Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N. Holmberg - Book Review

Series: Whimbrel House #2 

Publication Date: 11th April 2023

Genre: Historical Mystery, Paranormal, Romance 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining; Love Owein 

The Whimbrel House is no longer magical, but Merritt’s troubles are far from over. His magical capabilities are flourishing, and he has no idea how to control them (or minimize the side effects). Hulda is in a complicated position, with Myra missing and LIKER wanting to take over BIKER. 

Can the duo deal with the new developments and safeguard their blooming relationship? Why does it feel like the danger hasn’t yet passed? What do they have to deal with this time? 

The story comes in the limited-third person POV of Hulda, Merritt, and Owein. 

What I Like: 

Owein is a darling. I love all scenes with him. His vulnerability and need for a family come across very clearly. Of course, his magic is powerful and a treat to read. 

Merritt’s character arc is better in this one as we already know the answers to who, what, and why. His fears, uncertainties, pain, and his struggle in handling his magic feel real and tangible. The family confrontation scene is just right, neither dramatic nor too light. 

Baptiste and Beth Taylor continue to do their job and more. It’s great to meet them again in this book. I hope they’ll have meaty roles in book three as well. 

There are a couple of new characters who may or may not be the good guys. We get the gist of their characters without going into a lot of detail. It keeps the pacing nice and steady. (Normally, I prefer more detailed arcs, but this works better here.)

The magic and world-building are never OTT or overwhelming. It doesn’t go illogical or weird at any point. Those who read book one will know what to expect and won’t be disappointed with the elements in this book. 

The ending is, of course, intriguing, though a part of me is worried about Owein. Merritt and Hulda have an HFN, which will, hopefully, turn into HEA in book three. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

I wondered more than once if Hulda was this annoying in book one. Somehow, she just didn’t seem to be fully there in the first half. While things got better, Hulda feels more uncertain, tentative, and constantly on the back foot. 

Myra’s character, though a prominent role, doesn’t do anything to establish her as a person. What little we get of her is not enough to make me feel one way or another. In fact, I was annoyed with Myra and Hulda many times throughout the book.  

To summarize, Heir of Uncertain Magic is entertaining and fast-paced. It takes off where book one ends and is best enjoyed if you read in the series order. While it works as a standalone, it may not be a great read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #HeirofUncertainMagic

Murder in Florence by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Series: Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 07th April 2023

Genre: Contemporary Cozy Mystery 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Makes me want to go to Italy! 

***

Dan Armstrong is now a private detective with an office in the Florence suburbs. He has cases, too, except that most of them deal with suspicious spouses, annoyed neighbors, etc. However, his friend and Chief of Police Virgilio sends a Hollywood case to Dan. 

A film crew with the famous heroine Selena Gardner is filming in Florence, and someone doesn’t like it. The team has been getting threats with messages wrapped around arrows. Dan takes the case and finds that there seems to be a lot of scandals and gossip than danger. But when one of the prominent team members gets killed, Dan realizes he needs to step up the game. 

Soon, Dan finds out there’s much he doesn’t know about the case, and this could put him and Oscar, his trusty black lab, in danger. Can Dan solve the case in time? 

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

My Thoughts: 

This is the third book in the series and works as a standalone. There are necessary references to the past to keep the reader up to date about Dan’s personal life. 

The chapters are shorter (thankfully), though the pacing is slow to medium. This is the kind of book you cannot rush through. With such a beautiful setting and enough mentions of food, there’s no point in rushing, either. 

The book also gives insights into the lives of celebrities and the complexities involved in making a film. Since we see things from Dan’s perspective, there’s no overload of information. 

The mystery takes time to unravel, and we have scenes where Dan and Virgilio discuss the same information multiple times. It can get a bit boring, especially in the middle, but things start to come together rather well. 

I like how seemingly unrelated bits tie up to take the story to the conclusion. The pages allocated to ‘other things’ aren’t fillers but have a role in the overall plot. Oh, there’s a short explanation of the various types of law force departments in Italy. 

I don’t like the repeated mention of Dizzy’s clumsiness. I get that she is klutzy (some of us are), and it’s okay to use it in a few scenes to advance the plot. However, repeated references make it a little too excessive. 

I don’t have to separately mention Oscar, should I? He is a darling, always ready to be cuddled by ladies and fed by anyone. The book would be boring without him. 

