The Sassy Bookworm
⭐⭐ – This cover was the best part of the book!
I recently read Someone Else's Life by Lyn Liao Butler and, unfortunately, I have to give it a 2-star review. The book tells the story of Annie Lin, who moves to Kauai with her husband and son after suffering some traumatic events in their past. However, instead of finding peace and quiet, things start to unravel for Annie when, during a storm, a mysterious woman appears at her house looking for shelter.
While I did enjoy the cover art and loved the setting of the book, I found the writing to be quite repetitive, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, I had a hard time believing some of Annie's choices, given what she had gone through prior to moving.
The twist at the end did shock me, but it wasn't enough to save the book for me. Overall, Someone Else's Life was just an okay read that fell short in some areas.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Great cover on this book.
“The Witch of Tin Mountain” by Paulette Kennedy is an outstanding read that will leave you on the edge of your seat...
Set in Depression-era Arkansas, this novel tells the story of three generations of women who are bound by blood and power, but also by an evil that has followed them across decades. Gracelynn Doherty lives peacefully with her adoptive granny on Tin Mountain, helping her work her cures and heal the locals who seek them out for help. However, when evangelist Josiah Bellflower comes to town touting miracle healing and prosperity, he soon has the entire town under his spell.
The writing is exceptional, and the pacing is perfect, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The dual timelines work perfectly with this story, providing both context and suspense. The setting and dialogue are atmospheric, transporting readers to the Ozark Mountains where they can fully immerse themselves in the story.
What really sets this book apart is how it tackles same-sex relationships while also weaving in folk healing knowledge, language, and superstitions specific to the Ozarks. The representation of strong female characters is also remarkable.
Finally, let's not forget about the magical realism, which adds another layer of intrigue to this already captivating read. Overall, The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy is a must-read for anyone who loves a good historical fiction filled with supernatural elements and complex characters.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Decent cover on this one.
The Snowstorm by Triona Walsh is a thrilling mystery novel that takes place on an isolated Irish island during a New Year's Eve snowstorm...
Six friends reunite after ten years, only to find that their once tight-knit friendship has been replaced by secrets and jealousy. When a dead body is discovered, the group realizes that one of them must be a killer. As the snowstorm intensifies and they become trapped with no electricity or phone signal, trust becomes scarce and suspicions rise.
This author does an excellent job of creating an atmospheric setting that adds to the tension of the story. The cold, bleak, isolated island feels like another character in the book. The writing itself is well done, and the pace keeps you turning pages. Although there are some twists and turns in the plot, it was fairly easy for me to figure out who the killer was with such a small pool of suspects. However, this did not detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, The Snowstorm is a super engaging read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good mystery novel. The author's ability to create suspenseful settings and well-written characters makes this book worth reading.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Adore the cover on this book!
I recently read Rare Birds by Jeff Miller and I have to say, it's easily one of my favorite reads this year! This middle grade book had all the feels, and the author did an amazing job tackling the heavy subject matter.
The story follows twelve-year-old Graham, who feels like his entire life is one big waiting room while his mother waits for a heart transplant. While waiting in Florida for the summer, he meets Lou at the hospital and together they embark on an adventure to find the endangered Snail Kite, which resides in the local gator-filled swamps.
The writing was amazing and very well-paced. The setting and bird watching plot were both excellently done. Rare Birds managed to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, making it impossible not to be invested in what happens next. I found myself rooting for Graham and Lou throughout the book as they searched for something that would give them hope during such a difficult time.
The characters were relatable, especially Graham and Lou. They complemented each other well throughout their journey as they searched for the rare bird. Overall, I can't recommend this book any higher – it's definitely worth reading if you're looking for a beautifully written middle-grade book that will make you feel all sorts of emotions!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Cute cover!
Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly is a mouth-watering culinary cozy mystery that will leave readers both satisfied and intrigued. The story revolves around Carly, the owner of a grilled cheese eatery in Balsam Dell, who finds herself helping to solve yet another murder in her small town.
In this installment, we find Carly helping her former classmate Klarissa Taddeo by catering her bridal shower. When tragedy strikes and Klarissa's fiance is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, Carly puts on her detective hat to help solve the case before an innocent party becomes suspect number one.
One of the best things about Cheddar Late Than Dead is its well-paced plot which keeps readers guessing until the end. The writing is strong and detailed, painting clear pictures of both the setting and characters. In addition to solving crimes, Carly's passion for food shines through as she creates new tasty treats for her customers.
After being disappointed by the previous book in this series, I was glad to find that this one was much better. While Grant still annoyed me, his appearance was kept to a minimum and Carly was back to being less irritating. The added recipes are always appreciated as they bring a touch of real-world flavor into the fiction.
