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theoverbookedbibliophile's reviews
1376 reviews
The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick
1928, Boston: Twenty-six-year-old Millicent Foxboro quits her job at a bookshop in Boston to accept a position to assist widowed Professor Callum Hughes in his research, a position that would require her to move to his estate in Willowfield. Millicent lives with a big gap in her memories. She remembers her traumatic childhood and the tragic episode that destroyed her own family but is unable to recall the events of the years preceding her being admitted to the hospital. With this new assignment, she hopes to earn enough money to turn her life around. But after a somewhat cold reception and the strange behavior of the staff, Millicent begins to suspect that Willowfield and her new employer harbor deep secrets, the eerie occurrences and the journal of her employer’s late wife only adding to her fear and unease. Is the estate haunted or is she being targeted? Who would want to harm her and why?
Though the premise or the major plot points won’t strike you as anything you haven’t read before, as a whole I did find The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick to be an engaging read. The intriguing premise, the atmospheric setting, well-developed characters and the Gothic elements paired with a few surprising revelations (among the more predictable ones) kept me interested in the plot as it progressed. the narrative, which flows well, is presented from Millicent's first-person POV. I loved the sections on Celtic mythology and appreciated how the same was incorporated into the narrative. The ending was exciting and overall satisfying, though I was left with a few questions. Overall, this was a well-written, absorbing novel. Fans of Gothic romance (with a healthy dose of spice) and mystery would definitely enjoy this one.
This is definitely a promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Northwick Books for the digital review copy Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
1928, Boston: Twenty-six-year-old Millicent Foxboro quits her job at a bookshop in Boston to accept a position to assist widowed Professor Callum Hughes in his research, a position that would require her to move to his estate in Willowfield. Millicent lives with a big gap in her memories. She remembers her traumatic childhood and the tragic episode that destroyed her own family but is unable to recall the events of the years preceding her being admitted to the hospital. With this new assignment, she hopes to earn enough money to turn her life around. But after a somewhat cold reception and the strange behavior of the staff, Millicent begins to suspect that Willowfield and her new employer harbor deep secrets, the eerie occurrences and the journal of her employer’s late wife only adding to her fear and unease. Is the estate haunted or is she being targeted? Who would want to harm her and why?
Though the premise or the major plot points won’t strike you as anything you haven’t read before, as a whole I did find The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick to be an engaging read. The intriguing premise, the atmospheric setting, well-developed characters and the Gothic elements paired with a few surprising revelations (among the more predictable ones) kept me interested in the plot as it progressed. the narrative, which flows well, is presented from Millicent's first-person POV. I loved the sections on Celtic mythology and appreciated how the same was incorporated into the narrative. The ending was exciting and overall satisfying, though I was left with a few questions. Overall, this was a well-written, absorbing novel. Fans of Gothic romance (with a healthy dose of spice) and mystery would definitely enjoy this one.
This is definitely a promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Northwick Books for the digital review copy Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lover by Bea Northwick
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Lover: The Cruel Dark Companion Novella by Bea Northwick presents the events described in the author’s novel The Cruel Dark from the perspective of Callum Hughes.
I truly enjoyed this novella and was glad that it answered most of the questions that I felt were left unanswered in the novel. Consistently paced fluid narrative, elegant prose and well-developed plot points made for an immersive read. The author has done a wonderful job of conveying Callum’s thoughts and emotions, shedding light on what was going on parallel to Millicent’s experiences, thereby providing a well-rounded perspective on Millicent’s story.
Please read this novella only after having read the novel.
I truly enjoyed this novella and was glad that it answered most of the questions that I felt were left unanswered in the novel. Consistently paced fluid narrative, elegant prose and well-developed plot points made for an immersive read. The author has done a wonderful job of conveying Callum’s thoughts and emotions, shedding light on what was going on parallel to Millicent’s experiences, thereby providing a well-rounded perspective on Millicent’s story.
Please read this novella only after having read the novel.
Humor Me by Cat Shook
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hunt for a talented new stand-up comic to be featured on the show which has her exploring the stand-up comedy scene in NYC. It’s been a little over a year since her mother, with whom she shared a complicated relationship, passed away, and Presley is yet to come to terms with her loss. Her social life is mostly guided by her friend and roommate Isabelle, "Izzy," which is fine by Presley since she isn’t too confident in herself. She is also trying to navigate her feelings for a colleague, not quite sure whether the person thinks of her in the same light. When her mother’s childhood friend, the charismatic Susan Clark, who is also navigating a particularly disturbing life situation takes her under her wing, Susan’s friendship, advice and worldview not only nudge Presley out of her comfort zone but also help her to navigate her grief, open up to new experiences and embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal growth.
The narrative is presented from Presley’s first-person POV. A lot is going on with the characters, but the narrative is fluid and the plot never gets convoluted or difficult to follow. The character-driven elements were stronger than the plot-driven aspect of this novel, which made this an interesting and enjoyable read.
The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. Cat Shook writes with wit, humor and much emotional depth and addresses sensitive themes such as complex mother-daughter relationships, alcoholism, the #MeToo movement, grief and infidelity with maturity and compassion. Her characters are real and relatable. We might not agree with all of their choices, but you can understand them. Presley is an endearing character and I was invested in her journey as she navigated her personal and professional struggles, her grief and much more. Susan is an interesting character and I enjoyed her dynamic with Presley. The romance angle was well-developed and deftly woven into the narrative. I enjoyed the insight into the NYC comedy scene, though I would have liked this aspect to have been featured in more depth. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up and convenient, but stories such as these are mostly predictable, so that’s not surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed Humor Me by Cat Shook and thought it was a well-written novel.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, which made for a delightful immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Celadon for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Twenty-five-year-old Presley Fry has a lot on her plate! An assistant at a late-night talk show she is long due for a promotion and is on the hunt for a talented new stand-up comic to be featured on the show which has her exploring the stand-up comedy scene in NYC. It’s been a little over a year since her mother, with whom she shared a complicated relationship, passed away, and Presley is yet to come to terms with her loss. Her social life is mostly guided by her friend and roommate Isabelle, "Izzy," which is fine by Presley since she isn’t too confident in herself. She is also trying to navigate her feelings for a colleague, not quite sure whether the person thinks of her in the same light. When her mother’s childhood friend, the charismatic Susan Clark, who is also navigating a particularly disturbing life situation takes her under her wing, Susan’s friendship, advice and worldview not only nudge Presley out of her comfort zone but also help her to navigate her grief, open up to new experiences and embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery and personal growth.
The narrative is presented from Presley’s first-person POV. A lot is going on with the characters, but the narrative is fluid and the plot never gets convoluted or difficult to follow. The character-driven elements were stronger than the plot-driven aspect of this novel, which made this an interesting and enjoyable read.
The pacing is on the slower side, which suits the nature of the story. Cat Shook writes with wit, humor and much emotional depth and addresses sensitive themes such as complex mother-daughter relationships, alcoholism, the #MeToo movement, grief and infidelity with maturity and compassion. Her characters are real and relatable. We might not agree with all of their choices, but you can understand them. Presley is an endearing character and I was invested in her journey as she navigated her personal and professional struggles, her grief and much more. Susan is an interesting character and I enjoyed her dynamic with Presley. The romance angle was well-developed and deftly woven into the narrative. I enjoyed the insight into the NYC comedy scene, though I would have liked this aspect to have been featured in more depth. The ending is a bit too neatly tied up and convenient, but stories such as these are mostly predictable, so that’s not surprising.
Overall, I enjoyed Humor Me by Cat Shook and thought it was a well-written novel.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Ferdelle Capistrano, which made for a delightful immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Celadon for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school where she teaches fifth-grade, shopping from the same grocery store, and spending her free time rearranging her book collection comprising thirty-six (and counting) copies of the “The Hobbit, watching reruns of “Friends” and playing scrabble with her favorite fictional character from the show. She doesn’t have much of a social life and her interactions are limited to her colleagues and the people she meets in the course of her day. Though she would like to have more friends, she isn't too good at reading people or interpreting social cues. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she copes by playing a game of anagrams.
When Lenny receives a letter from the Parole Board, she is forced to revisit her traumatic past and the childhood memories she has repressed – events that have contributed to Lenny’s worldview and the way she chooses to live her life. But as her past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself compelled to step out of her comfort zone. As the narrative progresses, we follow Lenny’s journey as she slowly begins to emerge from her shell and effect changes in her life.
Revolving around themes of trauma and healing, resilience, friendship and kindness and personal growth, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne is a beautiful story. Shared from Lenny’s perspective, the narrative is well-paced and engaging. Lenny is an endearing character and I appreciated the author’s respectful and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity. The supporting characters are well thought out and I appreciated how the author has depicted how Lenny’s interactions with each of them - her pleasant and unpleasant experiences- help in her journey of self-discovery.
Please note that the title of this book is a tad misleading. This is not exactly the light-hearted cozy mystery that is implied, but an emotional story about a neurodivergent individual with a traumatic past who, with the help of those who care for her, embarks on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The author injects a fair dose of humor, a few surprises and a sweet romantic track (which is well-woven into the narrative and does not distract from the primary plotline) to prevent the story from becoming too heavy. I did have to suspend disbelief at certain points in the story, but this in no way detracted from my overall experience.
I adored Lenny and wanted to spend more time with her! Exceptionally well-written, at times heartbreaking yet hopeful, full of heart and humor, this is an impressive debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this talented new author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Annie Maynard, who has done a brilliant job of capturing Lenny’s sweetness and resilience, her moods and emotions, and breathing life into this story. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
Thirty-seven-year-old Lenny Marks lives her life in adherence to a set routine – riding her bike to school where she teaches fifth-grade, shopping from the same grocery store, and spending her free time rearranging her book collection comprising thirty-six (and counting) copies of the “The Hobbit, watching reruns of “Friends” and playing scrabble with her favorite fictional character from the show. She doesn’t have much of a social life and her interactions are limited to her colleagues and the people she meets in the course of her day. Though she would like to have more friends, she isn't too good at reading people or interpreting social cues. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she copes by playing a game of anagrams.
When Lenny receives a letter from the Parole Board, she is forced to revisit her traumatic past and the childhood memories she has repressed – events that have contributed to Lenny’s worldview and the way she chooses to live her life. But as her past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself compelled to step out of her comfort zone. As the narrative progresses, we follow Lenny’s journey as she slowly begins to emerge from her shell and effect changes in her life.
Revolving around themes of trauma and healing, resilience, friendship and kindness and personal growth, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne is a beautiful story. Shared from Lenny’s perspective, the narrative is well-paced and engaging. Lenny is an endearing character and I appreciated the author’s respectful and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity. The supporting characters are well thought out and I appreciated how the author has depicted how Lenny’s interactions with each of them - her pleasant and unpleasant experiences- help in her journey of self-discovery.
Please note that the title of this book is a tad misleading. This is not exactly the light-hearted cozy mystery that is implied, but an emotional story about a neurodivergent individual with a traumatic past who, with the help of those who care for her, embarks on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The author injects a fair dose of humor, a few surprises and a sweet romantic track (which is well-woven into the narrative and does not distract from the primary plotline) to prevent the story from becoming too heavy. I did have to suspend disbelief at certain points in the story, but this in no way detracted from my overall experience.
I adored Lenny and wanted to spend more time with her! Exceptionally well-written, at times heartbreaking yet hopeful, full of heart and humor, this is an impressive debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this talented new author in the future.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Annie Maynard, who has done a brilliant job of capturing Lenny’s sweetness and resilience, her moods and emotions, and breathing life into this story. I couldn’t recommend the audiobook enough!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Unraveling by Vi Keeland
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Meredith McCall, a New York City psychiatrist, is drawn into a complex web of deception, secrets, lies and obsession after she encounters a man who has a tragic connection to a traumatic event that upended her life.
The Unraveling by Vi Keeland is a well-crafted psychological thriller that has enough twists and turns to keep you engaged until the very end. I can’t say I particularly liked Meredith, but I couldn’t look away as she began to unravel, triggering a shocking chain of events and I was curious to see where she would finally land. I won’t even begin to question her choices or her professional ethics, because despite what she has gone through it is almost impossible to justify her actions, which renders her a complex, if slightly (I’m being kind here) unhinged protagonist. There were a few scenes that felt gratuitous but that's more a personal preference. I had expected a somewhat predictable denouement and I was partially correct in my assumptions, but the author did surprise me with one particular twist toward the end. The ending was satisfying, though a tad rushed and less intense than I had expected after the tension-filled build-up.
