Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A deeply atmospheric story about ancestral magic, an unsolved murder, and a second chance at true love.

Emery Blackwood’s life changed forever the night her best friend was found dead and the love of her life, August Salt, was accused of murdering her. Years later, she is doing what her teenage self swore she never would: living a quiet existence on the misty, remote shores of Saoirse Island and running the family’s business, Blackwood’s Tea Shoppe Herbal Tonics & Tea Leaf Readings.

But when the island, rooted in folklore and magic, begins to show signs of strange happenings, Emery knows that something is coming. The morning she wakes to find that every single tree on Saoirse has turned color in a single night, August returns for the first time in fourteen years and unearths the past that the town has tried desperately to forget.

August knows he is not welcome on Saiorse, not after the night everything changed. As a fire raged on at the Salt family orchard, Lily Morgan was found dead in the dark woods, shaking the bedrock of their tight-knit community and branding August a murderer. When he returns to bury his mother’s ashes, he must confront the people who turned their backs on him and face the one wound from his past that has never healed—Emery.

The town has more than one reason to want August gone, and the emergence of deep betrayals and hidden promises spanning generations threaten to reveal the truth behind Lily’s mysterious death once and for all. 

Review:

If you have read my other reviews, you would know that I am a fan of books about small towns.  They usually have a mix of different characters, and everybody knows each other's business.  But those books are usually heartwarming sagas of small town life,  Spells for Forgetting, by Adrienne Young, does have those elements, but with a distinctly sinister twist.  And there's actually very little magic in the novel.  Except for a surprising plot twist, it really was irrelevant to the story. 

Having said that, this is a tale of generations of grudges and misdeeds coming to roost.  As we get to know each character, we learn their backstory.  Slowly, the pieces come together so that we can understand why things are happening.  It would be almost worth it to read it once, and then read it again knowing all the information.  This is an atmospheric mystery that is perfect to read in the Fall, as the temperature drops, and we want to cozy up with an engaging book.  I loved it.

What I liked:

Atmosphere:

The story is set on a small island off the coast of Oregon, where the locals are completely dependent on tourism to survive.  Ferries take mainlanders to the picturesque island to pick apples, drink cider, and take in the quant little village shops.  Everyone is all smiles when the tourists are around.  But once they leave, the townspeople are full of people with various personalities.  Some are easy-going hippie types, while other are resentful of the town's reliance on outsiders to provide income.  There is also a undercurrent of magic in the woods.  Trees turn to autumn colors not gradually, but overnight.  The ever-present fog insulates (and also traps) people in their homes.  The message is, "Don't go out at night"!

Characters:

The two main characters, August and Emily have a love story for the ages.  August left the town as a teenager, when he was accused of killing one of his friends.  He denies it.  But there's a lot of evidence that points to him.  Emily was his girlfriend at the time, and she was devastated by him and his mother leaving without so much as a note.  When August returns, so many feelings arise between the two.  Each is trying to figure out if the other has feelings for them.  It's obvious that they still love each other.  But will that be enough to erase the hurt that was caused?

There are many supporting characters who add depth to the story.  It seems that each generation has a cohort of BFF's who's friendships really do last forever.  August, Emily, and Lily all had mothers who were best friends.  And all their grandmothers were besties, as well.  This leads to generations of strong ties, and stronger resentments. 

Story:

This essentially the story of the old adage, "You can go Home again".  But, in August's case, he shouldn't go back because everyone thinks he murdered his  friend!  But, he is determined to bury his mother's ashes, settle her affairs, and then leave.  But, there is a lot to settle, especially with the girl August left behind. This is also a story of second chances, and redemption.   Will the people of the town every trust him?  Can he ever explain what happened to Emily? Maybe the only way to do this is to figure out who actually killed Lily.  But that leads to other secrets being revealed that could destroy the town.

I loved this story for the many layers in it.  There's the initial mystery of who killed Lily.  But there's also domestic abuse, and people who looked the other way.  There's town resentment and greed.  And there's a hint of magic.  It's a delight to unravel this web.

Trigger Warning for domestic abuse and child abuse!

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  October 8th, 2022

Author:  Adrienne Young

Publisher:  Delacorte

Genre:  Magical Realism

Page Length:  352 Pages

Format:  E-Book

Source: NetGalley

Recommendation:  This is a moody look at small town life, with a little bit of magic thrown in.  I enjoyed the characters and the atmosphere of this island.  I think this will be a great read in the Autumn.

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

With her trademark spare, crystalline prose--a voice infused with "intimate, fragile, desperate humanness" (The Washington Post)--Elizabeth Strout turns her exquisitely tuned eye to the inner workings of the human heart, following the indomitable heroine of My Name Is Lucy Barton through the early days of the pandemic.

As a panicked world goes into lockdown, Lucy Barton is uprooted from her life in Manhattan and bundled away to a small town in Maine by her ex-husband and on-again, off-again friend, William. For the next several months, it's just Lucy, William, and their complex past together in a little house nestled against the moody, swirling sea.