To summarize, Murder in Florence is a good continuation of the series, with a great setting, yummy food, an adorable doggy, and a few dead bodies. Looking forward to the fourth installment (and I’m so happy for Dan!). 

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

#NetGalley #MurderinFlorence 

Wendington Jones and The Missing Tree by Daniel Dockery - Book Review

Publication Date: 06th April 2023 

Genre: Historical Middle-Grade Adventure, Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Adventurous indeed; danger and action galore 

1920

Wendington Jones finds her world torn apart when her mother dies in a car accident. An adventurer all her life, Pennington Jones has been an inspiration for her daughter. Now, Wendington is left in her Grandmamma’s care with Rohan, a new valet, to handle the details. 

When Wendington receives a half manuscript of her mother’s latest book, she realizes that her mother might have succeeded in finding the Tree of Life somewhere in Australia. One thing leads to another, and Wendington realizes that many people want the manuscript and will do anything to take it from her. 

Determined to complete the mystery, Wendington gets the ship to Australia. She realizes that the danger is greater than she expected, and no one is who they claim to be. Can she solve the mystery and find the Tree of Life? Will the magical tree bring back her mother? 

The story comes in Wendington Jones’ limited-third person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a book I wanted to love. It has everything I like in MG fiction. However, I ended the book with mixed feelings. 

The blurb calls it Enola Holmes meets Indiana Jones, and I agree with the comparison. The number of times Wendington gets into dangerous situations is exhausting. Kids who read the book should be aware that they aren’t supposed to try any of this to have an ‘adventure’. 

Here’s a fifteen-year-old girl- adamant, determined, sharp, brave, but also reckless and careless. Moreover, she is mourning the loss of her parents and is emotionally vulnerable. The book is one danger after another, which means Wendington also has numerous injuries and still keeps going, just like Indiana Jones. 

I love that Wendington is more than capable of taking care of herself. She can get things done and isn’t afraid to bend the rules when necessary. Thankfully, she also knows enough to stay away from dangerous people, if only she could easily identify who they are. 

The first chapter establishes Wendington’s character and does it with enough laughs and bittersweet moments. The first 35% of the book is fast-paced as it establishes the core plot and leads us to it. The last 25% picks up pace again, and things start to come together. However, the chunk in the middle (with Wendington on the ship) gets a little too long with endless incidents. 

One issue I have with MG and YA fiction is how the main characters think they need to take on the world on their own. Ask for help! Without giving spoilers, I can say that Wendington would have had it easier if she went to that one person who controlled the ship. Of course, she probably could have worked it out without running away from home, but then that’s no adventure. 

Grief, loss, and loneliness are presented very well. Wendingtoon goes through different emotions and learns to deal with them over time. Her emotions are real and a part of her. She does grow at the end of the book, so that’s a good thing. 

Percival is Wendington’s adopted pet newt, and he accompanies her on the adventure. The poor guy hardly has any say in the matter, though he is 100% loyal and sticks close to his new human friend. The scenes with the newt are quite funny and will appeal to the target audience. 

The writing is descriptive without being overly done. It’s easy to picturize the setting and the characters. The style is easy- informal and casual enough to keep the reader’s hooked. However, the book doesn’t have a single illustration. I hoped it would have at least a few, especially of the tree. Maybe the final copy will include artwork, but the ARC doesn’t. (The cover is perfect with those little details). 

The ending brings a hopeful and bittersweet closure for the lead character. However, I’m left with a few questions about what happened to certain people who played a major role in the book. It would have been nice to know they got their due. Since the book is very much standalone, a couple of paragraphs to tie the loose ends would have helped. 

I appreciate the Indian rep in the book, though I have to point out that India was still fighting to be rid of colonial rule during that period (and for another 27 years!). Rohan's family has been in England for years by then, and as always, this kind of thing leaves me with mixed feelings. 

To summarize, Wendington Jones and The Missing Tree is an action and danger-filled adventure story with a capable and clever lead character. The target audience will love it. However, as an adult, I couldn’t help but want to knock sense into her head and tell her to be sensible. There’s only so much danger a human body can handle! 

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

#NetGalley #WendingtonJonesandTheMissingTree

***

TW: Parental death, mourning, shooting, near-death experiences. 

