• Book Reviews

    Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove

    Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Rati Mehrotra’s Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove is a breathtaking fantasy novel that transports readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined kingdom teetering on the brink of war, this epic tale follows the intertwining fates of two unlikely heroes as they navigate a web of…

  • Book Reviews

    The Empress of Time

    The Empress of Time by Kylie Lee Baker My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Empress of Time in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Empress of Time by Kylie Lee Baker is a riveting mythology, and historical fiction. Set in a lush and intricately crafted world. It is the second installment in the the The Keeper of Night series. The Details Baker’s writing is capitvating, drawing readers into a mesmerizing realm. At the heart of the novel is a relatable and dynamic protagonist. One of the novel’s strengths…

  • Book Reviews

    Neferura

    Neferura by Malayna Evans My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Neferura in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Neferura by Malayna Evans falls short of its ambitious premise, offering a lackluster and disjointed narrative that fails to engage readers. The Details One of the main issues with the novel is its pacing. The story meanders aimlessly, lacking a clear direction or sense of urgency. Instead of building tension and excitement, the plot plods along at a tedious pace, making it difficult for readers to stay invested in the story. Furthermore,…

  • Book Reviews

    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…

  • Book Reviews

    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…

  • Book Reviews

    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…

  • Book Reviews

    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…

  • Book Reviews

    The Bookseller’s Secret

    The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Bookseller’s Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable offers a dual timeline narrative that captures the essence of Paris in different eras. It blends history, romance, and the world of literature. While the novel has its strengths, certain aspects may leave readers with mixed feelings. The Details The historical backdrop of wartime Paris provides a rich setting, and Gable’s attention to detail immerses readers in the challenges faced by the…

  • Book Reviews

    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…

  • Book Reviews

    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…