Rich with empathy and emotion, Lucy by the Sea vividly captures the fear and struggles that come with isolation, as well as the hope, peace, and possibilities that those long, quiet days can inspire. At the heart of this story are the deep human connections that unite us even when we're apart--the pain of a beloved daughter's suffering, the emptiness that comes from the death of a loved one, the promise of a new friendship, and the comfort of an old, enduring love.

Review:

This series, starting with the novel, My Name is Lucy Barton, centers around a woman who comes from abject poverty and abuse, into a world as different to her upbringing as possible.  By attending college, she is thrown into a life of literature, science, and a culture she cannot fathom.  Though successful in many ways, Lucy has always been an outsider.  She's too removed from her siblings to get along well with them.  But she also never quite connects with her children, and the men in her life, who cannot understand just how haunted she is by her childhood.

This novel, Lucy By The Sea, continues her journey, as she reacts to the turmoil of the COVID pandemic.  This feels like the closing of the series, as Lucy deals with the death of her second husband David, and finds a different way to relate to her first husband, William.  There's also much more about Lucy's two daughters, as well.  

It's strange to think that we are at a point, already, where we can begin to reflect on that time that was just a few years ago.  But, the book brings all the events back, from the uncertainty of what the virus was, to the abrupt lockdowns and social distancing, and to the social unrest that follows.  But, we also see Lucy able to have great empathy to people with completely different reactions to the pandemic.  I loved that Lucy was the one who was able to be the bridge between various groups.  Her diverse life experiences lead her to connect in ways most people could not.  

This is a very special book.  I dearly loved the characters, the relationships, and most of all, Lucy's reflections.  I hope you love it as much as I did.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date: September 20th, 2022

Author:  Elizabeth Strout

Publisher:  Random House

Genre:  Literary Fiction

Page Length:  304 Pages

Source: NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  This book is a wonderful tail-end to a moving series.  The characters of Lucy and William are full of life experiences that make this a rich and wonderful novel.  Please read the three proceeding novels to really get the complete effect of how these characters change over time.  It is a lovely book and I highly recommend it.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

he town of Moon Ridge was founded 400 years ago and everyone born and raised there knows the legend of the young woman who perished at the stroke of twelve that very same night, losing the life she was set to embark on with her dearest love. Every century since, one day a year, the Lady of Moon Ridge descends from the stars to walk among the townsfolk, conjuring an aura upon those willing to follow their hearts’ desires.

“To summon joy and love in another’s soul
For a connection that makes two people whole
For laughter and a smile that one can never miss
Sealed before midnight with a truehearted kiss.”

This year at Moon Ridge High, a group of friends known as The Coven will weave art, science, and magic during a masquerade ball unlike any other. Onny, True, and Ash believe everything is in alignment to bring them the affection, acceptance, and healing that can only come from romance—with a little help from Onny’s grandmother’s love potion.

But nothing is as simple as it first seems. And as midnight approaches, The Coven learn that it will take more than a spell to recognize those who offer their love and to embrace all the magic that follows.

Review:

The authors of this book have written some of my favorite books.  Roshani Chokshi's book, The gilded Wolves, is full of complicated relationships and adventure.  Sandha Menon is the queen of YA romance with such novels as When Dimple Met Rishi.  And Evelyn Skye writes fantasy novels such as The Crown's Game, which has amazing fantasy elements.  These three wonderful authors teamed up to create a magical, romantic Halloween romp.  Three Wishes, One Midnight follows the story of three friends and their journey to true love on a very special Halloween.  I loved the festive Halloween atmosphere of the big party, the characters, and the stories of romance.  This is a perfect book to read in October, or anytime a reader wants to get in the Halloween spirit.

What I Liked:

Atmosphere:

I love books about small towns, and the little town in this book has lots of charm and local legends. Every one hundred years, the spirits of two lovers reunite on Halloween.  And Onny's parents have an annual party to celebrate.  But this is no ordinary party.  Onny's folks have serious money (I found it really wonderful that these parents were Filipino, and not your stereotypical white, entitled rich people).   And every year, they put on a midnight ball where the whole town is invited to participate.  

This create a magical party full of all sorts of different people, including the crushes of Onny and Ash, and True's semi-evil ex.  But Onny is on a mission to find true love through a love potion invented by Onny's deceased grandmother.  Will the trio use the love potions on their crushes?  Or will the romantic atmosphere of a masquerade ball be all that's needed to let romance blossom?

Characters:

Onny, Ash, and True are friends who will do anything for each other.  Onny is convinced that giving each of them a love potion is what is needed for each of them to find true love.  The friends know that Onny is rather dramatic, but they grudgingly go along.  I enjoyed that each of the three characters get their own POV story, and they all fit with each other.  Of course, the path to true love is never a straight one.  Each of them has a strange, and wonderful adventure on this magical night.