Overall, Cheddar Late Than Dead by Linda Reilly offers readers an engaging mystery full of savory twists and turns that will have them reaching for their favorite grilled cheese sandwich. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in this delicious culinary cozy series!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐ – Beautiful cover on this book.
Blood Circus by Camila Victoire is a decent read that kept me engaged throughout. The book follows sixteen-year-old Ava, who ends up being captured by the Klujns, a barbaric humanoid species, and made to participate in their Blood Race.
The premise of the book is intriguing and had me hooked from the start. However, the execution could have been better. The characters and world-building were lacking, and I wish there had been more fleshing out of both. At the end of the book, I still knew very little about the Klujns beyond what was essential to move the plot forward.
Overall, Blood Circus has an interesting concept that lacked depth, but it was an intriguing enough read that I will stick with the series and hope for potential improvements in future installments.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐ – Love the cover on this one.
DNF @25%
I recently attempted to read Gone But Not for Garden by Kate Collins but unfortunately, I did not finish it. I only made it to 25% before giving up. As someone who enjoys cozy mystery series, I was expecting to be able to jump in at any point without feeling too lost. However, this was not the case with this book. The sheer number of characters and their complex backstories made it very confusing and difficult to keep track of everyone. Even after reading a quarter of the book, I still didn't feel invested in the story and found myself losing interest quickly.
Ultimately, I had to put it down and move on to something else.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Perfect cover on this book!
“The Carrefour Curse” by Dianne K. Salerni is an exhilarating and spooky mystery that will have readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows twelve-year-old Garnet, who has always been kept at a distance from her magical family, until she finally gets summoned to their crumbling ancestral home known as Crossroad House. When Garnet arrives, she learns a dark secret. The family patriarch is stealing power from others to stay alive. As the Carrefours squabble over who will inherit his role, Garnet uncovers evidence of an even deeper curse.
Salerni's writing is well-paced and creates a creepy atmosphere that perfectly suits the theme of the book. She also does an excellent job of building tension throughout the story, making it hard to put down, and the Haunting of Hill House vibe makes it perfect for a late-night spooky read.
The characters are likable and easy to root for in their quest to break the curse haunting their family. My only issue with my ARC copy was that graphics were missing, which took away from my overall enjoyment. However, I am confident that they will be included in the retail copy.
Overall, “The Carrefour Curse” is a well-written and engaging read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun yet spooky mystery.”
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Cute cover on this one!
A Village Fete Murder by Katie Gayle is a charming cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end!
This book follows Julia Bird, a well-known member of the community who has a reputation for stumbling across dead bodies. When she discovers a dead body in the maze at the annual village celebration, she again becomes embroiled in another murder investigation.
The plot is well written and well paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged throughout. The characters are likable (mostly) and the setting is beautifully described. However, I found Julia to be more annoying in this book than in previous installments. She constantly throws accusations around on flimsy evidence and comes across as more of a busybody and know-it-all than before.
Overall, I enjoyed A Village Fete Murder just as I enjoyed the previous book I read in this series. It's a light, entertaining read that's perfect for fans of cozy mysteries. If you're looking for a fun whodunit to curl up with, then this book should be on your list!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Gorgeous cover on this book.
The Lodger by Helen Scarlett is a gripping and haunting gothic tale set in post-World War I London. When the body of Elizabeth Smith, a lodger who had become a dear friend to Grace, is found in the Thames after disappearing suddenly, Grace is drawn into the dangerous underbelly of London to uncover what happened to Elizabeth.
Despite my usual aversion to novels set during wartime, I was thoroughly engrossed in this book. The author did a fantastic job of capturing the atmosphere and era with vivid descriptions, and the mystery itself was well-crafted and kept me intrigued until the end.
While I enjoyed the characters and found them well-developed and likable, I felt that the romance between Grace and Tom was a weak point in the story. However, as someone not currently invested in romance novels, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.
Overall, The Lodger is an excellent read for fans of historical fiction with its captivating plot and realistic portrayal of post-war London.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐ – Great cover on this one.
Season of the Bruja Vol. 1 by Aaron Duran follows the story of Althalia, a young woman who discovers her magical abilities while facing re-emergent threats from the past.
While the graphics were great, it was disappointing to note that there was zero background information provided, and it felt like dropping into an ongoing story without any context.
Moreover, the characters were not fleshed out properly which left something to be desired. As someone who is relatively new to graphic novels, this book may not have been the best fit for me.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Beautiful cover on this book.
“From the author of the critically acclaimed The Boreal Forest comes a stunning exploration of the animals that have adapted to survive in Earth's harsh polar regions.”