The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th April 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: A true story told from four perspectives; poignant but not perfect 

Richmond, 1811

The winter season is in full swing, and the Virginia planters are in the capital to have some family time and entertainment. Placide & Green Company is putting on two plays per night, and the tickets are sold out. The night of Christmas is no different as people queue into the theater filled to the brim. Everything seems great until the place catches fire, and hell breaks loose. 

Four people, Sally, Cecily, Jack, and Gilbert, find that their lives change forever because of the decisions they make during the chaos. Their lives are not intertwined, whether they know it or not. And maybe, this is their chance to do what they’ve always wanted. But everything comes at a price. 

The story is presented in the limited-third person POV of the four main characters and divided into four days. 

What I Like: 

The shift in narratives works well in this one. It helps in maintaining momentum by forcing the reader to read faster and know what happens next. There are a lot of characters (not an issue for me as I make notes), and it can get overwhelming for some. 

While the writing style takes some time to get used to, it becomes easier to read as we sink into the story. I like that I could seamlessly go from one POV to another, irrespective of the chapter length. 

The book deals with various topics like slavery, racism, gender bias, lack of women’s rights, greed, obsession, ownership, loyalties, etc. It does justice to most themes, even if sometimes the author’s voice overpowers Sally’s voice. I didn’t mind it as much because it works for the plot and the setting. 

The setting comes alive, especially the theatre, the fire, and the aftermath. It’s like watching a reel play in the mind as you turn the pages. Some of it is triggering, but it is impactful and clear. The strength of the setting highlights the characters’ decisions and how these impact others’ lives. 

The author’s notes at the end are the best part of the book. They detail the real incident and the people involved. The author mentions how much of the book is true, which elements she speculated on, and how she used the material to create a plot. She also writes about her thoughts, opinions, and ideas when dealing with the topic. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

The characters seem almost uni-dimensional and without much depth. This could be because due to different reasons, but I think the reader’s experience could have been enriching if there was more depth to some of them. 

This also means that we have to take the actions of certain characters at face value instead of exploring them in detail. A little too convenient for the plot, even if done with the right intentions. 

The overall pacing is slow, which I expected, given the topic. However, the middle tends to stretch a little longer than necessary. Considering that the book’s ending is ‘realistic’ rather than fictional or neatly tied up, the middle part feels extra heavy and dragging once we reach the end. 

To summarize, The House Is on Fire is a poignant novel about people and how their true selves become apparent in crisis. It is not an easy book (multiple triggers), but definitely worth reading. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheHouseIsOnFire 

***

TW: Rape, assault, violence, racism, death. 

The Matchmaker by Catherine Walsh - Book Review

Publication Date: 18th April 2023 

Genre: Contemporary Small Town Romance

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Delightful and entertaining but slow 

***

Katie Collins has lived in Ennisbawn, a tiny Irish village, all her life. She loves the local community, the pub she works at, her dear friends, her granny, and the surrounding hills and forests. 

However, the peaceful village is being disturbed and revamped by Glenmill developers intent on building hotels, golf parks, and spas that will bring tourists but ruin the local culture and its authenticity. 

When Kelly, the only remaining local pub, is next on the list, Katie has a faceoff with Callum, the site manager, and his boss, Jack. She is determined to revive the village’s annual matchmaking festival and help people find love. Except that she has a lot to do and not enough time, funds, or support. 

However, Katie and her friends are determined to fight to the last second. Maybe they can pull it off. And what’s a matchmaking festival without some love? What does the future have in store for Katie & Callum and the little village? 

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

What I Like: 

I have a special love for small-town settings, be it rom-com or cozy mysteries. The setting is spot on in the book. It also shows how bringing together a group of people feeling resigned and defeated is not easy. 

Anushka, Gemma, and Adam are great supporting characters and friends. I’m not sure if it’s a fluke or well-researched, but I have to admit how Anushka goes by Nush (instead of Anu) and the secularism hardwired into her psyche made me read much like an immigrant she is. There isn’t much about her background (which isn’t necessary anyway, so no complaints). 

Noah reads like a typical eleven-year-old until he shows maturity in the second half. That kid will grow up to be a good guy. And he loves cakes… ;) 

The writing seamlessly has humor and funny moments woven into the plot. I enjoy this kind of writing, even if it reads a little dramatic and cheesy at times. It’s cute, in a way.

Granny Mauve has some spunk and has a beautiful relationship with Katie. Also, Katie has a relatively happy and safe childhood. It’s comforting to read. 