The supporting characters are also lots of fun.  While Onny is obsessing with her crush, her nemesis, Byron, keeps popping up during the party.  Why does he seem to be the one that Onny is attracted to?   Ash, a sensitive artist, is certainly less outgoing than Onny.  And the girl that he has a crush on was a really interesting person (and...the girl next door!).  Although she seems like an overachiever, there is a compelling reason that motivates her to excel.  And True's love interest is almost so perfect, she pushes him away.  But they keep bumping into each other.  Can True trust that this guy might actually be a perfect match?  

Onny's parents are an adorable couple, who show Onny what a loving marriage looks like.  And I really loved the town's mayor and his teacher husband.  They were complete opposites who somehow make sense together.  What a charming representation of healthy relationships!  Loved it.  

Story:

I loved that the book is split evenly into three parts, where each friend gets to have their own storyline.  This was a fun format that let the reader see some of the same events from different angles.  Make no mistake, this is a lighthearted story with plenty of meet-cutes, romantic moments, and a few mysteries, that keeps the reader intrigued.   I would love to live in a little town where everyone goes to a celebration like this one.  I also liked that each story has it's twists, having each of the main characters question their own biases about people they think they know.       

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 30th, 2022

Authors: Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, Evelyn Skye

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Genre: YA Romance

Page Length:  288 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  This was a fun, romantic Halloween book that I think I will read in succeeding Octobers to get into the Halloween spirit.  I highly recommend this book.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Call Me When You're Dead is a darkly comic novel about payback gone wild, gone sour, maybe even sweet. "If anything bad happens to me, I want you to get him." That's what Eleanor Birch's glamorous friend Sasha Cole requests of her during a New York City dinner one hot August night. Something bad does happen, and Eleanor is forced to become another person altogether in the wilds of Manhattan, acting as her own little Pygmalion in the harsh world of advertising and its remorseless denizens. How she triumphs, and how her prey becomes first her ally and then her lover, makes her journey a tragic romp, a hilarious disaster, and even an all-out farce--but one with very serious consequences.

Review:

I didn't quite know what to expect when I requested Call Me When You're Dead, by A.R. Taylor.  Was this a serious revenge thriller?  A rom-com?  A story about life and death?  This novel had some elements of each.  But also, it was a screwball comedy that I think would make a terrific movie.  This is a comedic, modern-day look at thirty-somethings in Manhattan, friendships, and the world of advertising.  The main character, Eleanor, in her quest to seek revenge on her dead friend's ex-boyfriend, transforms from a quiet, librarian, into a woman at ease in the New York social scene. I found her journey to be a reminder to live life to the fullest now, because one never knows when life will be cut short.  There were also many other wonderful characters, especially the ex-boyfriend, Jon, and his brother Walter, along with a cadre of Jon's colorful advertising colleagues.  While the antics sometimes were over the top, the behind the scenes look at making commercials was hilarious.  This was a fun, engaging book.  I highly recommend it.

What I Liked:

Characters:

Eleanor lives in Buffalo, New York and has a job that she loves as a research librarian.  But her social life is pretty stagnant.  The antics of her high school friend Sasha provides lots of exciting stories whenever they get together for dinner.  But, when Sasha suddenly dies, Eleanor feels obliged to grant Sasha a last request: get even with the man who broke Sasha's heart.  But what is Eleanor supposed to do?  She doesn't even know the guy's last name!  Well, Eleanor does what a librarian does best; she does her research.  Also, luckily, she teams up with another of Sasha's friend, a New York actor who knows everything about New York.  While figuring out what she needs to do, Eleanor undergoes a transformation, inspired by Sasha.  What I loved about this change was it was driven by Eleanor finding out what she really liked.  She didn't change into a fake version of a Manhattanite, but into her authentic self.  

Jon, is a career-driven advertising executive.  Far from trying to hurt Sasha, he is just so busy, and under so much pressure, he can't focus on anything but his job.  And (probably unknown to Sasha) Jon has a very complicated family that includes overbearing parents, and his brother, Walter, who has some challenges of his own.  When Eleanor finally meets him to inform him of Sasha's death, it hardly registers, at first.  But, as the story progresses, Jon begins to see how he let Sasha down.  And he is intrigued by that friend of Sasha's (is it Eleanor?) who he keeps running into. 

Romance:

As all good rom-com's go, there is an unusual meet-cute, hidden intentions, and then heartfelt connection.  Eleanor first meets Jon on one of the worst days of his life.  The commercial he has just created, gets stuck on a loop on CBS, making it one of the most instantly annoying commercials in history!  Jon is so caught up in his now imploding career, he barely hears Eleanor's news about Sasha.  His seeming indifference is infuriating to Eleanor, who doubles down on her commitment to ruin Jon on Sasha's behalf.

But, eventually, Eleanor sees Jon for the stressed out person that he is, who cares deeply for his parents and brother.  And Jon begins to notice how genuine Eleanor is with everyone.  They are actually a perfect match.  But can Eleanor fall in love with the man she has vowed to avenge on behalf of her friend?