Polar: Wildlife at the Ends of the Earth, authored by L.E. Carmichael and illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler, is a beautifully illustrated book that takes readers on a fascinating journey through a year in the polar regions.
Despite bitter cold, ferocious winds, and six months of darkness, many animals have adapted to stay alive in these harsh conditions. The book explores how animals at opposite ends of the Earth survive using similar adaptations. It's amazing to learn about how animals like arctic foxes, emperor penguins, and narwhals use unique survival techniques such as fur on their feet or echolocation just to breathe.
The information is well laid out in easy-to-follow spreads devoted to a month with themed introductions and two stories on opposite pages - one about an animal in the Arctic and another about an animal in Antarctica. Extra spreads cover facts such as winter weather, seasons, and more. The vivid graphics are colorful and eye-catching for both young and old readers alike.
The book concludes with a description of climate change's impact on polar regions' disruptions that are sure to have global consequences. A glossary, further reading, author's sources, an index, and ideas for what you can do to help are also included.
Although some readers may find the font size small for their liking (especially older readers), this book is perfect for anyone interested in nature or polar-related topics.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Cute cover on this book!
“I Am Made of Mountains by Alexandra S.D. Hinrichs” is a beautiful and inspiring picture book that celebrates the beauty of the National Parks across the United States. This lyrical book takes readers on a journey through sixteen different parks, exploring their diverse landscapes and highlighting their unique features.
The illustrations are colorful and cute, perfectly capturing the spirit of each location. The expansive artwork complements the text beautifully, making each page an immersive and engaging experience for readers of all ages.
One of the best things about this book is its inclusion of fun little facts about each park. These snippets of information add depth to the narrative and help kids learn more about the great outdoors.
Overall, I Am Made of Mountains is a splendid gift for any nature-loving young one. It's a beautiful celebration of America's National Parks that will inspire readers to get out there and explore all that our country has to offer.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Cute cover on this book!
Fun with National Parks is a wonderful activity book for kids who are eager to learn more about America's natural wonders. This book features fascinating, fun facts and over 125 amazing activities about the 63 majestic national parks in the US that will surely captivate young minds. The book brilliantly blends entertainment with educational value, offering children aged 6 to 10 an opportunity to explore and learn more about each park's landscape, geological features, animals, history, and much more.
The bright and colorful graphics used in the book add a spark of excitement to the entire experience as well. Children will have plenty of activities at their disposal, ranging from mazes, word searches, coloring pages, and more. Parents will appreciate that the activities are separated by region making it easier for them to plan a trip or study geography with their kids.
Overall, Fun with National Parks is an excellent activity book that delivers exceptionally well on its promise to educate and inspire children while keeping them engaged in fun-filled activities that they'll undoubtedly love.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Great cover on this book.
Walking Literary London by Stephen Browning is a must-read for any bibliophile or anyone planning to visit London. The book presents London's unique literary heritage through the works of famous authors like Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens, to name just a few. The author takes the reader on a series of original and informative walks that are the result of 20 years' exploration of this wonderful city.
The book also includes detailed maps and over 80 original photographs taken by the author. Each walk is set up very well with information about its length, conditions, and a list of people and characters connected to it. This makes it easy for the reader to choose their preferred route based on their ability and interests.
What I love most about this book is how it immerses you in London's vibrant literary scene. Whether you're walking through bustling streets or exploring quiet neighborhoods, you'll learn fascinating stories about places that have inspired many great works of literature.
Overall, Walking Literary London is an informative and useful guide that will make your trip to London extraordinary. It's perfect for anyone who loves literature, history or simply exploring new cities. With its beautiful photos and fun writing style, this book is sure to be a hit among readers of all ages!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Beautiful cover!
“Africa: From the Nile Delta to Table Mountain” by Amber Books is a stunning pictorial account of the world's second-largest continent. Divided into five chapters by region, this book takes you on a visual journey through North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa.
The book is presented in a landscape format with vivid photographs that bring out the beauty of each location in all its majesty. Readers will be amazed at the spectacular Victoria Falls, explore the Congo River as it snakes through ancient forests of Central Africa and experience the diversity of creatures in Serengeti National Park. The 13th-century Djenné Mosque in Mali, made from wooden scaffolding and clay, is simply stunning.
It's an excellent reference for anyone interested in exploring this most vibrant continent, and would make a lovely coffee table book or a gift for anyone who loves to travel.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Beautiful cover!
Round and Round Goes Mother Nature: 48 Stories of Life Cycles Around the World by Gabby Dawnay is a truly beautiful and wonderfully illustrated book that introduces children to the magic of nature through stories of 48 fascinating life cycles.
Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end - just like everything in our world. This is what makes this book exceptional; it shows children that change is happening all around us, from the turning of seasons to the hatching egg or growing mountain.
