The Sassy Bookworm
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A Midsummer Night's Scheme by Harper Kincaid is a delightful, cozy mystery set in the beloved town of Vienna. The story revolves around Quinn Caine and her sidekicks, Ruff Barker Ginsburg and Sister Daria, who are enjoying the calm until a Broadway star, Chad Frivole, disrupts their peaceful lives. Chad, once known as a notorious lothario, returns to Vienna as a Tony-award-winning actor with plans to make his mark on his hometown.
However, not everyone is thrilled about Chad's return. With a cast of characters seeking revenge on him, it comes as no surprise when Chad is found dead in his car with a sack full of snakes. Promising detective Aiden Harrington that she'll stay out of the local mystery, Quinn's resolve wavers when her brother Bash becomes the target of threats. Despite Bash's transformation from womanizer to a changed man, the killer shows no mercy. With time running out, Quinn and her crew must find the killer before her brother becomes their next victim.
Let me tell ya, I had a blast reading this book! The writing was easy to follow and kept me hooked all the way through. The cover is super adorable and perfect. The Shakespeare quotes at the start of each chapter were such a cool touch, and the recipes at the end made my mouth water.
What I especially loved about this cozy mystery is that it had a younger vibe while still being super charming. You don't need to read any previous books in the series - this one stands strong on its own. The plot was gripping and had me guessing till the end.
The characters were likable and well-developed too. Although I wasn't thrilled about the cliffhanger ending, since I'm planning on diving into the next book anyway, it didn't bug me too much.
All in all, A Midsummer Night's Scheme was such a fun and entertaining read! If you're into cozy mysteries and want something that'll keep you hooked, I totally recommend giving this one a go. You won't be disappointed!
ARC Via NetGalley
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I recently read The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green, and I want to share my book review with you. Here's a quick summary of what it's about: Dr. Lauren Westlake, the assistant curator of Egyptology at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, receives two unexpected invitations. One is from her father, who finally offers to take her on an Egyptian expedition. The other is an opportunity to enter the world of New York's wealthy patrons affected by art fraud. As Egyptomania sweeps the city after King Tut's tomb discovery, Detective Joe Caravello seeks Lauren's expertise to catch a notorious forger targeting high society.
Now here are my thoughts on the book. First off, can we talk about that amazing cover? It's seriously perfect! As for the story itself, well, it was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the positive side, Jocelyn Green's exceptional world building skills shine brilliantly throughout this novel. Every meticulous detail showcases the author's arduous research and dedication. From the vibrant setting to the authentic portrayal of the time period, readers are transported into the vividly imagined world of 1920s New York City.
But here's where things get iffy - On one hand, while I was captivated by this author's immaculate attention to detail and research, I found myself yearning for more momentum in the plot. The story unfolded at a slow pace which somewhat hindered my engagement throughout its entirety. In my opinion, some additional editing could have helped with the pace of the narrative by trimming unnecessary wordiness.
All in all, The Metropolitan Affair is an alluring read that transports readers to the enchanting world of 1920s New York City. Secrets, betrayal, and romance abound within the hallowed halls of one of the city's most esteemed museums. Just be prepared for a slower pace and some wordiness along the way.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐.5
“The Elephant's Sapphire” by SJT Riley is a late Autumn, 1950 crime novel that follows the journey of Robert Lynnford, a renowned crime-reporter for The London Herald. The story begins when Lynnford is informed about the theft of the Elephant's Sapphire, an incredibly valuable exhibit from the Queen's Fine Art Museum in London. This historic heirloom from Nepal has been under the museum's possession since the 1880s.
A desperate curator pleads with Lynnford to recover the stolen jewel before news of its disappearance becomes public and harms the museum's international reputation. Complicating matters further, there is a constitutional crisis in Nepal and the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit London for urgent talks with the British government, adding a diplomatic urgency to Lynnford's task.
The search for the missing sapphire takes Lynnford through a web of murder, deception, and betrayal in London's Docklands and within the world of fine art. With rival gangs also vying for control over the jewel, this becomes a dangerous race against time that forces Lynnford to travel across Britain and even across the Channel. Armed only with his reporter's instincts and aided by his loyal friends, he must outwit his adversaries to solve this mystery.
While “The Elephant's Sapphire” had all the elements I usually love in a book, I found myself struggling with it. It wasn't an awful book per se; however, there was something about the author's writing style that didn't resonate with me. The pacing felt slow, causing moments of dullness throughout the story. Additionally, I found the characters to be somewhat one-dimensional. As much as it pains me to say it, not every book can be a hit, right?