Advertising:

I really loved this aspect of the book.  The people at Jon's advertising company are as cutthroat as they come.  One of his colleagues is a brilliant art director, with a heavy addiction to drugs, alcohol, and affairs with his co-workers.  With all the chemicals in his body, it's a wonder he's still alive.  His other co-workers all seem to be scheming to get ahead. And if that mean sabotaging another's work, then so be it.  But who messed with Jon's commercial?  Jon leaves no stone unturned to find out.  And if he has to break into other peoples computers?  Well, they shouldn't have left them turned on.

Things come to a head as Jon and his rival both have to shoot commercials in the desert with wives, girlfriends, a herd of buffalo, and the world's most obnoxious director in tow.  These scenes were really funny and would make for a terrific movie.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date: September 6th, 2022

Author:  A.R Taylor

Publisher:  She Writes Press

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Page Length:  368 Pages

Format: E-Book

Source:  NetGalley

Recommendation:  This was a really entertaining read with plenty of great characters and romance.  I highly recommend it.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Two boxes, both alike in size and shape . . .

Marnie Fairchild is the brains and talent behind Wish & Co., a boutique store that offers a bespoke gift-buying service to wealthy clients with complicated lives. Brian Charlesworth is Marnie's most prized customer, and today she's wrapping the perfect anniversary gift for his wife, Suzanne . . . and a birthday present for his mistress, Leona. What could possibly go wrong?

For years, Marnie's had her heart set on moving Wish & Co. to the historic shopfront once owned by her grandfather. When the chance to bid for the property unexpectedly arises, Marnie--distracted--makes an uncharacteristic mistake. Soon Brian is in a fight to rescue his marriage, and Marnie is scrabbling to keep her dreams alive. With the situation so complicated, the last thing Marnie needs is to fall for Brian and Suzanne's gorgeous son, Luke. In the end, will it be her head or her heart that wins out?

Review:

I love a good rom-com, and With Love, from Wish & Co., by Minnie Drake, has all the ingredients for a delicious story.  There's the career-driven 30'ish woman and her friends who have all paired up.  There's a hunky furniture builder who still hasn't found true love.  But, I also found lots of unique elements that aren't usually found in this genre.  As much as this is a story about 30-somethings finding love, there is also an older married couple who are trying to come to grips with their marriage.  Along with many happy times, there are difficulties, and betrayals that must be addressed if they want their relationship to continue.  And it's not a simple question of whether or not to forgive.  The author never judges the characters, and this helps to make these people actual humans, with lots of problems.  Each of the characters has their issues, and their charm.  I really enjoyed this novel for it's gift-giving advice, as well as it's romance.  And, even though it seems at first to be following a formula, there were lots of twists and turns that kept this book a real page-turner.  I highly recommend this book.

What I Liked:

Characters:

Marnie is a successful business owner who is always working.  She runs a successful gift-giving service, mostly for wealthy men who don't have the time (and don't want to be bothered) to shop for gifts. She genuinely loves what she does.  But this doesn't leave much time for a social life.  Even when she's off the clock she is doing research by scouring social media for gift giving ideas for her clients.  But she is really driven to prove to her father's family that she is an upstanding, hard-working person.  There's a whole history to this that I don't want to spoil.  But it makes for a compelling motivation on Marnie's part.

Luke is the son of Marnie's most important client, and she has been "buying" gifts for him for years.  When they meet IRL, the sparks fly!  Even though it feels to Marnie that she already knows him, there are parts of his life that he hasn't shared on social media.  He's just found out he has a daughter.  What will his parents think?  Should Luke get to know his daughter, or is it too late?

Suzanne and Brian are Luke's parents and are going through a VERY rough patch.  At first, I would say that Brian is pure evil, but as the story progresses, we begin to see his motivations.  I would not say his character ever became completely likable, but I certainly didn't think him the as the devil incarnate by the end.  Suzanne, far from being the sweet little stay at home mom, has lots of fire left in her.  If Brian wants to stay married to Suzanne, he's going to need to work for it.  

The Art of Gift-Giving:

Since Marnie's business is all about gift-giving, there are many interesting takes on what a good gift is, and how one can go about finding it.  There are many great tips that I intend to try out for myself, as Christmas approaches.  Don't know what someone's interests are?  Look on their Instagram and Facebook accounts to see what they're talking about.  Don't have lots of money?  Create an experience for them that is unforgettable.  I loved this!  

But, all fun aside, I really enjoyed that the author took the time to really make Marnie's business interesting.  You could really see someone having a business like this. Rather than making this just a quirky detail of the character, it actually enriched the story.  

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 16, 2022

Author:  Minne Darke

Publisher:  Dell Books

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Page Length:  416 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  This is a fun, romantic book, and I highly recommend it.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When Zoe Faust sees the ghost of a murdered young woman, is it really a spirit-or a flesh and blood woman who stopped aging because she's a fellow alchemist?

