Pam

A bit slow to start, but enjoyable as it went along. Can't wait to learn more about Lane and the residents of King's Cove.

This Book Made Me Think of You caught my eye thanks to the title, synopsis, and cover. I have to say, the North American cover is much better than the others I’ve seen. As for the title and synopsis, what book lover wouldn’t love to receive a year of books as a gift?

Tilly’s story is one of growth and healing. She loved Joe passionately and misses him just as deeply. But I feel as though her story could belong to any of us. As she learns along the way, we eventually all lose someone who means everything to us. I found myself taking time to think of my own journey with grief.

While this book is over 400 pages, it is still a quick and easy read. Yes, there is a lot of talk about grief, but that doesn’t hold the story down. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the book isn’t a bog to read because of the underlying theme. There is still plenty of hope and joy.

The central setting of the book is a bookshop. And the main thing that helps move the story along is a year of books. The best part of a book featuring books? All of the recommendations! Each month is introduced with a selection of books that follow a particular theme. Along with the books that Tilly received as part of her gift, there are over 50 books mentioned.

Overall, This Book Made Me Think Of You is a fantastic read. I think every book lover will enjoy reading it. What could be wrong with a book about books and how they impact our lives?

Slow start, with multiple mysteries to solve. But in the end things come together in unexpected ways.

I want to thank Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Winter Witch. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.

3.75 rounded up to 4

I truly wanted to love The Winter Witch. What historical fiction reader wouldn’t want to read a book set in the 17th century that features a possible witch? While Chevalier did extensive research for her novel, some parts felt forced. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between the brides, especially the sisters. But one was so wrapped in her misery that she refused to share, and often regretted the joy the other tried to find in life. And I understand that’s how sisters can be, but when you’re in your late teens and have no other family to turn to, are you really going to shut out the one you have?

I struggled to read this book for the first 60% or so. I’m not sure if it was the book or me, and life was getting in the way of my devoting the time to reading. That said, when I was approaching the last 30% or so, I didn’t want to stop reading. It seemed that’s where the majority of the action was. And the daring rescue was quite possibly the best part of it all.

I do think that The Winter Witch highlights what can happen when you let others have absolute power and control over every facet of life. There is a scene where Élisabeth is called a dumb peasant for her beliefs. While it may be true that she did not have sophisticated beliefs, she was not necessarily dumb or ignorant. This is brought up later in the story, and the character explains what they meant in a more meaningful way.

Overall, The Winter Witch is a great look at women’s lives in 17th-century Montreal. If you enjoy reading well-researched books, where there is character growth on all sides, then you should give The Winter Witch a read.