March Book Reviews

 

Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. It started out fun. I had just listened to a talk by the author and really enjoyed it, so I could hear her voice clearly in her writing. Then, about seven questions in, it seemed to take a very serious turn. It's published by a Christian publisher, so I wasn't expecting the deconstructing message that it seemed to be promoting. I wouldn't have had an issue with a mainstream publisher, but I feel strongly that Christian publishers should be faith affirming and not tear your faith down or cause you to look outside of Christ for answers. This book did that. Well written, but I can't recommend the content.

Oh William!

Interesting and very accessible literary fiction. I've read several books by this author. She can be hit or miss for me. This was more of a hit. I found the main characters charming and just wanted them to have some peace. The novel is really a little bittersweet. I'll read the follow up soon.

The Metropolitan Affair

This is an enjoyable mystery set during prohibition. It ran a little long, so the middle seemed to drag. It picked up during the last quarter of the book. I liked the main characters chemistry, and the fact that they were in their thirties. It's nice to see an "older" couple for a change. There is a lot of information about Egyptian artifacts. A LOT! But I enjoyed the museum setting. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy crime novels in an historical setting and second chance romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the review copy.

February Reviews

Becoming Free Indeed

If you were ever a fan of the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting, this is a must read. It gives so much insight into the belief system of the Duggar family. It isn't a celebrity tell all, but more of a spiritual memoir. Highly recommended.

Angels of the Resistance

I really enjoyed this high stakes home front story. It even featured the Ten Boom family and their home that hid Dutch Jews and aided the Dutch resistance. I'm a fan of Home front stories and find them unusually comforting. This one, however, comes with content warnings for sexual assault.

Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

Interesting memoir about loss and friendship. I don't follow Duchess Goldblatt on Twitter, but I found her tweets, which are scattered throughout the book, amusing.

Open and Unafraid 

Interesting theology centered around the Psalms. I may go back and read it again later.

Drawn by the Current

This has been a fascinating series! I have really enjoyed all three of these books. Drawn by the Current featured the Eastland disaster. The main character suffered a lot of trauma, and there was also a character dealing with domestic abuse. Much of this story was set in the family bookshop, and there are lots of book references throughout. There was some romance, some mystery, and some really great faith elements as well. Great ending to the series! Thank you Netgalley and Bethany house for the review copy. I also purchased a copy for myself.

Piranesi

I have no idea what to say about this book. It was...well written? I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on, but I was kind of lost most of the time. Still, the writing is beautiful, and it all comes together in the end.

Legends and Lattes ~ This book is getting a lot of buzz right now, and it's pretty well deserved. It's a sweet story of friendship and starting over with lots of coffee and cinnamon rolls. The characters are endearing. recommended if you need some cozy fantasy in your life. Heads up for some very light f/f romance.

 

January Wrap Up

 There's Murder Afoot ~ I was plopped right into the middle of this cozy mystery series. The main character and her friends are usually in Massachusetts, but this book has them in London. The Mystery was interesting and kept me guessing. I want to go back and try the first in the series, so I can see how all the characters come together.

The Violin Conspiracy ~ I did figure out "who done it" in this musical mystery thriller. That didn't stop me from enjoying the story. I also loved looking into the life of a concert violinist and all the musical references. Highly recommended if you're a music and mystery lover.

The House in the Pines ~ This was a fast read with an unreliable narrator. Or is she? I enjoyed unwrapping the mystery, but struggled with the drug use. The main character is struggling with addiction, so that makes it a difficult book to read, but it's a good story overall.

The Whalebone Theater ~ This was not a fast read, but it was worth the time it took. The writing was beautiful, and the characters pulled at my heartstrings. It reminded me of Everyone Brave is Forgiven. Snappy dialogue while everything is falling apart and bombs are dropping. It will probably make my top ten this year.

Sam ~ Another book with a lot of drug use. This was also fast paced, but much more character driven. I have to give a content warning for suicide. Some of this book is just so sad. I wish Sam had had some better examples in her life. There is a fairly hopeful ending, but I don't know if I would recommend this book.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold ~ This is a fun quirky book with a lot of heart...and time travel. It's translated from Japanese, so sometimes the dialogue felt a little stiff. I loved the characters, though, and a coffee shop is the perfect winter setting. Highly recommended.

The Scent of Water ~ Well, this was disappointing! I had this on my Kindle for YEARS, so I think I built it up a little too much in my mind. It was slow. Real slow. And nothing happened. And there was infidelity going on that people were just kind of ok with. Not recommended.

Remarkably Bright Creatures ~ And this was a delightful surprise! Sweet, charming, and funny in parts. If you can buy into a self aware octopus you should give it a try.

December Book Reviews

 The Reading List ~ This is one of those "books about books". It's sweet and sad. The characters are grieving the people they have lost and trying to connect with the people that are still in their lives. Ir's also about the importance of books and libraries in our lives. Trigger warning for suicide.