The book contains captivating stories of different life cycles, both small and out-of-this-world. It will take you on a journey across the globe, teaching you about how mother nature keeps everything turning round and round.
I was amazed by how colorful and gorgeous the graphics in this book are. The layout is well-arranged, making it easy for children to follow along. Additionally, there are plenty of interesting facts included which would make this book a perfect gift for any young person who loves nature.
Overall, I highly recommend Round and Round Goes Mother Nature by Gabby Dawnay to anyone looking for an educational yet entertaining read for kids. Its engaging and informative content coupled with its stunning illustrations will surely capture your child's imagination while teaching them about the wonders of nature!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Great cover on this one.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett is a gripping and intelligent fictional true-crime novel that maintains a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere from start to finish.
Written entirely in interviews, emails, and WhatsApp messages, which may seem unusual to some readers, but it works exceptionally well in this story. The plot unfolds as Amanda Bailey, a true-crime author, and her rival Oliver Menzies try to locate the Alperton baby who has turned eighteen and can finally be interviewed.
The plot is well-paced and engaging, with intriguing characters, and plenty of twists that keep readers invested throughout. The author has done an excellent job of building suspense while revealing shocking truths about the Angels that are darker and stranger than anyone could imagine.
Overall, The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is an intelligent and engaging read. It's an exceptional work of writing, that I highly recommend to those who enjoy crime novels.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐ – Pretty cover on this book.
Beneath the windswept North Dakota plains, riches await, but at what cost? This is one of the central questions that Erika Bolstad probes into in Windfall. The author weaves together a story that is both sad and captivating, taking readers on a journey through time as she uncovers more about her great-grandmother Anna, who was committed to an asylum under mysterious circumstances, never to walk free again.
The author has a very engaging voice that makes it easy for readers to get lost in this memoir. While heavy on facts relating to climate change and the oil industry, Windfall never feels preachy or overly academic. The author spent eight years researching and talking to experts - all of which is evident in the book's depth and attention to detail.
Overall, Windfall is an eye-opening read for anyone interested in American history or environmental issues. However, be prepared for a sobering reminder of how greed can have devastating consequences for both individuals and communities.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐.5 — Love the cover on this book!
Luminaries by Susan Dennard is a captivating contemporary YA fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story takes place in Hemlock Falls, a town that harbors many secrets, and follows Winnie Wednesday, a young girl who dreams of joining the Luminaries, an ancient order that protects her town from terrifying creatures that emerge from the forest every night.
Dennard skillfully weaves together themes of fear, family secrets, friendship, and courage to create a truly interesting narrative. As Winnie trains for the deadly Luminary hunter trials with the help of her ex-best friend Jay Friday, readers are drawn into a world filled with danger and darkness. Winnie is a strong and determined protagonist who fights to prove herself worthy of becoming a Luminary, and Jay is an equally compelling character with secrets of his own.
Overall, Luminaries was an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of YA fantasy novels.
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Decent cover on this one!
The Hiking Trip by Jenny Blackhurst is a thrilling mystery novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey. The story revolves around Maisie, a young woman from the UK who embarks on a solo hiking trip of the West Coast Trail in Canada. There she meets Sera and Ric, and what was supposed to be an exciting adventure turns into a nightmare.
The author cleverly weaves two timelines together, twenty-five years apart. The past and present come together when Laura discovers that human remains have been discovered on the trail and are awaiting identification. As she fears her secrets will be exposed, the reader is left wondering just how far Laura will go to keep her secrets hidden.
Overall, this book is brilliantly written page-turner with well-developed characters that keep you guessing until the very end. If you love mystery novels with intricate plots and unexpected twists, then The Hiking Trip should definitely be on your reading list!
ARC Via NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐ — The cover on this book isn't great, which is unfortunate because the book is an incredibly enjoyable read. I fear people may give it a pass because the cover is lacking.
To Kingdom Come by Claudia Riess is an engaging and thrilling art history mystery that follows Erika Shawn-Wheatley, an art magazine editor, and her husband Harrison Wheatley, an art history professor. The story follows Erika and Harrison, who are embroiled in a multiple-murder case involving repatriation of African art and artifacts that were seized by the British during the colonial era.
Set mostly in London, the author's writing style is engaging and well-paced. The plot itself is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing, and the author masterfully weaves fascinating facts about art and history into the plot, making it both educational as well as entertaining. The characters themselves are well-developed, and likable, making it almost impossible not to root for them.
Overall, “To Kingdom Come” is a must-read for fans of the mystery genre who also have an interest in fine arts and history. It delivers a captivating story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end with an intelligent plotline that will have you turning pages late into the night.
ARC Via NetGalley