ARC Via NetGalley
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True Winter by Q.K. Petty is a thrilling and captivating novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in Mobile, Alabama, this story revolves around the search for a dangerous artifact called the Chains of Peter, which was stolen centuries ago.
The House of David, a secret organization dedicated to securing such perilous artifacts, sends its most skilled operative, Judge Eden Dowler, to retrieve the chains. Eden believes that the wealthy Bachman family is hiding them and plans to use his estranged half-brother Orion Bachman as leverage to gain access. With Orion's loyalty and potential contribution to the House in mind, Eden must protect him from both Seditio, a mysterious counter organization set on preventing their mission, and the dark influence of his own organization.
The book's cover design shines brilliantly, capturing the very essence of its atmosphere and theme. It adds an irresistible charm to an already captivating tale, adding a delightful layer of allure that is simply impossible to resist.
The plot is excellent with a fast-paced narrative that never loses momentum. The author's writing style is exceptional; it beautifully captures the intensity and suspense of each moment while immersing readers in an intricate world of secrets and danger. The well-developed characters add depth to the story, making it even more interesting.
True Winter was truly an absolute gem. It captured my attention from start to finish. Its impeccable writing style and perfectly timed plot had me completely engrossed. The cast of captivating characters added a layer of depth and complexity that truly enchanted me. This book is nothing short of extraordinary!
The only downside? Waiting for book two! This book left me eagerly anticipating what happens next in this gripping series. Overall, True Winter is an amazing book that I highly recommend to any fan of thrilling adventures filled with mystery and suspense.
ARC Via NetGalley
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In “Reap What You Sow” by Shirley Day, we are introduced to Sophie, who finds herself torn between regret and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The chance to write a personal history for the reclusive billionaire Tim Henderson proves irresistible, despite her lingering feelings for her ex-boyfriend.
As Sophie delves deeper into Henderson's mysterious life on his private Greek island, she uncovers an ancient labyrinth with an ominous past intertwined with myth and legend. However, the present-day secrets of the island prove to be even more unsettling. With time running out, Sophie must navigate through Henderson's delusional trap and fight to protect her own future from being irrevocably damaged.
Honestly, this book exceeded all my expectations! The writing is excellent, with skillfully crafted pacing that keeps readers engaged throughout. The atmospheric setting of the mysterious private Greek island adds depth and enhances the overall reading experience. The plot is engrossing and seamlessly fuses mystery and Greek mythology together perfectly.
Overall, “Reap What You Sow” by Shirley Day offers a captivating story that I can't recommend highly enough.
ARC Via NetGalley
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“The Resurrectionist” by Paul T. Scheuring is set in London in the year 1820, during a time when physicians were eager to uncover the secrets of human anatomy and some were even resorting to working with criminals to obtain fresh bodies for study. Enter Job Mowatt, a body snatcher or resurrectionist, who has taken on this risky profession in order to provide for his daughter, Ivy. When he's approached by an anatomist named Percival Quinn and offered payment to dig up the wife of a wealthy man, Job knows that although he is inviting trouble, this could be his chance to secure a better future for his daughter.
Despite the intriguing premise and setting, “The Resurrectionist” failed to capture my attention. I felt that while the story had potential, it never fully came together due to too many characters and a slow pace. However, I did appreciate the beautiful cover art on the book itself.
Overall, “The Resurrectionist” provides an interesting glimpse into 19th century London society but may not be for everyone due to its pacing issues.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently finished reading Murder at the Willows by Jane A. Adams, and I must say it was a cracking good read. The story begins with the mysterious death of famous artist Elaine, who appeared to have passed away peacefully in her sleep while clutching a blue flower. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that something more sinister is afoot.
Elaine's grandson hires Rina to investigate the case, leading her down a rabbit hole of shocking secrets stretching back over twenty years. As Rina delves deeper into the investigation, she soon realizes that there is more than meets the eye.
What I loved about this book was the excellent writing. As well as the well-paced plot that had plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The characters were also likable, well developed, and realistic. Which added to my enjoyment.
Additionally, despite being part of a series, Murder at the Willows held up well as a standalone novel. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging mystery with memorable characters and an intriguing plot.