Sixteen years ago, high school student Ridley Price discovered a secret she planned to reveal through a party game-but someone killed her first. The baffling crime was never solved. Zoe's friend Heather has always wondered: which of the seven guests at the party killed Ridley? When the newly-appeared ghost turns dangerous, threatening people they love, Zoe teams up with her gargoyle roommate Dorian to unmask the supposed specter.

Review:

This is the sixth book in the Accidental Alchemist mystery series by author Gigi Pandian.  I started to read this series a few years ago, out of order.  But the wonderful thing about this series is that it isn't absolutely necessary to read it from book one.  Each book gives enough of the backstory that the reader is never lost.  But, having said that, it would actually be best to read this series from the beginning, if only to feel the delight in how these characters have developed over time.

I love this series for the wonderful cast of characters, from the main character, Zoe Faust (a 300 year-old alchemist), to her ex-police detective boyfriend, Max, to the lovable gargoyle (yes, gargoyle), and gourmet chef, Dorian.  There is also a wonderful feeling of community in this book, as well.  Zoe's friends are artists, artisans, small business owners, and several young teens.  She seems to create a vibe that is full of positivity.  Maybe this is because Zoe is an herbalist and vegan, but she has a way about her that is full of living a healthy and happy life. Her friends, and the reader are pulled in.

But, above all, this is a mystery novel.  I appreciate that not all of the novels are murder mysteries, but this one actually is.  But, in this case, the murder in question happened sixteen years earlier.  There was a clear list of suspects, but the author had me guessing until nearly the end of the book!  The details were fun, and full of twists and turns.  I enjoyed the use of the language of flowers, and poetry as they relate to the riddles that helped solve the case.

There is really so much to love about this book.  With fully realized characters, romance, a puzzling mystery, and vegan recipes, this novel checks all the boxes for an enjoyable book.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 30, 2022

Author:  Gigi Pandian

Publisher:  Gargoyle Girl Productions

Genre:  Mystery

Page Length:  256 Pages

Source:  Author

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  This is a fun mystery series filled with great characters, an intriguing mystery to solve, and recipes!  I highly recommend this book. 

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from Edelweiss and the author in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

“For any reader with a sense of humor and an appreciation for the glories of bone-deep geekiness, The Timematician is your book…the transparency of Doctor BT’s bravado is LOL funny and exquisitely painful; we are dying to know the backstory of a protagonist who demands the pronunciation of his laboratory be 'la’bore-ah:tore-ee' because 'What are we, Neanderthals? Respect the middle O!'”—IndieReader Reviews (5/5 rating)

A prequel/sequel to the award-winning bestseller, Generation Manifestation. Read The Timematician first, second, or all on its own. With his unique time abilities, Doctor BetterThan has all the power he needs to thrash pesky superheroes intent on thwarting him—and make them pay for decades of disrespect. “Triumphi!” Destroying the world solves everything. Until she comes along. On the cusp of total victory, fellow tech maniac Mairi Lin Monroe plays her surprising hand, and sparks fly as she and her cybernetic lady-matons threaten to transcend Doctor BetterThan’s grand plan. Can he achieve new depths of deceit to defeat her and be the last person standing? Can he become The Timematician? Or has he finally met his match?

Review:

I really enjoyed the the first book in Steven Breznai's Gen M series, Generation Manifestation.  Set in a dystopian world where some humans manifested into super humans, it had an interesting premise.  Would all super humans be super-heroes?  Or would they use their power to control others?  In that book, there was a side character, a nerdy-guy who was good with tech. who befriended the main character, Caitlin.  As the story ends, we find out that he is actually a time traveller who has gone back in time to help Caitlin.  This new novel, The Timematician, explores his backstory.  

I really wanted to like this book.  I felt sympathy with the guy in the first book.  He was a nerdy kid who was often overlooked by Caitlin, only to be the guy with the solutions when she had a problem.  However, The Timematician shows him to be a misogynistic incel who hates on women because they aren't attracted to him.  It's really a hard sell to feel any sympathy with him.

What I Hated:

Misogyny:

Usually, I start reviews with what I liked, but I want to get into the crux of the issue right away.  I didn't find the guy's behavior funny, or sympathetic, as was clearly the intent of the author.  There is nothing funny reading about a guy who calls women whores and speculates on how immoral they are, while he kills them.  It was disgusting to see the violence with which he focuses on killing Caitlin because she as turned him down.  

Also, he uses his "genius" to program a series of femme looking robots that he can order around.  They all also seem to resemble his mother???  Okaaay.  I think this was meant to be humorous, but I just found it deeply disturbing.

Story:

The story revolves around the rivalry between him and the one other genius-level person left on Earth who just happens to be a woman.  He is indigent over the possibility that a women could be smarter than him.  And sets out to kill her.  Of course.

I was rooting for the woman the whole time.

