The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World is a moving and contemplative exploration of grief, loss, and the unexpected ways in which connections can mend fractured hearts. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s beautiful coastline, the novel unfolds with a delicate yet profound touch. The Details At the center of the narrative is…
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These Feathered Flames
These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of These Feathered Flames in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist These Feathered Flames invites readers into a lush and magical world where elemental powers and complex relationships take center stage. This young adult fantasy weaves together themes of duty, sisterhood, and the enduring power of self-discovery. The Details The novel introduces readers to twin sisters, Asya and Izaveta, who possess opposing elemental abilities—fire and ice. Overy deftly explores the dynamics of their relationship, creating characters with depth and…
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The Last Story of Mina Lee
The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Last Story of Mina Lee in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nancy Jooyoun Kim’s The Last Story of Mina Lee is a exploration of identity and family, though it navigates a path that might not fully satisfy every reader. While the novel has notable strengths, it also grapples with certain elements that impact the overall reading experience. The Details The narrative structure, with its shifting perspectives between Mina and Margot, provides depth…
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South of the Buttonwood Tree
South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of South of the Buttonwood Tree in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Heather Webber’s South of the Buttonwood Tree is a charming and whimsical story. It journeys into a small Southern town where magic and mystery intertwine with the lives of its inhabitants. Blending contemporary fiction with elements of magical realism, Webber crafts a story that is both enchanting and heartwarming. The Details Webber’s writing is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of…
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Raising Our Hands
Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Raising Our Hands in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold presents itself as a call to action, blending memoir and activism, but falls short of delivering a truly impactful narrative. While the author’s intentions are clear and commendable, the execution of the book leaves much to be desired. The Details One of the major drawbacks is the uneven balance between personal anecdotes and the broader discussion of social issues. Arnold’s memoir often…
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Saving Ruby King
Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Saving Ruby King in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Catherine Adel West’s debut novel, Saving Ruby King is a poignant exploration of family, secrets, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s South Side, the novel unfolds with a raw and emotional intensity that resonates long after the final page. The Details At its heart, the novel is a compelling family drama that weaves together the lives of Ruby King…
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Deception by Gaslight
Deception by Gaslight by Kate Belli My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Deception by Gaslight in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Deception by Gaslight immerses readers in the gaslit streets of Victorian London, offering a compelling historical mystery that combines intricate plotting with a vividly depicted setting. In this atmospheric tale, Belli introduces us to Charles St. Clair, a detective with a keen mind and a penchant for uncovering the truth. The Details The strength of the novel lies in its evocative portrayal of Victorian London. Belli captures the…
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The Kingdom of Liars
The Kingdom of Liars by Mick Martell My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Kingdom of Liars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Kingdom of Liars introduces readers to a complex and expansive fantasy world, but its execution leaves room for both admiration and constructive critique. The novel, while promising, presents challenges that may impact the overall reading experience. The Details The protagonist is a multifaceted character with a compelling journey that intertwines personal secrets with larger mysteries. Martell’s narrative skill is evident, especially in the exploration of…
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A Forgotten Murder
A Forgotten Murder by Jude Deveraux My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Forgotten Murder in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Forgotten Murder is the third installment in the Medlar Mystery series. It blends elements of mystery and romance against a picturesque backdrop. Set in the quaint town of Lachlan, the novel immerses readers in a captivating whodunit with a touch of old-world romance. The Details The novel features a delightful ensemble cast. Deveraux skillfully brings these characters to life, each contributing to the overall charm of the…
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The Lost Orphan
The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Lost Orphan in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Stacey Halls’ The Lost Orphan is a captivating journey through the gritty streets of 18th-century London, where a young woman’s search for her past unravels a tapestry of secrets and deceit. Halls transports readers to a vividly depicted historical setting, exploring the harsh realities of life in the Georgian era. The Details The protagonist is a compelling and tenacious character whose quest for truth takes readers on a…
