A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Curse of Blood and Wolves in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan presents itself as a dark and gripping fantasy tale, but unfortunately, it falls short of its ambitions. It leaves one feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The Details One of the main issues with the novel is its lack of originality. The story follows the tired tropes of the fantasy genre without bringing anything new…
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The Housekeeper’s Secret
The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Housekeeper’s Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey promised an intriguing premise: a tale of secrets, lies, and the complex dynamics between the classes in post-war England. However, despite its potential, the novel falls short of delivering a satisfying reading experience. The Details One of the major drawbacks of The Housekeeper’s Secret is its lackluster characters. The protagonist comes across as clichéd and one-dimensional, with her inner turmoil feeling forced…
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The Wife in the Photo
The Wife in the Photo by Emily Shriner My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Wife in the Photo in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Wife in the Photo by Emily Shiner is a exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, it’s a tale that transports readers into the lives of her characters. The Details At the heart of the novel is the protagonist. Her mysterious disappearance years earlier continues to haunt her husband and their…
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The Indigo Girl
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Indigo Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Indigo Girl is a historical novel written by Natasha Boyd. The book is inspired by the true story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a young woman in colonial South Carolina in the early 18th century. Eliza is known for her remarkable accomplishments in agriculture, particularly for her successful cultivation of indigo, a valuable cash crop. The Details The novel revolves around Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s life and her determination…
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The Night She Went Missing
The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Night She Went Missing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird presents a solid mystery that captivates with its premise but falls short of reaching its full potential. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the novel follows the mysterious disappearance of Emily, unraveling a tale of secrets and suspense. The Details One of the strengths of the novel lies in its atmospheric storytelling. Bird skillfully…
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The Women of Pearl Island
The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Women of Pearl Island in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby offers a nuanced exploration of women’s lives and relationships against the backdrop of a charming island setting. While the novel has its strengths, it falls short of delivering a truly captivating experience. The Details The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of diverse female characters, each facing her own set of challenges and joys. Crosby excels in…
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The Sunken City
The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Sunken City in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes is a spellbinding journey into the depths of imagination, where an ancient city and its secrets come to life beneath the waves. Noyes crafts a fantastical tale that seamlessly blends magic, mystery, and adventure, creating an enthralling reading experience. The Details The narrative unfolds as the main character with a thirst for discovery, embarks on a quest to unravel the…
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No Shadow Without Light
No Shadow Without Light by Luke Gracias My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of No Shadow Without Light in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist No Shadow Without Light explores the delicate dance between darkness and illumination, delving into the complexities of the human experience. In this evocative novel by Luke Gracias, readers are taken on a journey that transcends the ordinary and invites contemplation. The Details The narrative revolves around a character who is grappling with personal struggles that mirror the universal themes of resilience, hope, and the eternal quest…
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The Sorority Murder
The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Sorority Murder in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Sorority Murder by Allison Brennan is a moderately engaging mystery that introduces readers to the secrets and scandals within the sorority world. While the novel has its moments of suspense, it falls short of delivering a truly gripping experience. The Details The central murder mystery within the sorority sets the stage for intrigue, and Brennan successfully captures the essence of the collegiate setting. The characters, though somewhat…
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Fan Club
Fan Club by Erin Mayer My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Fan Club in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Fan Club promises a descent into the twisted world of fandom but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling and satisfying narrative. Erin Mayer attempts to explore the dark side of admiration but stumbles along the way, leaving readers with an underwhelming experience. The novel’s central premise, the existence of a sinister fan club, lacks the depth needed to sustain interest. The plot unfolds predictably, and any attempts at building…