ARC Via NetGalley
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Death on Deck by Verity Bright is an exciting murder mystery that follows Lady Eleanor Swift on her first luxury cruise. When she witnesses a man being shot and falling overboard, she discovers that the likely murder weapon belongs to her beau, Detective Hugh Seldon, who is on an undercover mission aboard the ship. Eleanor sets out to identify the real killer among a sea of suspects including European nobility, Italian opera stars and American nouveau riche, to clear Seldon's name.
I found Death on Deck to be another solid read in this ongoing series. The book is well-written with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The setting of the opulent ocean liner adds to the suspenseful atmosphere of the story. The author has done an excellent job in developing likable characters and creating a “who done it” narrative that is engaging from start to finish. While I am not personally a fan of Detective Hugh Seldon, he looks like he is here to stay, so c'est la vie.
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“The Snow Graves” by Roger Stelljes is a gripping and chilling crime thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. The novel follows Agent Tori Hunter as she tries to solve the murder of three young people who were shot dead. With witnesses reporting seeing a black car speed away from the scene, Tori is determined to track down the killer.
Things take an unexpected turn when Tori comes across Alisha, a nine-year-old girl who is deaf and refuses to speak. Alisha's sign language message reveals that she may have witnessed Cam and Gracie's killer. However, things quickly escalate when Tori receives anonymous phone calls from someone claiming to know about the shooting.
Stelljes masterfully weaves together multiple plot lines, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The characters are well developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their storylines. My only slight issue was I found that the book drags a little towards the end. However, this is overshadowed by the overall quality of the writing and storytelling.
Overall, “The Snow Graves” is an exciting addition to Stelljes' series and will leave readers eager for more.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐.5
Where We Belong by Sarah Bennett is a charming story set in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside. Hope Travers, living with her family in a farmhouse on the Juniper Meadows estate, finds herself drawn to local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson. But when an excavation uncovers mysterious ruins and family secrets start to come to light, Hope realizes that her idyllic life might not be as perfect as it seems.
First off. This book has an adorable cover that catches the eye and makes you want to pick it up. The story itself is well written, and fairly well paced (it was a tad slow through parts). The plot combines romance, mystery, and history in an entertaining way, making for an enjoyable read. And the characters are relatable and likable.
However, I found the romance aspect of the book a bit rushed, and the abrupt cliffhanger ending left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. Nonetheless, readers who love mystery with a side of romance will enjoy this book and want to stick around for more as another book is expected to be released in the Fall.
ARC Via NetGalley
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Fun in the Mud: A Wetlands Tale by Sally Bolger is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces readers to the wonders of wetlands. The story revolves around Jack and Mini, two playful fairies who reside in the wetlands. Through their eyes, the readers get to explore the fascinating world of wetlands and learn interesting facts about it.
The author has done an excellent job of blending fantasy with real-world information about wetlands. The readers will be delighted to join Jack and Mini as they attend frog pond sing-alongs, swim with smolts, and watch Pickleweed Parade. The pace of the story is perfect, allowing readers to savor every moment spent in this magical world.
The illustrations are soft, colorful and beautifully bring the story to life. Children will love looking at them while adults will appreciate their artistic details.
Overall, Fun in the Mud: A Wetlands Tale is a charming book that combines education with entertainment flawlessly. It's perfect for young children who love nature or have an interest in learning about it. I highly recommend it as a gift for a young buddy naturalist or anyone who loves fun-filled stories with a touch of magic.
ARC Via NetGalley
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Beginner's Guide to Embroidery and Needle Painting by Sarah Godfrey is a must-have book for embroidery artists looking for inspiration. The book features step-by-step project guides that help capture the beauty of nature in stunning hand embroidery patterns and realistic thread portraits that you can design yourself.
The 104-page resource provides complete overviews on tools, materials, and various skills and techniques required for embroidery. The book includes 18 realistic embroidery projects featuring birds, flowers, mushrooms, and much more. Not only does this book teach you how to make gorgeous works of realistic embroidery art, but it also helps you learn how to design and embroider your very own original patterns.
As someone who recently took up embroidery as a hobby, I found this book well laid out with easy-to-follow instructions for the included projects. There is plenty of basic information to get started in embroidery in general. Also, the colorful photographs used throughout the book make it visually appealing.
Overall, Beginner's Guide to Embroidery and Needle Painting by Sarah Godfrey is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced embroiderers looking to create their own nature-inspired designs from start to finish. It is an inspiring and skill-building guide that makes your embroidery bloom!
ARC Via NetGalley
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The Family Bones by Elle Marr is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end...
