owner, the book veers into stalking territory at times. That cannot be avoided. However, the author handles it with care and doesn’t make the reader feel uncomfortable. The MMC is aware of how his actions might seem and does his best not to act like a creep. It helps that he is not a bad guy. 

The POV mostly jumps between the FMC and MMC, though we also get a few scenes from other characters. I wish the ARC were better formatted since these changes occur even in the middle of a paragraph, which is confusing and annoying. 

I don’t want to reveal more since this story is best enjoyed without prior knowledge. Go where the book leads you! It’ll be an entertaining ride! 

We also meet two cats and a couple of authors. There are a few discussions about writing and books, too! 

The book ends on a hopeful note. It is a happy ending, of course, but the slice-of-life kind. I like how everything gets rounded up. 

To summarize, The Red Notebook is a short yet sweet, poignant, and heartwarming story. It touches upon various themes and ends on a positive note. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Press, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheRedNotebook