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mandikaye's reviews
943 reviews
It Will Only Hurt for a Moment by Delilah S. Dawson
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Diana’s journey is just as captivating. Watching her wrestle with her powers and learn under the guidance of a formidable ancestor is like seeing a phoenix rise—messy, fiery, and absolutely worth it. Her struggles to fit into Elizabethan society lead to moments that are both hilarious (corsets, anyone?) and deeply reflective.
5.0
Shadow of Night is easily my favorite book in the All Souls Trilogy. Deborah Harkness doesn’t just transport us to Elizabethan England—she makes it breathe. From the bustling streets of London to the quieter corners of the countryside, every scene is dripping with detail. You can almost smell the ink on parchment, hear the whispers of spies in shadowed alleys, and feel the chill of Matthew’s world closing in around Diana.
Picking up right where A Discovery of Witches left off, Diana and Matthew dive headfirst into 1590 on their hunt for Ashmole 782, but this isn’t just a treasure hunt. It’s a deep dive into Matthew’s past and a crash course in Diana’s future as a witch. The stakes are higher, the danger more immediate, and the emotional punches? They hit harder.
One of the best things about this book is the growing cast of characters. Gallowglass, Matthew’s nephew, steals the show with his larger-than-life presence and fierce loyalty—he’s the kind of guy you’d want in your corner during a bar fight (or a witch hunt). Then there’s Jack, an orphan who tugs at your heartstrings and adds a softer, more tender note to the story. And let’s not forget the School of Night. Christopher Marlowe, Sir Walter Raleigh, and other historical heavyweights bring a sharp edge to the plot, reminding us just how dangerous this time and Matthew’s past can be.
Diana’s journey is just as captivating. Watching her wrestle with her powers and learn under the guidance of a formidable ancestor is like seeing a phoenix rise—messy, fiery, and absolutely worth it. Her struggles to fit into Elizabethan society lead to moments that are both hilarious (corsets, anyone?) and deeply reflective.
What makes Shadow of Night so special is how seamlessly Harkness weaves it all together. It’s not just a historical fantasy, or a romance, or a mystery—it’s all of those things at once. The historical details are so rich they ground the story, making even the most magical moments feel like they could be real. And the romance? Diana and Matthew’s bond only deepens, balancing tenderness with tension as they face new challenges.
The quieter, domestic moments really stuck with me, too. Whether it’s Diana navigating Matthew’s complicated family dynamics or their little makeshift family growing with Jack and Gallowglass, these relationships give the story so much heart.
If you’re a fan of intelligent fantasy with a hefty dose of history, Shadow of Night will absolutely knock your socks off. It’s the kind of book you want to savor—but let’s be honest, you’ll probably devour it and then wish you could read it again for the first time.
Welcome to Pennycress Inn: Discover a BRAND NEW uplifting romance series from Sarah Hope for 2025 by Sarah Hope
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
"Welcome to Pennycress Inn" is an absolute gem of a book that had me smiling from start to finish. Sarah Hope masterfully crafts a story that's equal parts heartwarming romance and empowering journey of self-discovery. At 38, Laura is a refreshingly relatable protagonist who proves it's never too late to start over, even when that means buying a dilapidated inn in a picture-perfect Cotswolds village.
The author brings Meadowfield to life with vivid descriptions and a cast of memorable characters. From the not-so-welcoming locals to the wayward sheep causing chaos, every scene feels authentic and engaging. The crumbling Pennycress Inn itself becomes a character in its own right, and I found myself deeply invested in its transformation alongside Laura's personal growth.
The romance between Laura and Jackson, the charming chef, develops at a perfect pace. Their chemistry sizzles while remaining sweet and genuine, and Jackson's support of Laura's dreams adds depth to their connection. Hope expertly weaves together the challenges of renovating the inn with the blossoming romance, creating a perfect balance of personal and romantic storylines.
What sets this book apart is its honest portrayal of starting over in your late thirties. Laura's fears, determination, and moments of self-doubt feel incredibly authentic, making her eventual triumphs all the more satisfying. The mystery surrounding the villagers' resistance adds an intriguing layer to the story that keeps you guessing until the end.
A perfect read for fans of feel-good romance, this book offers everything you could want: a beautiful setting, endearing characters, sweet romance, and just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Sarah Hope has created something special with this series opener, and I can't wait to return to Meadowfield for the next installment.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves cozy romance novels with substance, heart, and a generous sprinkling of humor.
The author brings Meadowfield to life with vivid descriptions and a cast of memorable characters. From the not-so-welcoming locals to the wayward sheep causing chaos, every scene feels authentic and engaging. The crumbling Pennycress Inn itself becomes a character in its own right, and I found myself deeply invested in its transformation alongside Laura's personal growth.
The romance between Laura and Jackson, the charming chef, develops at a perfect pace. Their chemistry sizzles while remaining sweet and genuine, and Jackson's support of Laura's dreams adds depth to their connection. Hope expertly weaves together the challenges of renovating the inn with the blossoming romance, creating a perfect balance of personal and romantic storylines.
What sets this book apart is its honest portrayal of starting over in your late thirties. Laura's fears, determination, and moments of self-doubt feel incredibly authentic, making her eventual triumphs all the more satisfying. The mystery surrounding the villagers' resistance adds an intriguing layer to the story that keeps you guessing until the end.
A perfect read for fans of feel-good romance, this book offers everything you could want: a beautiful setting, endearing characters, sweet romance, and just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Sarah Hope has created something special with this series opener, and I can't wait to return to Meadowfield for the next installment.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves cozy romance novels with substance, heart, and a generous sprinkling of humor.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0