tblmegs's reviews
189 reviews

Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford

fast-paced

 

4 out of 5 stars

For generations the most beautiful woman of the sea village Varenia had been married off to the heir of Ilara- a deal made after the death of an Ilaran princess that resulted in the end of a Queendom. Although it is the price the people of Varenia have had to pay for decades, the people see it as a blessing for their families if chosen. 

As it is considered a great blessing to be chosen as the next Varenian bride, identical twins Nor and Zadie trained most of their lives to become the next queen of Ilara. That is until Nor was badly injured at the young age of 10, leaving her scarred. It became clear pretty quickly that it would be her sister Zadie that would likely be the chosen girl. 

Though once chosen, Zadie decides that life as the Varenian bride and future Queen of Ilara is not the life that she actually wants. Instead, she forces her sister’s hand to help her get out of being chosen. The result though is Nor’s banishment from Varenia. In order to deceive the Prince, Nor is sent in her sister’s stead. 

As hard as it is to be separated from her family, Nor leaves Varenia to go to Ilara. But things aren’t all as they seem in the great kingdom. It becomes known to Nor that the royal bloodline is failing and Prince Ceren will do whatever he can to remedy that. Even if that means sacrificing Nor’s people. 

***

Four out of five stars because Ceren is a psychopath and minor plot holes. Those two points aside, I enjoyed the book. I listened to Crown of Coral and Pearl in audiobook format and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, it is likely the way that I will be listening to the next book in the duology. 

Listening to the book, I can’t help but think that Nor being sent in Zadie’s place was poorly planned. Yes, I understand that they had to think quickly but god dammit there could’ve been a meeting or something about it where they actually planned out what to do if Nor was indeed caught. Also, Zadie probably should’ve been forced to go by Nor’s name (It’s found out later in the book that she indeed goes by her own name…) But y'know, who actually cares about the banished girl. 

I feel like if I wasn’t reading The Invasion of The Tearling at the same time that I was listening to this, I would’ve found myself thinking about it more often. But alas, my thoughts were occupied with another fantasy novel.

I really liked the idea of Blood Coral being lethal but also having some sort of healing properties. That was pretty cool and I enjoyed that. I was also fond of Talin’s character though I feel like he could’ve been an even more present force in the story? I mean he was there but I feel like he could’ve been there more?

I am super looking forward to the second book though!

 

The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

4.5

 

4.5/5 stars

The second book in a trilogy, Kelsea Glynn, the Queen of the Tearling has deemed herself as a ferocious but just and fair ruler in her little time on the throne. Though in that little time sat on the throne of the Tearling, the Glynn Queen has managed to anger the Red Queen by putting a stop to the slave trade that her mother had enacted to keep peace between the two countries. 

The Tearling army is untrained and dwarfed by that of the Mort and the Red Queen’s army is poised and ready to attack- ready to take New London and the Tearling away from Kelsea and her people. 

But Queen Kelsea is caught between the blade of a dangerous double edged sword, learning that all decisions have consequences of some sort and that power can be a very dangerous thing. And then there is the fact that she finds herself being sucked into the world of Pre-Crossing by a very mysterious power. 

The Glynn Queen of the Tearling will have to fight to keep the Mort army away from her people, but also fight herself from becoming the person she never wanted to become. 

***

Oh boy I loved and hated this book. Except that I didn’t hate the book. No, instead I found myself hating Kelsea. Which is absolutely baffling to me considering the fact that I LOVED her in the first book. But the story itself? Absolutely brilliant, I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it and I couldn't stop reading it when I had it in my hands. Johansen just has this wonderful ability to suck you in and keep you engaged and she did not disappoint with the second book in The Queen of The Tearling series. 

I’m going to be honest, I didn’t think that it could get much better than the first book. I mean I thought that The Queen of The Tearling was amazing. But The Invasion of The Tearling topped it. Though, I should’ve seen that coming. Especially considering the fact that I was told by a twitter mutual that the second book was better than the first. 

I want to thank that mutual for not lying to me. 

