A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Weber My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Certain Kind of Starlight in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Heather Webber’s A Certain Kind of Starlight is a heartwarming and enchanting tale. It beautifully blends magical realism, love, and family ties. Set in a small, picturesque town, the story captivates from the first page. The story drawing readers into a world where ordinary life is touched by just a hint of magic. The Details Webber excels at creating vivid, memorable characters, particularly the…
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The Mystery Guest
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Mystery Guest in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nita Prose’s The Mystery Guest promised an intriguing return to the quirky, engaging world of The Maid, but unfortunately, this sequel falls flat in several key areas. It struggles to maintain the freshness, depth, and emotional resonance that readers might have expected after The Maid’s success. The Details The novel follows Molly, the lovable hotel maid from the first book, who now faces a new challenge: solving another…
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Just Another Week in Suburbia
Just Another Week in Suburbia by Les Zig My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Just Another Week in Suburbia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Les Zig’s Just Another Week in Suburbia offers a peek into the seemingly mundane life of Casper Gray, a man whose world is upended by a shocking discovery. What starts as a routine week in suburban Melbourne quickly spirals into a whirlwind of paranoia, suspicion, and self-reflection as Casper grapples with the reality of his marriage and the choices he’s made. The Details The…
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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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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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What Happened That Night
What Happened That Night by Deanna Cameron My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of What Happened That Night in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Deanna Cameron’s What Happened That Night is a compelling young adult thriller that delves into themes of trauma, family secrets, and the quest for truth. While the novel delivers an engaging and suspenseful narrative, it occasionally falters in character development and pacing, making it a solid but not exceptional read. The Details The story centres around Clara Porterfield, a teenager grappling with the aftermath of a…
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Aix Marks the Spot
Aix Marks the Spot by Sarah Anderson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Aix Marks the Spot in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Anderson’s Aix Marks the Spot offers a light and engaging read, ideal for fans of cozy mysteries. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Aix-en-Provence, the novel provides a delightful blend of travel, mystery, and a touch of romance, though it occasionally falls short in terms of plot complexity and character depth. The Details Anderson’s vivid descriptions of Aix-en-Provence are a highlight of the book, transporting…
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Just Get Home
Just Get Home by Bridget Foley My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Just Get Home in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Just Get Home by Bridget Foley is a gripping novel that combines elements of thriller and drama, focusing on the harrowing journey of two women trying to survive in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Los Angeles. The narrative explores themes of survival, resilience, and the unexpected bonds formed in times of crisis. The Details The story follows Beegie, a teenage runaway, and Dessa, a single mother,…
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Ladies of the House
Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Ladies of the House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Ladies of the House by Lauren Edmondson is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility, set in contemporary Washington D.C. This novel explores themes of family, scandal, and societal expectations, drawing parallels to Austen’s work while presenting a fresh perspective. The Details The story revolves around the Richardson sisters, Daisy and Wallis, and their mother, Cricket. The family’s comfortable life is upended when…
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Lies My Memory Told Me
Lies My Memory Told Me by Rin Chupeco My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Lies My Memory Told Me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Lies My Memory Told Me by Sacha Wunsch is a compelling young adult novel that delves into the complexities of memory, identity, and truth. The book raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality and personal experience. Despite its promising concept and thought-provoking themes, the execution leaves something to be desired. The Details The story follows Nova Reynolds, who lives in a society obsessed…