Olivia Eriksen, a psychology student, has always been intrigued by the question of nature versus nurture when it comes to psychopathy. Her family is notorious for its history of psychopathic behavior, and when she attends a family reunion with her fiancé, she hopes to interview her grandfather about their family traits. However, things take a menacing turn when Olivia's cousin is found dead and another family member disappears.
As the storm isolates them further, Olivia's fears escalate and an uninvited guest arrives - true-crime podcaster Birdie Tan. Birdie has uncovered a disturbing mystery in her investigation and follows it right to the Eriksens' mountain resort. The plot twists and turns as Olivia tries to uncover the truth behind her family's past and present.
Overall, this book was well written with a fast-paced plot and plenty of twists and turns. The characters were intriguing, but there were a lot of them to keep track of which could be slightly confusing at times. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Family Bones and highly recommend it to anyone who loves psychological thrillers or true crime stories.
ARC Via NetGalley
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The Last Beekeeper by Julie Carrick Dalton is a captivating novel that explores the beauty and fragility of our world. With a stunning cover, this book tells a story of Sasha Severn, who returns to her childhood home with the goal of finding her father's hidden research. Along the way, she encounters a group of squatters who quickly become her newfound family, offering hope and security in a world that has come undone.
Dalton expertly weaves together themes of truth versus power, forgiveness and redemption, and the triumph of hope in the face of despair. The found family aspect was heartwarming and made me fall in love with the characters even more. The setting was beautifully described, transporting me into Sasha's world.
What I loved most about this book was how relevant it felt in today's world. Although it is set in a dystopian future where bees are presumed extinct, it serves as a reminder to cherish our environment and all its inhabitants.
Overall, The Last Beekeeper was an enjoyable read with beautiful writing and well-developed characters. Even if you're not usually a fan of dystopian stories (like myself), I would highly recommend giving this one a chance.
ARC Via NetGalley
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A Man Among Ghosts by Steven Hopstaken is a gripping and haunting thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The story follows David, who after surviving a near-death experience, finds himself haunted by ghosts in an old Victorian house he's renovating. These spirits are not yet dead and are begging for his help and offering him protection from a demonic presence that wants him dead. As his paranoia ramps up, he discovers that the only way to end the haunting is to kill a man named “Fitz.”
The book starts off slowly, but once the plot kicks in, it becomes impossible to put down. The writing style does initially seem clunky, with repeated use of phrases such as ‘David imagined,' which can be distracting at first. However, it's worth reading through this to get to the meat of the story itself.
The characters are well-crafted and fleshed out throughout the book. There's an excellent balance between action and introspection that provides depth to each character and their motivations. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is how Hopstaken makes readers feel as if they're part of the story itself.
Overall, I would highly recommend A Man Among Ghosts. The chilling storyline will keep you guessing until its jaw-dropping climax while its interesting characters make you care about what happens to them next. It's easily one of the best books I have read in awhile, despite some initial hiccups.
ARC via NetGalley
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Freeze by Kate Simants is a thrilling locked-room mystery novel that revolves around a reality TV show called Frozen Out. Tori Matsuka, the creator of the show, has put everything on the line to launch her production company with this project, which features eight contestants competing for £100,000. Camerawoman Dee sees it as a new beginning after her journalism career took a hit following a tragedy. However, things take an unexpected turn when one contestant is found dead and Dee realizes that the death was not natural.
As errors and mishaps pile up on the set, tensions rise among the cast and crew. The situation worsens when they find themselves stranded in freezing Arctic conditions with no hope of escape. As secrets come to light and suspicions mount, they realize that it's not just outside forces that want them dead.
While Freeze had its entertaining moments, there were some issues that lowered its rating. Firstly, the author failed to embrace what could have been an incredibly creepy atmosphere given the setting. Secondly, I found the story's dual POVs (Tori and Dee) challenging to follow as both sounded similar without clear definitions between them. Despite these flaws, I loved how red herrings and twists kept me guessing throughout.
Overall, if you're looking for a fast-paced page-turner with plenty of suspenseful moments and plot twists, then Freeze might be perfect for you! However, readers should be aware of its shortcomings before diving in. Hence, 3 stars seem like an appropriate rating for this book.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐
Burglars and Bluestockings by Julie Berry is a historical fiction novel set in 1897, featuring Maeve Merritt as the protagonist. Maeve, who found Mermeros the djinni in a sardine can, dreams of doing daring things that are not allowed for girls during this time period. When she goes on a summer field trip to Oxford with her friend Alice, they are amazed to see women studying at college and even playing sports. However, thieves looking to steal Mermeros put Maeve and her friends in danger, making her question if it's time to give up her djinni once and for all.