The Sisters of Sea View ~ I love Julie Klassen's books, and this one is no exception. I'm so excited it's going to be a series. The romances are so sweet and the characters are fun and quirky. I also appreciated her representation of some of the difficulties people with disabilities had during this time. This story is well told and I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you Netgalley and Bethany house for the ARC.

All the Lost Places  ~ This book is beautifully written and atmospheric. The characters are interesting and complex, but for some reason I really struggled to connect to the story. Like, to the point I struggled to keep up with what was going on. I know I'm in the minority because this book is getting great reviews, so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself. Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the ARC.

The Marriage Portrait ~ So, this one gave me I Was Anastasia vibes. It has a very ominous tone, and, historically, you know things don't work out well for the main character. But then there are glimpses of hope here and there. It's excellently written, and I can't stop thinking about the ending. Recommended if you don't mind heavier literary fiction.

The Christmas Letters ~ This is my second reading of this novella. I have mixed feelings. The first two-thirds are charming and upbeat even through the hard times. The final third is a bit of a downer. The more modern family doesn't do so well. It's an interesting commentary on the twentieth century through the letters of three generations of women. It's good and short and it has recipes.

Anna Karenina ~ I read it. It was a long term project. I listened to the Audible edition narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal which was fantastic. I highly recommend going that route if you choose to pick this one up.

The Circus Train ~ This one really tugged at my heart strings. Although I struggled at times to stay interested, the story really picked up in the second half and kept me up late reading. I became very invested in Lena and Alexandre and their love story. Recommended for historical romance readers.

November Book Reviews

 A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova ~ Who knew a retelling of Persephone and Hades set in an Elf kingdom would be so enjoyable. Luella is a determined and caring heroine. Eldas is a brooding...well, he broods. Together they have what it takes to save their kingdoms. (Warning for some open door bedroom scenes.) This is a fun one!

Nettle and Bone ~ This beautifully written fantasy had some great fairy tale elements. It also had a 'bone dog' and a demon chicken. This was the most unique book I read all year, so far. The protagonist is just trying to save her sister who hates her. What could go wrong. It's a charming story, and it can be read in a weekend. Highly recommended!

The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris ~ You would think by now I would be tired of World War Two stories. I'm not. I'm fascinated by how many different takes there are on the time period. This one takes place in England and The Netherlands but it focuses on spycraft, which I loved. Combine that with a heroine that struggles with PTSD and loves to do magic tricks and you have a really great novel. It got a little long in places, and probably could have been told with about one hundred fewer pages, but it was well worth the read. I can't help comparing it to Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon. Recommended if you don't mind long books and enjoy WW2. Thanks Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC of this book.

The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman ~ This book made my heart happy. Sara was a delightful character from the very first page. She's sweet and caring. She is selfless and determined to help her family and the people around her. The current day character was excellent, too. I loved the idea of a reverse divorce attorney. This was a great book to read around the holidays, and many Jewish holidays were celebrated in the pages of the story as well. Highly recommended! Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese ~ I needed something fairly light and happy for Thanksgiving week and this contemporary romance was perfect. Molly was a sweet slightly self absorbed heroine without being obnoxious and whiney. Silas was a little bit like Mr. Darcy. Prickly at first, but very romantic. They both grew a lot and I loved the side characters. My library has book two in the series, and I'm looking forward to reading it.

October 2022 Wrap Up

A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting

This was a very cute, very witty regency romance. I liked both of the main characters. I would have enjoyed it more if they had feelings for each other a little sooner. It's a romance. You know what's going to happen. Give me some chemistry for crying out loud! But, if you love the time period, and you want something chaste, this story is recommended. I'll definitely pick up the next book. I'm hoping it's about the next sister in line. 

Jacqueline in Paris

It was a lot of fun seeing Paris through Jackie Kennedy's eyes before she was Jackie Kennedy. This novel was well researched and beautifully written. I enjoy books set shortly after World War 2. They  are good reminders that things didn't go right back to normal. Wars and disasters take a while to recover from, and, in the case of this book, there were new challenges and evils to face. I found the second half of the book to be faster paced than the first, but it was overall a lovely read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.

These Violent Delights

This book was a lot of fun for the month of October. It has a monster and a mystery and a VERY creepy setting. It's also a loose retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

 

In Search of a Prince

This is such a fun contemporary romance. I love all of the royal protocols and immersing myself in the culture. The author did a tremendous job building the world of Oloro Ile. I wish it were real, so I could visit. The romance was perfect. The leading man was swoony, and the first kiss was worth waiting for. I also appreciated the faith elements, and how important prayer was to all of the characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommended if you enjoy romance, especially fairy tales.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for the purpose of review.