Rating:  ⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 2nd, 2022

Author:  Steven Bereznai

Publisher:  Jambor

Genre: Science Fiction

Page Length:  192 Pages

Source: Edelweiss

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  I know this was supposed to be a parody of science-fiction villains, but this story was so offensive, I just couldn't enjoy it.

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A little red telephone box full of stories, a chance to change her life...

Jess Metcalf is perfectly content with her quiet, predictable life. But when her beloved grandmother passes away and she loses her job at the local library, Jess' life is turned upside down.

Determined to pick up the pieces, Jess decides it's time for a new beginning. Unable to part with her grandmother's cherished books, she packs them all up and moves to a tiny cottage in the English countryside. To her surprise, Jess discovers that she's now the owner of an old red phone box that was left on the property. Missing her job at the local library, Jess decides to give back to her new community--using her grandmother's collection to turn the ordinary phone box into the littlest library in England.

It's not long before the books are borrowed and begin to work their literary magic--bringing the villagers together... and managing to draw Jess' grumpy but handsome neighbor out of his shell.

Maybe it's finally time for Jess to follow her heart, let go of her old life, and make the village her home? But will she be able to take the leap?

Review:

When I look at books to read, there are several topics that automatically catch my attention.  Anything book themed, set in a small town, or has a lot of food content, and I am immediately interested.  The Littlest Library, by Poppy Alexander, is a sweet book that has all three (bonus points for it being set in England!).  I liked the concept of a library created out of an old telephone booth, found the small village to be charming and filled with fun secondary characters, and there were many dinner parties with descriptions of fabulous food.  There was also a lovely romance between the main character, Jess, and a divorced next-door neighbor.  

What I Liked:

Setting:

I love books set in small towns.  And this quaint English village seemed just lovely, even if it had seen better days.  When Jess buys a small cottage seemingly on a whim, she has no idea what she's getting herself into.  There are, of course, unexpected repairs (and bats) to contend with, town feuds that she must navigate, and village etiquette to learn. 

But there are also lovely discoveries.  Jess learns to appreciate the beauty of the pretty garden and pond behind her home.  Neighbors stop by, which at first is not welcome.  But she finds generosity in her neighbors bringing food to share, along with new friendships, and opportunities for her to become involved in the community.

Books:

Jess is a librarian who's previous library has closed.  When she moves to her new home, she leaps at an opportunity to create a little library in front of her home.  Her collection of beloved books stocks the shelves.  It's a treat to see what books the village's residents choose.  Some pick out classic books for their kids, while others check out cook books.  But the most popular type of books are the romances!  As with any good library, the telephone booth becomes a gathering place for the community. I loved this!

Food:

I love books where the author describes delicious food at dinner parties.  In Jess's case, there are several Sunday luncheons with descriptions of roasted lamb, fresh garden vegetables, and light summer desserts.  The way these dishes are lovingly described makes me think the author must love to cook and entertain.

Characters:

I like the main character, Jess.  Although she has daydreams about seamlessly gliding into the village social scene, she is actually quite awkward and makes many mistakes.  I can relate!  But, when she does something rude, she apologizes,  and tries to make amends.  She also is still mourning the loss of her grandmother who raised her.  There are many moments where she fights tears and would rather be alone.  But when this happens, she remembers that her grandmother wanted her to be a part of the present, not wallow in self-pity.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  July 19th, 2022

Author: Poppy Alexander

Publisher:  Avon Books

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Page Length:  320 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format: E-Book

Recommendation:  This was a lovely book, and the perfect summer read.

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Dorothy Moy breaks her own heart for a living.

As Washington’s former poet laureate, that’s how she describes channeling her dissociative episodes and mental health struggles into her art. But when her five-year-old daughter exhibits similar behavior and begins remembering things from the lives of their ancestors, Dorothy believes the past has truly come to haunt her. Fearing that her child is predestined to endure the same debilitating depression that has marked her own life, Dorothy seeks radical help.

Through an experimental treatment designed to mitigate inherited trauma, Dorothy intimately connects with past generations of women in her family: Faye Moy, a nurse in China serving with the Flying Tigers; Zoe Moy, a student in England at a famous school with no rules; Lai King Moy, a girl quarantined in San Francisco during a plague epidemic; Greta Moy, a tech executive with a unique dating app; and Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to set foot in America.

As painful recollections affect her present life, Dorothy discovers that trauma isn’t the only thing she’s inherited. A stranger is searching for her in each time period. A stranger who’s loved her through all of her genetic memories. Dorothy endeavors to break the cycle of pain and abandonment, to finally find peace for her daughter, and gain the love that has long been waiting, knowing she may pay the ultimate price.

Review:

I don't know exactly how to describe the new book, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, by Jamie Ford.  It goes beyond speculative fiction to include elements of historical fiction, and fantasy to show a world where climate change can bring on typhoons to Seattle, and medicine that can help one relive their family's traumas.  With both a storm brewing in her city, and another storm churning chaos in her personal life, the main character, Dorothy is barely hanging on.  When traditional therapy fails, she seeks a radical type of treatment where one can remember the traumatic events of their ancestors, in the hopes that by understanding the past, one can change to course of one's future.  It's a very intriguing premise.  

But in order to tell the story of Dorothy's family, we the reader must also experience the traumas of these characters.  I found that I needed breaks from the book because the situations were really upsetting, which shows that the author really got me to connect with the characters.  But it made for a very exhausting reading experience.  Have a light, romantic comedy ready in the wings to get you out of the funk you will find yourself in.

What I Liked:

Theme:

The idea of generational trauma is still new to me, and probably to many others.  But essentially, it's the theory that the trauma of one generation effects the next.  The Disney movie Encanto is a good (if somewhat simplified) example of this.  The grandmother has a terrible trauma of fleeing with her family to escape the violence in her hometown, only to see her husband murdered in front of her.  This effects how she raises her children, who are under intense pressure to be perfect.   

Dorothy is affected by the trauma and subsequent depression of her mother.  This manifests in Dorothy, herself, having depression and suicidal thoughts.  She has a precious young daughter, and knows that if she doesn't get herself together, this will affect her little girl, later on. 

Characters:

Dorothy may be having a terrible time managing her life, but she is a fierce mother who will do anything for her daughter.  She has enough self-awareness to understand that her actions are affecting her child, and so embarks on a journey to understand her family, and heal herself.  I found Dorothy to be really strong, even while having a messy life.  And I was rooting for her the whole time.

Her ancestors also had determined spirits.  But each of them had a mixture of mistakes, social conventions, and historical events that oppressed them.  Afong Moy is obligated to become a "Ghost Bride" when her arranged marriage is disrupted by the death of her fiancé. Her granddaughter has to escape San Francisco to escape a pandemic.  Another ascestor becomes pregnant as a teen and must give up her baby.  All of them have a tragic story and demise.

What I Didn't Like:

Non-Stop Trauma:

There was so much trauma in each of the storylines, it made the book difficult to read.  Of course, generational trauma is the theme of the book.  But no one in her family catches a break.  I wish the author would have tempered the terrible events with showing some of the characters triumphs.  Several of the characters have to leave one country and start over again in another.  It  takes a lot of courage and fortitude to start over in a foreign land.  I wish the author would have brought this up more often in their story.  Otherwise, it really seems like there were generations of this family who never had a moment of happiness.

Story Line:

There are more storylines than I could keep up with.  All of them were compelling, but I found myself (several times) being taken out of the story to try and figure out which ancestor's story this was.  I hope that in the finished book there is a timeline or family tree that one can reference in order to keep all the stories straight. 

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 2nd, 2022

Author:  Jamie Ford

Publisher: Atria Books

Genre: Speculative Fiction

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  While this was a well-written, and  interesting book, it is also full of trauma.  It took me a long time to read this book because I needed to walk away from it several times. If you're up to it, I think it is a solid, powerful book. 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Elegant, surprising stories about Palestinian immigrants in Canada navigating their identities in circumstances that push them to the emotional brink.

Saeed Teebi’s intense, engrossing stories plunge into the lives of characters grappling with their experiences as Palestinian immigrants to Canada. A doctor teaches his girlfriend about his country, only for her to fall into a consuming obsession with the Middle East conflict. A math professor risks his family’s destruction by slandering the king of a despotic, oil-rich country. A university student invents an imaginary girlfriend to fit in with his callous, womanizing roommates. A lawyer takes on the impossible mission of becoming a body smuggler. A lonely widower travels to Russia in search of a movie starlet he met in his youth in historical Jaffa. A refugee who escaped violent circumstances rebels against the kindness of his sponsor. These taut and compelling stories engage the immigrant experience and reflect the Palestinian diaspora with grace and insight.

Review:

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading Her First Palestinian, by Saeed Teebi.  I often find the short story format to be less than satisfying.  Just as you start to know who the characters are, the story is finished.  But I found this collection of short stories immediately compelling.  Each story is complete and satisfying to the reader. I could see this as a movie.

What I liked:

Format/Setting:

I am usually not a fan of the short story format.  But this device is used to great effect by the author in this book.  Instead of looking at how they came to be in Canada, the stories focus on the immediate issues at hand: relationships with non-Palestinians, fitting in with other Canadians, and guilt for leaving family behind.  

I have lived in other countries, and I can tell you that it is a challenge to find ways to fit in.  Often, expats gravitate towards other expats for the comfort and familiarity of speaking their  native language.  It takes a lot to integrate into another society, and I have tremendous respect for people who do that.  This book grapples with that challenge to figure out social norms, while still retaining your own sense of self.

Characters:

There is so much variation to the different characters.  The reader will feel empathy with some, but not all, of them.  This is smart.  Not every immigrant will be a good person.  I'm thinking of one story in particular.  This person is a stalker!  But his being a creep is not because he is from Palestine, it's because he is just a bad person.  Every society has them (sadly).  I appreciated that the author shows the good, and the bad, of human nature.