I enjoyed the different points of views. I don’t usually like it when different POVs are broken up within a chapter but Johansen made it work. I mean, I really quite like that the books in this trilogy don’t have many chapters, it makes it seems like the story goes quicker. Having different perspectives from different characters- even the ones from different times, is kind of great. 

I also liked how things began to come together with the Red Queen and Queen Kelsea. OH and don’t even get me started with Kelsea and Pen. That poor man is SO in love with Kelsea and she doesn’t even see it. And god dammit she is too blinded by the Fetch and what’s-his-face to even seem to care. 

But the thing that brought this rating down from 5 stars to 4.5 is that of the downslide of Queen Kelsea. I had thought she had a lot of character growth in the first book and looked forward to reading about the just and fair but also plain queen. Of course she is to be made beautiful with her powers. I mean, I guess even the best of books have to have their cliches. Even if the reasons for the change aren’t so cliche. But still god dammit, I liked the idea of a plain queen! Also, Kelsea changing to the point where Lazarus points out that she’s not even close to the same person she was when she entered the Keep and her Queendom is concerning. Because it’s quite clear that Kelsea is changing and not for the better. It seemed like Queen Kelsea was on a steady downslide the whole book. 

I am happy to see more of the Mace and Pen though as they are two of my favourite characters. And also Lily, I quite liked her and her story. Watching the Pre-Crossing story and that of Kelsea’s tied together was pretty cool. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and The Fate of The Tearling is awaiting my eager hands and mind on my nightstand. 

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4758885260

https://screamingaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-invasion-of-tearling-by-erika.html

Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein

2.0

 Rating 2.8/5 Stars

Catori was not the type of girl to believe in fairytales, regardless of what her mother told her growing up. Though, that changed the day after her mother died, when the fae came into her life. Growing up in north-eastern Michigan along the coast of Lake Michigan, Catori is a descendent of the Gottowa peoples, a long dead tribe and the enemies of the fae. It seemed as if her mother’s death had triggered an age-old battle between the two rivals. 

I’m going to start with the fact that the author has made the statement saying that the “Gottowa Tribe” is a made-up tribe “loosely based” on the Anishinaabe or Ojibwe people. She claims to have made up this tribe so she did not anger Native Americans by writing about their culture. Well, as an Ojibwe woman myself, if there’s anything that offends me, it is the fact that she did indeed make up a tribe based on my people, and didn’t have the gall to properly research them or their beliefs. Along with the made up tribe, there is a made up language “loosely” based on the Anishinaabemowin language, a language that was lost to my family because of white people, but that’s besides the point. Let’s just say that the whole “Native American” element here is poorly researched and not only makes the author look foolish but it kind of makes the book well, not as great as it could have been. 

I also want to know why nobody has mentioned anything about this poorly researched and fictional tribe. 

The next topic I want to hit is the fact that this takes place in Michigan. I received this book in Audiobook format from Netgalley- A huge thanks to them and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. If you’re going to make a story take place in a state like Michigan, you’re going to have to do extensive research on what coastal towns in Michigan are like, especially those with a Native population. Moreso, research into the dialect would have been nice. Listening to the narrator pronounce and butcher names of cities like Traverse City and even call shopping carts “trolleys” (Not what they’re called in Michigan by the way!) At least look into the local dialect because the dialect in Michigan is a lot different than say, the dialect in New York.

I would also like to touch base on how flat the characters are. Catori is so flat and boring. She’s angry and I get that. She wanted to leave her hometown and escape and was dragged back all because her now dead mom decided she wanted to mess with her dead descendants. Yeah, I get it, but at least try to give the girl some personality. Catori is about as bad to read as Bella from Twilight. Though, should’ve seen that coming as the author describes this book as “Twilight but with fairies”. To me it seems like Kajik is the most complex character in the story, and I believe that party to be because he has a part of Blake in him. 

I will admit that towards the end I became a bit more intrigued. Honestly, part of me wants to continue on with the series. Though, another larger part of me wants to shove this book away and pretend that I’ve not read it. I know for sure that if I do plan on continuing the series, that I will not be purchasing this book, and if I do choose to finish them out, it will honestly be due to pure curiosity, not that I really found this book all too enjoyable. There was just too much wrong about it that would allow me to truly enjoy the book. Like I said, I did enjoy the concept and towards the end I got a bit curious- mostly because I don’t like things being unfinished- but there’s so much wrong with this book that it’s kind of disgusting. 