As much as I loved the cover of this book, I found the story itself just an okay read. Having not read the first two books, I felt like I was missing out on some context that would have made the storyline more compelling. Additionally, I thought the pacing was slow and the book overly long. Despite this criticism, I appreciate how well Julie Berry merges history with fictional elements throughout the novel.
Overall, Burglars and Bluestockings is a decent read for fans of historical fiction or those interested in exploring gender roles during Victorian times.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – This cover is perfection.
I recently had the pleasure of reading Murder on the Ocean Odyssey by Peter Jay Black and I must say, it was a delightful read from start to finish. The story revolves around Ruth Morgan, a food consultant who finds herself onboard the Ocean Odyssey working on their menu. However, things take a sinister turn when the captain is thrown overboard on the first night and Ruth and her fellow passengers find themselves stranded in the middle of the ocean with a killer on board.
What follows is an absorbing whodunnit with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. As someone who loves locked room mysteries, this book was right up my alley - and the setting of being trapped on a cruise ship only added to the suspense.
But what really stood out for me was the writing itself. It was perfection - descriptive without being overwhelming, engaging without being too heavy-handed. And Ruth Morgan herself was such a likable main character - I found myself rooting for her throughout.
Overall, Murder on the Ocean Odyssey is an excellent novel that mystery fans will thoroughly enjoy. I can't wait to see where Black takes Ruth next. Highly recommended for fans of Cozy Mysteries and female detectives alike!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐
Lovely Girls by Margot Hunt is a gripping story about Kate Turner and her teenage daughter, Alex, who move to the beachside town of Shoreham, Florida for a fresh start after the sudden death of Kate's husband. Kate quickly befriends a group of moms in the town but her daughter, Alex is bullied by their daughters, which she documents in her video diary. As Kate starts receiving chilling warnings from other parents and neighbors about the clique of moms, she begins to sense a malicious undercurrent among her new friends. The small-town gossip weaves a harrowing web of jealousy, deceit, and betrayal that reveals how fast the status quo can turn deadly.
The book's title is tongue-in-cheek as there is not a single ‘lovely girl' to be found here. This author has an easy-to-read writing style that keeps readers engaged throughout the book. It was a relatively quick read that I finished in one go. The plot itself isn't too different from other teenage bully type books, but it still manages to be entertaining and captivating.
Overall, Lovely Girls is an enjoyable read that delves into the darker side of small-town gossip and social hierarchies. Any fan of psychological thrillers or mysteries should definitely give this book a try!
ARC Via NetGalley
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Howl of the Ice by Christian Raymond is a thrilling adventure novel that tells the story of two 14-year-olds, Falc and Aiyanna, who find themselves trapped on a collapsing frozen lake in a mythic entity's uncanny hunting grounds. Falc, tracks his erratic grandpa to an ice fishing shanty town atop Lake Blackbird. Where he finds a quirky community of fisher people, including Aiyanna, a tobogganing daredevil from school. However, when new friends and family all vanish, Falc and Aiyanna must begin a desperate quest for survival by plunging after the community into a frigid labyrinth of mystifying ice fishing hole portals underpinned with lurking secrets.
I found Howl of the Ice to be an enjoyable read. The setting was particularly captivating as it reminded me of where I grew up and my memories of ice fishing. The book was well written with its fast pace making it relatively short yet digestible. The characters were quite likable too; I found myself relating to Falcs' grandfather's struggles, which added depth in character development. One standout feature that made this book unique was how fantasy elements were merged together in such an intriguing way that left me pondering about what exactly they symbolize beyond just that moment in time.
Overall, Howl of the Ice is an excellent read for those looking for an action-packed tale set in an icy landscape overflowing with interesting characters and magical creatures!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐.5
“The Great Big Demon Hunting Agency” by Peter Oxley is set in London, 1868, where the streets are plagued by demons from beyond the Aether. Spencer and Bart, two of the city's most inept crooks, find themselves hunted by both police and criminals alike and decide to start a demon hunting agency. However, things quickly take a dangerous turn as they become embroiled in a world of demons, criminals, and evil magicians. The book follows their journey as they try to save the day and stop the demons from taking over the city.