But most of the characters have dilemmas that are extremely relatable.  The moral choices we make at work when we realize our company is doing something repugnant.  The feelings of being used by another in a relationship.  The guilt we have if we've been successful while others in our family are struggling.  The particular situations in this book may be unique to Palestinian immigrants, but the underlying emotions are universal.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  August 2nd, 2022

Author:  Saeed Teebi

Publisher:  Astoria Books

Genre: Contemporary Short Stories

Page Length:  256 Pages

Format:  E-Book

Source: Edelweiss

Recommendation: This is a very worthwhile reading experience.  Although each situation is unique to Palestinians, I could empathize with most of the characters. Showing immigrants as people may seem obvious, but it is still needed in today's society.  Read this enriching book.

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A captivating novel about two sisters fighting for survival in male-dominated Dark Ages Britain that weaves a thrilling spell of magic and myth—from a bestselling author and historian.

In Dark Ages Britain, sisters Isla and Blue live in the shadows of the Ghost City, the abandoned ruins of the once-glorious, mile-wide Roman settlement Londinium on the north bank of the Thames. The native Britons and the new migrants from the East who scratch out a living in small wooden camps in its hinterland fear that the crumbling stone ruins are haunted by vengeful spirits.

But the small island they call home is also a place of exile for Isla, Blue, and their father, a legendary blacksmith accused of using dark magic to make his firetongue swords. The local warlord, Osric, has put the Great Smith under close guard and ruled that he make his magnificent swords only for him so that he can use them to build alliances and extend his kingdom.

For years, the sisters have been running wild, Blue communing with animals and plants and Isla secretly learning her father’s trade, which is forbidden to women. But when their father suddenly dies, they find themselves facing enslavement by Osric and his cruel, power-hungry son Vort. Their only option is to escape to the Ghost City, where they discover an underworld of rebel women living secretly amid the ruins. As Blue and Isla settle into their new life, they find both refuge and community with the women around them. But it is all too fragile. With the ruins collapsing all around them, Blue and Isla realize they can’t elude the men who hunt them forever. If they are to survive, they will need to use all their skill and ingenuity—as well as the magic of their foremothers—to fight back.

Review:

I wasn't sure what to expect when I received Dark Earth, by Rebecca Stott, from NetGalley.  I honestly thought this was going to be a YA fantasy novel.  Instead, this was an historical fiction about two sisters trying to survive in a brutal society where women were either not noticed, or were treated as property.  They had no one to rely on but each other.  

I really liked this book for its portrayal of the two sisters, the feudal society where rumors could kill, and (against all odds) the way women found ways to thrive.  This was a book about survival, but also about claiming one's worth.  Considering the history books have scant accounts of what women's lives were like, the author fleshes out their lives to bring this time period to life.  This was a powerful historical fiction that I really enjoyed.

What I Liked:

Setting/Historical Details:

Although most historical accounts skip over women, the author found ways to bring the time period to life for the reader.  The details of food, clothing, and customs showed how women were always one step away from disaster.  This was the time of the Vikings, where raids were common.  Your village could be a peaceful haven one day, and be razed to the ground the next.  Most inhabitants would be killed.  The "lucky" ones were sold of as slaves.  

There were also rigid roles for men and women.  Isla and Blue's father was a blacksmith who specialized in making magnificent swords.  Women were never allowed to even set foot in the workrooms, as people felt it brought bad luck.  But Isla's father having no sons, secretly allowed his daughter to help him make the swords.  If anyone were to find out, the all would have been immediately outcasts.  This may not seem like a problem, but given the viking raids, there were safety in numbers.

Characters:

Both Isla and Blue have hidden talents.  Isla has learn the skills of her father and can make the special swords that the King and his son covet.  And Blue, has learned how to use herbs for healing.  She also has "The Sight", and can see some of the future.  Both Isla and Blue are smart enough to know that if anyone knew of their skills they might be called witches and killed.  

I loved the relationship between the two sisters.  Although they did support each other, they were not completely honest with each other.  They each had their secrets.  This created tension and mistrust between the two.  Figuring out how they can have an equal relationship, each allowing the other to shine, is what this book was really about.

Story:

The story was revealed in pieces.  There were flashbacks where small details were revealed and had relevance to what was happening.  The mystery of what happened to the girls mother after a Viking raid was a central piece of the story.  But the actual story of survival was riveting.  They constantly had to appear stupid, yet outsmart various men in the story.

I loved that they find other women who are creating a meritocracy, rather than a  patriarchal society.  This was not a story where men swooped in to save the women.  These women saved themselves!  

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  July 19th, 2022

Author:  Rebecca Stott

Publisher:  Random House

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Page Length:  336 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  Besides being a compelling account of being a female during the Dark Ages this was an adventure story of survival.  I really enjoyed this book.