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.