Jack Dorsey’s character arc is realistic, possibly better than Callum’s, who goes from one to another real fast. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

I won’t complain about insta-love as I was prepared for it. However, I do wish the characters are a little more developed, especially Callum. He is the MMC of the book and needs to be something more than an enemy-turned-lover of the FMC. Those itsy bitsy bits about his childhood aren’t enough. 

The matchmaker event is crucial for the plot. While quite a lot happens, the core of it is supposed to be match-making. Here, the book misses its mark. We see Katie learning how things that look good on paper don’t always work in real life. However, this could have been elaborated on a little more. Maybe continue the conversation with her Granny and show how Katie grows as a person. It feels like a lost opportunity when multiple hints refer to this aspect. 

The side characters are sometimes more interesting than the lead couple. I love strong supporting characters, but they shouldn’t shadow the main characters. A bit more character development for Katie and Callum would have prevented this. Also, Granny needs more space. She is a darling. 

To summarize, The Matchmaker is a delightful entertainer if you want something lighthearted and sweet. You’ll enjoy it more if you go prepared for insta-love and Hallmark-ish plot. 

Needless to say, I like how the author has a natural flair for incorporating funny elements into her writing, and look forward to reading her future works.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheMatchmaker 

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth - Book Review

Publication Date: 04th April 2023

Genre: Domestic Psychological Thriller

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Hmm... I finished it in two days 

***

Gabe and Pippa live in a cottage on the cliff (with two 4yo girls!) near the famous Drop, where people come to jump off more than to enjoy the scenic beauty. Gabe has convinced seven such people to live until one night, the eighth person jumps (or falls or gets pushed). 

Soon, Pipa finds out who the dead woman is. Gabe knew the woman (and so did she). But what happened that night? Did Pippa see Gabe trying to save the woman, or was he pushing her off the cliff? As the story unravels, we see the secrets and cracks in their married life. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Pippa and Amanda in ‘then’ and ‘now’ timelines. 

My Thoughts: 

I went into the book with minimum expectations (just to be on the safe side), and this helped me enjoy it a little more. 

Characters-wise, it is hard to like Pippa or Gabe. In fact, Amanda and Max are better than the leading couple. I understand the core of the book is about dysfunctional families and red flags in marriage, but the lead couple is a danger to themselves and everyone around them. 

The book also deals with mental health issues, past trauma, people from broken families, etc. While it does handle a few things well, the mental health bit goes for a toss. It doesn’t help that I wanted to shake sense into Pippa throughout the book. 

At least, Amanda’s POV is better. I could see and understand her better than other characters. Never mind that after ‘after’ POV is super convenient to provide all the necessary information to the readers. It’s good to have ghosts that can move around and keep you updated. 

Pippa is a lawyer, well she does wills and stuff, but a lawyer nevertheless. Seeing how she handled her personal life, I still wonder how and why she chose a career like that. Here is someone in a highly toxic codependent relationship who would rather let things become a mess than face the truth. Oh, did I mention she is an idiot (what kind of lawyer lies about something like that just to get even and not even worry about the consequences?)  

Don’t even get me started about Gabe. I’m not sure if reading his POV would have helped. Maybe yes. Pippa sounds hysterical, and it wasn’t until I began to speed-read that I could enjoy the plot without feeling suffocated and annoyed. 

The core of the plot is also weak. The more you think about it, the greater the plot holes. Unless, of course, you are willing to accept that the whole thing rests on people who make stupid decisions (more than once) and pay the price for it (actually, some don’t). 

The little kids, Freya and Asha, add much-needed relief to the story. I like reading about their antics and what kids say and get away with. They did make the book better. 

The climax is bland, almost anti-climatic, and cheesy in a way. It almost feels like the plot is adjusted to do whatever it takes to keep the lead couple in the focus. Given my utter dislike for them, I would have enjoyed it if things went the other way. 

To summarize, The Soulmate is a book about marriage, loyalty, fidelity, mental illness, red flags, etc. It could have been better, though it is decent if you speed-read and don’t think too much about the whole thing. 

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

#NetGalley 

***

P.S.: There’s a character called detective Tamil in the book. From what I know and confirmed with another Tamilian, Tamil is used as a first name but not as a last name. Aren’t detectives and officials usually known by their last names?