The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Book of Pearl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle is a captivating and enchanting tale. It seamlessly blends fantasy, adventure, and romance. The novel is set in a world where reality and imagination intertwine. The story takes readers on a magical journey through time and space. It weaves together the lives of its diverse cast of characters in a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption. The…
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Don’t Believe It
Don’t Believe It by Cindy R. Wilson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Don’t Believe It in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Don’t Believe It by Charlie Donlea is a gripping and enthralling mystery that captivates readers from the first page to the last. Donlea masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The Details The story follows a true-crime documentary filmmaker who delves into a decade-old murder case. As she unravels the layers of the investigation, secrets…
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Women of the Dunes
Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Women of the Dunes in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Maine’s Women of the Dunes is a haunting and atmospheric novel that seamlessly weaves together the past and the present, exploring themes of family, legacy, and the enduring power of myth. The Details Set against the rugged backdrop of the Scottish coast, the story follows the intertwining lives of three women separated by centuries but connected by fate. In the present day, archaeologist Libby Snow…
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Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon
Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon by James Hartley My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist James Hartley weaves a captivating tale in Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon. This novel, the second in the Shakespeare’s Moon series, masterfully intertwines the timeless themes of Shakespeare’s works with a modern-day setting. The Details The story revolves around a mysterious boarding school where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. Hartley’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where Shakespearean motifs…
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Ragnarok Unwound
Ragnarok Unwound by Kristin Jacques My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Ragnarok Unwound in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Ragnarok Unwound by Kristin Jacques is a refreshing and exhilarating journey through a world where myth and modernity collide in the most delightful ways. Jacques has crafted a novel that is both fantastical and deeply relatable, blending Norse mythology with contemporary issues to create a story that feels both timeless and timely. The Details The protagonist, Ikepela Ives, is a likable and complex character. Jacques’ portrayal of Ives is both…
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Maiden
Maiden by Teresa A. Harrison My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Maiden in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Maiden by Teresa A. Harrison is a novel with an intriguing premise and a richly imagined world, but unfortunately, it falls short in several key areas, leading to a disappointing reading experience. The Details The book’s setting is one of its strengths, with Harrison creating a vivid and atmospheric medieval landscape infused with elements of magic and political intrigue. The initial setup promises an exciting journey of personal growth and adventure…
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Paper Girl
Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Paper Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson is a compelling and heartfelt young adult novel that delves into the complexities of mental health, personal growth, and the power of human connection. Wilson masterfully creates a tale that is both touching and inspiring, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and understanding. The Details The story centres around Zoe, a teenager who suffers from agoraphobia, confining herself to the safety…
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Engaging the Age of Jane Austen
Queen Engaging the Age of Jane Austen by Bridget Draxler and Danielle Spratt My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Engaging the Age of Jane Austen in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Engaging the Age of Jane Austen by Bridget Draxler and Danielle Spratt is a captivating exploration of the cultural, social, and literary context of Jane Austen’s era. Through a series of insightful essays, Draxler and Spratt shed light on the key themes, influences, and historical events that shaped Austen’s work and continue to resonate with readers today. The…
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Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life
Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life by Lucy Worsley My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life by Lucy Worsley is a captivating and insightful biography that offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most iconic figures. Rather than providing a comprehensive overview of Victoria’s entire reign, Worsley focuses on twenty-four pivotal days that shaped the course of her life and reign, offering readers a deeper…
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A Body in the Bookshop
A Body in the Bookshop by Helen Cox My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Body in the Bookshop in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Body in the Bookshop by Helen Cox is a delightful and charming cozy mystery that will appeal to book lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike. Set in the quaint English village of Knavesborough, Cox’s novel follows the amateur sleuthing adventures of librarian turned detective, Kitt Hartley, as she investigates a murder that shakes the quiet community to its core. The Details Cox’s writing is…