I got this book as an audiobook from Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and views of this book are my own.

A Twist in Time by Julie McElwain

adventurous challenging mysterious

5.0

5/5 Stars

Former FBI Kendra Donovan is stuck in the year 1815 and her attempts to travel back home to the 21st century have failed, leaving her to depend on her friend, The Duke of Aldridge. Though, soon it seems that returning back to the 21st century is the least of Kendra’s problems as the Duke’s nephew- and also Kendra’s lover and confident- Alec, the Marquis of Sutcliffe is suspected of the murder of his former mistress. Joining forces with the Bow Street Runner, Sam Kelley, yet again, it seems that the team used to solve the murder at the castle is back together to solve the mystery of Lady Dover’s murder. Though, it would seem that not only does Lady Dover have her own secrets, but much of London also does. 

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, where to start? I feel like I find myself saying this a lot. Though it is nothing but praise for author Julie McElwain. Let me start by saying that I am completely and utterly obsessed with this book series. I mean, I just finished the second book, and I’m already wondering when the sixth one comes out. That’s saying a lot, because I don’t think I’ve loved a book series as much as this one in a long time. Not only is the writing excellent, the book is a combination of a few of my favourite things. Time travel, Regency period drama, mysteries, and a kick ass protagonist.

Stuck in 1815, Kendra is sick of being treated like a frail woman who is unable to do anything. Even more, she despises the politeness and rules of society and propriety. She finds that she does not belong. Though, there is some character growth as eventually, Kendra stops thinking of herself as a “freak” and slowly starts to adapt to the 19th century. 

Joining forces with The Duke of Aldridge, Bow Street Runner Sam Kelley, the Marquis of Sutcliffe- Alec, and eventually, her new found friend Rebecca, the group sets out the solve the mystery of the murder of Alec’s former mistress, Lady Cordelia Dover. Being stabbed with a stilleto more than forty times and having her face partly sawed of in a gruesome manner, former FBI agent, Kendra and her new found team, work together to solve the murder, revealing quite a few secrets along the way. Everything in London isn’t as it seems, especially through the busy season. 

Like I said, I thoroughly enjoy this series, as I type this, I’m practically vibrating to read the third book- Caught in Time. I noticed that Author, McElwain didn’t use the word ‘Mayhap’ as much in this book, as that was one of my only complaints in A Murder in Time. The book twist together a great mystery in 19th century London during the season and portrays Kendra using what 21st century investigation skills she is able to use to solve crime. 

What can I say besides Chef’s Kiss?

The Surgeon's Daughter by Audrey Blake

4.0

Rating 4.8/5 stars

As the only female at a prestigious medical school in Bologna, Italy, Nora Beady is an oddity. Due to this, Nora’s unconventional and ambitious goal to become a licensed surgeon offends the men who are Nora’s fellow students, doctors and professors. After all, in the 1840’s, women are expected to stay home and become homemakers. Though, sitting idle is not something that Nora has ever done, having been raised by renowned London surgeon, Dr. Croft. 

Much changes when Nora allies herself with Magdelena Morenco, the only female doctor on staff. Initially unimpressed by Nora, Dr. Morenco soon becomes Nora’s mentor and close friend. Together, the two women develop new techniques on the groundbreaking but yet highly dangerous and frowned upon cesarean section. 

In Italy, Nora gruels to complete her medical degree as quickly as possible as she misses Dr. Croft- the man who raised her, but also her partner, Dr. Daniel Gibson. However, tragedy strikes, causing Nora to take her examination weeks earlier than expected so she is able to return to London, hoping her small family is intact. 

Upon returning to London, Nora is shaken by a wealthy patient who needs her assistance or both the woman and child will die. Her success depends on not only her livelihood, but also the livelihood on Croft and Gibson, and the future of women and the role they could play in the medical field. 

Goodness goodness, oh goodness. I wish that I had recorded some notes whilst listening to The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake. There is so much to unpack here, so many raw emotions. Of loss, tragedy, anger, and growth. Nora Beady went through it all in the 19+ hour long audiobook copy narrated by Susan Lyons. 