The cover of this book is visually stunning; unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations for me. The plot felt slow at times, and I found it challenging to connect with the characters as they were unlikable. Despite this, the story was filled with humorous moments that kept me entertained throughout. Fans of urban fantasy novels may enjoy this book if they can overlook some of its flaws.”
ARC Via NetGalley
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I recently read The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill, a stunning contemporary retelling of “The Crane Wife”, and enjoyed it immensely...
This novella is about a fifteen-year-old teenager who is the backbone of her small Midwestern family. She budgets the household finances and raises her younger brother while her mom, a talented artist, weaves beautiful tapestries. Things take an unusual turn when the girl's mom brings home a six-foot tall crane with a menacing air. Despite her daughter's apprehension, the mother falls in love with the bird and abandons everything around her to weave the masterpiece that the crane demands. The story is beautifully written with metaphors and magical realism woven together seamlessly.
The cover on this book is just gorgeous, as are all of Barnhill's books that I've seen. This was such a melancholy novella but also very powerful. Barnhill tackles heavy subjects such as domestic violence and child neglect through this reimagining of “The Crane Wife”. My only real niggle about the novella is that it is unrelentingly sad. Throughout reading it I wished there had been just a glimpse of happiness for the young lady and her brother. Especially in the end, when we get a glimpse of their future.
Overall, I highly recommend The Crane Husband to anyone looking for a quick but deeply impactful read.
ARC Via NetGalley
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Veronica G. Henry's “The Foreign Exchange” is a thrilling and captivating mystery novel set in the enchanting city of New Orleans. The story follows Reina Dumond, a Vodou priestess turned amateur detective, as she tries to uncover the truth behind her friend Evangeline Stiles' marital problems. However, her investigation leads her to something much more sinister - a conspiracy that involves exploiting vulnerable youth and ritual magic of the vodouisant kind.
The writing in this book is excellent, and the world-building is impeccable. The author has done an outstanding job of creating an immersive setting that makes you feel like you are right there in New Orleans. The plot is well-crafted and highly entertaining, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.
What sets this book apart from other mysteries is its unique blend of Vodou/occult themes and elements. The author seamlessly weaves these into the story, giving it a fascinating depth that will leave readers thoroughly engaged.
The characters are well-developed and intriguing, particularly Reina Dumond, who is a strong and capable protagonist. Her evolving skills as a healer and sleuth make her a compelling character to follow. I also enjoyed the supporting cast of characters, including Darryl and Tyka.
Overall, “The Foreign Exchange” was an enjoyable read that held up well as a standalone novel. As someone who loves books set in New Orleans with occult themes, I found this book to be right up my alley. If you're looking for an engrossing mystery with supernatural elements, then I would highly recommend giving this book a read!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐ – I like the cover on this book.
Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram tells the story of Jacklyn Stone, a widow who is struggling to cope with her husband's death. In an attempt to heal, she decides to take a vacation with her children but soon realizes that the remote retreat they are staying in is actually a psychiatric facility. As she fights to regain control of her life, she must also face the possibility of being trapped in the facility forever.
While this book promises a pulse-pounding psychological thriller, it fell way short for me in that regard. Calling it a psychological thriller was a stretch at best. I also struggled with the writing. It came off very amateurish. Which made it hard to stay engaged in the story.
Overall, Shore Lodge didn't work for me, but in the end, reading is subjective and it's okay if not every book is a hit.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Tales Behind Tarot by Alison Davies is a captivating book that brings the stories and symbolism of each tarot card to life. Whether you are new to tarot reading or have been practicing for years, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the cards.
Alison Davies takes readers on a journey through the tarot, introducing us to all 78 cards in the deck through short stories. Each card has its own unique story filled with rich symbolic meaning, making it easy for readers to grasp the essence of each card. The book also provides key words and themes to help readers understand the meanings of each card.
The stunning illustrations throughout this book enhance readers' experiences while flipping through these pages. They are visually stimulating and provide additional context to enrich your understanding.
Overall, I found The Tales Behind Tarot by Alison Davies to be an insightful and engaging read that will benefit any tarot reader looking for new perspectives or anyone interested in learning more about tarot symbolism. It truly delivers knowledge which empowers individuals who want to decode and apply wisdom into their everyday lives. With its beautiful cover art, short but meaningful stories about each tarot card, and helpful insights provided along with them make this book perfect for beginners or those wishing to dive deeper into their practice alike.
ARC Via NetGalley