Whilst in Bologna, Nora faces inequality and much more as she works to become a practicing surgeon. After being driven out of London, Nora knows that her future depends on her success in Bologna. But is success an option when the men around her do nothing but scorn her?

Driven by strong females, The Surgeon’s Daughter is a story I found myself enraptured with. When I wasn’t actively listening to it, I was thinking about it (When my head wasn’t full of Fullmetal Alchemist). The medical details are precise, especially for its time but not gorey nor too difficult to understand. Though, I could probably credit that to the fact that I was obsessed with medical dramas as a teenager and had lofty dreams to become a surgeon before I found out that education was my calling. 

There is also a lot of growth in the book. Though, by the end of it all, Nora is still quite naive, she definitely grows as a woman and a surgeon, having been exposed to the death of her patients and failures of the cesarean sections. 

I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book and enjoyed not only Nora’s perspective, but also Daniel’s. It’s great that Blake included the latter, so readers weren’t left in the dark about the happenings in London while Beady was studying abroad. 

My only complaint though is the fact that I don’t think that Nora ever found any closure in Bologna. She left it quite quickly to get back home due to Croft’s deteriorating health. I feel that the young woman deserved closure. I would have also loved to learn more about Nora’s friendship with Magdelena and what became of that. 

Overall, I found the book enjoyable and rate it a solid 4.8/5 stars. Kudos to Blake for writing such a brilliant novel. 

Also, I had no clue that this book was the second book in a series(?) or duology(?). It was great as a standalone and not difficult to understand if one had not read the first one much like myself, but now I find that I have to go back in time to find out what happened before the events in The Surgeon’s Daughter.

I received this audiobook from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion and feedback. All opinions in this review are my own. 

Caught in Time by Julie McElwain

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.75

4.7/5 stars

Still dealing with the struggles of adapting to 1815 England, former FBI agent, Kendra Donovan is dragged into solving another murder case with her guardian, The Duke of Aldridge. Though this time it’s not at Aldridge Castle nor in London. 

On their way to the Duke’s estate in Lancashire, the Duke and Kendra are brought through a small town in Yorkshire. Forced to take shelter at an inn for the night in a small town due to unseemly fog, Kendra and the Duke find themselves right in the middle of a murder investigation. 

Deciding to stay with the permission of the magistrate of the town, Kendra and the Duke are reunited with Sam Kelly, the Bow Street Runner they worked with in the past, and Kendra’s lover, and nephew of the Duke, Alec Morgan- the Marquis of Sutcliffe. Just as the latter two are arriving in town, Kendra and her maid Molly find that there’s more to the murder of the local mill manager than what it originally seemed, having found two more victims. 

Unsure of what caused the unsub to murder the mill manager then his wife and their housekeeper, Kendra and the gang are back together to figure out just what it was that caused somebody to turn to murder and what exactly they’re trying to protect. 

***

Wonderful work by McElwain yet again. Though, I may be a bit biased as I knew from the middle of the first part that this was my new favourite book series. I mean hell, I was looking forward to the next book to be released when I was only halfway through the second one. 

Not a 5/5 stars like the other two, but a solid 4.7/5 stars. I was sucked into the world of Kendra Donovan as she survives and adapts to the 19th century as a headstrong 21st century woman. The rating would’ve been higher but I thought that compared to the last two books, the storyline was a bit dull. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy it. Though I will admit that the progression of Alec and Kendra’s relationship (or lack thereof) is frustrating. God dammit, I’m not even Kendra and Alec makes my knees weak. I mean he calls her “Sweet” for godsake! 

Though, that’s neither here nor there. After Mr. Stone the local mill manager in small town East Dingleford located in Yorkshire is found murdered in his office, having been bludgeoned to death, Kendra and The Duke are swept into yet another murder investigation. As mentioned in the book, I can’t help but think Kendra Donovan is a magnet for such crimes. 

The small town had immediately accused the luddites- radical minded men against the age of the industrial revolution. Though, Kendra knows they are not to blame and she’ll do anything she can to prove it. Of course, upon arrival, the constable and doctor are skeptical. After all, it is quite indelicate for women to have hobbies such as solving murders. 

Determined to find the killer, Kendra starts snooping around town to find the suspect, unraveling the secrets of the town. It seems East Dingleford is a lot more sinister than it seems on the outside. And just was it that the murderer was trying to get their hands on? What was so important to kill a man and then torture his wife and maid in cold blood?

As I stated in the beginning, Julie McElwain did a great job with the book. I adored it. But who can blame me when the series contains all my favourite things? A kick-ass female protagonist, time travel, regency drama, and crime solving? I mean, it was the series I was looking for and didn’t even realize it until I happened upon it in the library! 

Also that ending? I gasped aloud! 

Onwards to the next one!

I am not paid for this review nor do I own the book. I am reviewing Caught in Time by Julie McElwain purely for pleasure and any and all opinions and feedback are my own thoughts. 

The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman

3.0

Rating: ⅗ stars

Seemingly estranged from a young age, Ruth and Millie had never gotten along. For years they shared a room though it seemed they couldn’t get further apart. Ruth was sensible, smart, and plain. Three years older than her younger sister Millie, Ruth was always counted on to be the responsible one, the child that her mother overlooked. Born beautiful and even tempered, making her very likable, Millie’s family had high expectations for her. Though what she wanted the most as a child and an adult was the approval of her older sister. But it didn’t seem like that would be happening anytime soon. 

Reunited after five years apart, Millie comes to live with Ruth and her husband Arthur in Springfield, Massachusetts- at the armory. It’s a whole different world than Brooklyn but Millie is ready for a fresh start, ready to flee from her past and the secrets that haunt her. Though all is not as it seems, even her older sister has secrets of her own. Will the secrets bring the two sisters together or ultimately tear them apart?

**

To me, it was blaringly obvious that Ruth was jealous of her younger sister and had never grown out of it. She clearly resented her mother for favoring her younger sister over here and felt as if she was always overlooked. It was just so easy for Ruth to blame everything on Millie, even when she was trying to be helpful or just hadn’t done anything at all. With her pettiness, extreme dislike, and envy toward her younger sister, Ruth was the barrier in the relationship. She held her sister at an arm's length and even pushed the younger woman into what would later turn out to be an abusive relationship just to get away from her. 

Due to grief, Millie is pushed into the arms of charming Lenny. He seems to like her for who she truly is and not her looks. Even to the disapproval of her mother, father and older sister, Millie appreciates the way that Lenny makes her feel. Though, as she grows older her feelings start to change. It’s after she graduates high school that Millie is unsure of how she feels about her beau. Her mother had always made her future husband out to be a charming prince and Lenny was anything but that. Would she ever find the same kind of love, a man who appreciated her for who she was and treated her right? Would she ever gain the approval of her older sister?

After the funeral of their parents and a hasty wedding, Ruth does whatever she can to get away from Brooklyn and her younger sister. She’s ecstatic to start a new life and step out of the shadow of Millie. Though all changes when Millie comes to live with her. 

After five years of not seeing one another, Millie is nervous on how Ruth is going to receive her. They had never been close nor had they seen one another in over five years and when Millie needed her older sister more than anything, she abandoned her. A lot had happened in five years and Millie and her son Michael needed a new start- a safe place away from her husband who had disappeared months prior to her moving to Springfield. 

As the two sisters get to know one another, they step around each other, afraid of setting the other off. Though, it was really Ruth that would’ve been set off- especially considering the fact that she still held the same contentment and envy toward her younger sister as she had most of her life. Both sisters hope to reconcile with one another but is that possible?

The book wasn’t too bad. It was a quick read and I am grateful for that. It’s just what I needed- a palette refresher per say. It read very easily and was historical fiction but the lack of action disappointed me. I disliked Ruth the most, she was petty and envious and overall needed to grow up. The fact that she pushed her sister to marry a man who was no good and her mother and father nor herself approved to get the younger grieving woman out of the way was ridiculous to say the least. 

It was clear that Millie had been through some trauma but Ruth was too blinded with their past to realize that and actually help her sister when she moved in with her. Heck at one point, it even seems as if Millie’s friend has to convince the older sister to help Millie. Why would you have to be convinced to help your younger sister?

I don’t know. Like I said, it was a quick read and easy for me to imagine but Ruth’s character just ruined everything for me. There was no development as she grew older. I did quite enjoy the small tidbits of Lillian and Arietta’s point of views. They were nice and refreshing and I enjoyed them and how they were there for Millie when she was truly in trouble.

I didn’t hate the book but I didn’t love it. 

I read this book purely for pleasure and was not given this book in exchange for a review. I do not own this book, I checked it out at my public library. 

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Rating: 5/5 stars

Raised to be a Queen by a former Queen’s Guard and a Noble Lady turned historian, Kelsea had been in hiding for 18 years of her life prior to her mother’s death. At the age of nineteen, the time comes where she is able to ascend the throne but it seems like all of Tearling doesn’t believe she’ll even make it to the royal keep alive. Although she had been training for her Queendom her entire life, Kelsea isn’t sure about her capability to rule, though the uncertainty diminishes as she learns about her blood relatives. Weak and vain as her relatives were, Kelsea slowly becomes sure that she is able to rule her queendom. Though first, she has to win over her Guard and people. 

***

Count on this book to absolutely suck me in. I mean, it had me on the first page. First I’d like to address the kickass female protagonist- Kelsea- The Queen of the Tearling. There is so much that I love about Kelsea and I’m sure that she is now one of my favorite protagonists of all time. I think what I love about her most is just that she is so damn normal. She’s not described as drop-dead gorgeous or thin. In contrast, she’s described as plain and a bit on the “thick” side. Kelsea is also a bookworm and into history, maybe one of the reasons that I like her so much is because she reminds me of myself. Kelsea is determined to prove herself to her Guard before her queendom- after all, what’s the use of even attempting to rule when even your Guards don’t  have your trust?

The Queen’s Guard also play a huge role in this series, which by the way I love. I feel like out of all the stories that feature royalty, a lot of their staff aren’t given any character which I find odd, especially considering the role that these people play in the life of royals. Kelsea doesn’t rule alone, after gaining the trust of Lazarus of the Mace; a former guard of her mother’s- Kelsea often seeks out his advice and approval when making decisions. Also Pen Alcott?? I love him so damn much already. 

As the story progresses, the fear of the impending war with rival country Mortmesne looms. Having successfully stopped the slave trade that had taken place for years, offering “peace” between the two kingdoms, The Red Queen is not happy. Though, it’s revealed that she’s slowly weakening and becoming unsure of herself unbeknownst to Kelsea. 

I really don’t know what else to say besides the fact that I really enjoyed this book. It was so easy for me to read and as I write this, I’m shaking with impatience to go check out the second book from the library. Because god dammit I loved every second of this book. 

All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.5

 Give me a minute to wipe my eyes and blow my nose because this book made me bawl like a baby. I hope I didn’t get too many tears on my local library’s copy of this book. All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio is both a heart-wrenching and heart-warming story of family, resilience, and grief. 

Now before I go any further in my book, let me just throw my porch door open to let the 10:30 pm breeze in because I forgot just how hot a house can get in the summer when baking! Though, I won’t say that my mini loaves of chocolate chip banana bread aren’t going to be worth the heat, because they most definitely are!

Rating: ⅘ stars

Connected across time, this is a story of how two women are able to be resilient in some of their darkest moments. 

Having fled to Paris to escape her past life, Caroline is involved in an accident, causing her to lose her memories. Though, she can’t shake that she’s missing something. As she gets glimpses into the life she used to have, she yearns for it back. But Caroline also wants to look toward the future, a future that could involve the handsome restaurateur; Victor. As Caroline works to piece her memory together, she comes across a bundle of letters from another time. Never postmarked, they’re from a woman named Celine to her lover, Luc. 

Living in occupied Paris during WWII, Celine, her daughter, and her Papa are trying to fly under the radar. But all changes when somebody spills that they are part Jewish. From there, Celine watches the life she built spiral out of control. With plans to escape with papers from her fiance, the plan goes awry and Celine is forced to live and work for a brutal German soldier. But she hides a secret under her floorboards. Cosi, her young daughter has managed to escape and Celine has no choice but to hide her young daughter to the best of her ability, risking the life of not only herself, but also young Cosi and her unborn child. 

Working with a Sorbonne student, Caroline discovers that her life is more entangled with this daughter and mother more than she dared to imagine. And maybe, helping the student solve the mystery of the two will help her heal. 

***

A quick read, I was surprised to find myself so wrapped up in this book. I loved the format of it, switching between times and women as they both struggled and lived through some of the darkest moments of their lives. 

I found myself crying uncontrollably at the ending of the story for both of the women. For all that they both had loss. And I found myself silently cheering on Victor. Though it may have been not so great for him to have done what he had done, he loved Caroline so damn much, and there’s just something so special about that type of love and commitment, even after the both of them had been through hell and back. 

I’m glad that Caroline was able to regain her memory and thanks to the words Cosi had written as a child, eventually forgive her husband- Victor- and reunite with him after the death of their daughter. 

Though, I am saddened to see that there was no happy ending for Celine. Thankfully Cosi was found and later raised by Luc but after everything the woman went through, I couldn’t help but shed a tear over her demise. But in the end, she did all that she could to protect her daughter, even if that meant that Cosi had to live under the floor for nearly a year, right under the nose of a German soldier. 

If you’re looking for a book that’s a quick read and shows the resilience of women in both the present day and the past. This is one that I recommend for you. Though, I do advise that you keep a box of tissues handy for the ending because it will get you. And also maybe be at home when you’re reading the last third of the book because I made the mistake of reading it at the library and cried uncontrollably in public so that was nice.

Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

Have you ever read a book that you loved so much and wished the characters of said book were real? Well, Winterset Hollow is exactly about that. Though, maybe not in the fluffy and cheery way you’d imagine. After all, some things aren’t as full of sunshine as they appear to be. In fact, they may even have a dark past you’d never imagine.

The book starts simple enough, you’re introduced to the protagonist and his two best friends; a couple named Mark and Caroline. Having grown up in the woods and not thrusted into the real world until his early teens before being thrown into the foster care system, our protagonist- Eamon- definitely did not have a normal childhood.

Once in the system and beginning to settle into normal life, he was mysteriously mailed a copy of Winterset Hollow; a fairytale of sorts that shares the same name as the novel. Eamon, like many others, falls in love with the book.

Flash forward a dozen years or so, and Eamon and his two friends are on their way to Addington Isle off the shore of Washington, and the place where the author of the beloved story took place. But they soon realize that everything is not as it seems.

I’m going to be honest, I didn’t really become fascinated with the book until the trio of friends arrived on the island. I mean, leading up to that point was so boring to me. While listening to it, I couldn’t help but think ‘hey maybe we can get a move on this thing’. Thank god my prayers were answered and I was given the action I was looking for.

Now, I did not realize that this book was of the horror or dark fantasy genre until the chase began. Though, that’s my own fault considering I didn’t look too much into the book before deciding it was something I was interested in. I mean, I was just looking for a shorter audiobook to listen to. By all means, a 9-10 hour audiobook may not seem very short, but compared to what I’ve been listening to, it was a lot shorter and quite a quick read (or listen).

I quite like that the book was narrated by the author himself. I thought that was cool and thought that Druham did a pretty good job. And once the chase began, I found myself a lot more interested in the book. But that may be because I’m into a bit of blood and gore. I mean, my favourite manga is Gantz for god’s sake. Of course I would be into people being killed by demented animals that stand on their hindlegs.

I also quite like the twist that was at the end of the book too. So besides the fact that the beginning of the book was a bit slow going, I enjoyed Eamon and the crew getting to meet the characters out of their favourite storybook and liked even more the deception and chase. I saw that somebody described this book as a “fractured fairytale” and I quite agree with it.

Considering I was a bit worried about how much I would like this book after attempting to read Hazelwood (a bit of a dark fantasy storybook turned real) book much like this one, I thoroughly enjoyed it and think it deserves a solid 4 stars. Kudos to the author for the good writing and the unexpectedness of the ending and a bit of gore.

I read this book for pleasure and all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.