Well-paced, suspenseful and overall enjoyable, I did like this one even though I can’t say I loved it. As I say for most books in this genre, don’t overthink it and enjoy the wild ride!
Many thanks to Atria Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Unraveling by Vi Keeland is a well-crafted psychological thriller that has enough twists and turns to keep you engaged until the very end. I can’t say I particularly liked Meredith, but I couldn’t look away as she began to unravel, triggering a shocking chain of events and I was curious to see where she would finally land. I won’t even begin to question her choices or her professional ethics, because despite what she has gone through it is almost impossible to justify her actions, which renders her a complex, if slightly (I’m being kind here) unhinged protagonist. There were a few scenes that felt gratuitous but that's more a personal preference. I had expected a somewhat predictable denouement and I was partially correct in my assumptions, but the author did surprise me with one particular twist toward the end. The ending was satisfying, though a tad rushed and less intense than I had expected after the tension-filled build-up.
Well-paced, suspenseful and overall enjoyable, I did like this one even though I can’t say I loved it. As I say for most books in this genre, don’t overthink it and enjoy the wild ride!
Many thanks to Atria Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
Jane Flanagan grew up in the small coastal town of Awadapquit, Maine. Her home life wasn’t a happy one, being raised by an alcoholic mother and Jane’s sister getting into enough trouble on her own. Jane’s safe place was a deserted old Victorian house situated on a cliff, where she would spend her free time. Jane eventually moves away to college and goes on to become an archivist at Harvard. Over twenty years later, after her mother’s death triggers a downward spiral with Jane indulging in destructive old habits that jeopardize her marriage and her career, Jane returns to her hometown. As she clears her mother’s house before putting it up for sale, she struggles to get a grip on her life. Coincidentally, she meets Genevieve Richards, the wealthy woman whose family has purchased the house on the cliff and is in the process of giving it a massive makeover. A few strange occurrences lead Genevieve to believe that the house might be haunted and she requests Jane to research the history of the house. As Jane embarks on her quest to unearth the history of the house and the land on which it rests, she discovers much more than she had expected - the legacy of tragedy, loss, and heartbreak that upended the lives of its previous owners - compelling her to take stock of her own life and confront her own painful past.
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan is an exceptionally well-written novel that blends family drama, historical fiction, gothic elements, spiritualism and an element of mystery into an immersive narrative shared from multiple perspectives across multiple timelines spanning centuries and featuring a cast of strong female characters.
Each of the characters is well fleshed out and what connects their stories is the house and the land on which it rests. The novel revolves around themes of generational trauma, alcoholism, family secrets, motherhood, loss, grief and healing, as well as Native American history and colonialism. With so many perspectives and themes, it is to be expected that some threads of the narrative are more deeply explored than others. Though I could sympathize with Jane and her struggles, I did question her choices and thought that occasionally her behavior was a tad immature for a thirty-nine-year-old. However, I appreciated how she was inspired to effect change in her life.
The novel emphasizes the importance of history and legacy and how crucial it is to preserve the stories of those who came before us. I loved the rich history of the house and wish that we had spent more time in the past timelines. The stories of the women who lived in the house were in turn inspiring, poignant and heartbreaking. The author incorporates in-depth segments on Native American culture and repatriation, the history of settler colonialism in Maine and the Wabanaki Nations, and the Shaker movement into the narrative. I found these sections extremely informative and I commend the author for the meticulous research that went into crafting this novel. I should mention that the inclusion of these segments did render the novel a tad lengthy and disjointed and slowed down the pace of the narrative, but this did not detract from my overall reading experience.
This is a complex novel meant to be read with time and patience. Overall, I found it to be a rewarding read and well worth the time and effort.
This was my first time reading J. Courtney Sullivan and I’m eager to explore more of the author’s work.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan is an exceptionally well-written novel that blends family drama, historical fiction, gothic elements, spiritualism and an element of mystery into an immersive narrative shared from multiple perspectives across multiple timelines spanning centuries and featuring a cast of strong female characters.
Each of the characters is well fleshed out and what connects their stories is the house and the land on which it rests. The novel revolves around themes of generational trauma, alcoholism, family secrets, motherhood, loss, grief and healing, as well as Native American history and colonialism. With so many perspectives and themes, it is to be expected that some threads of the narrative are more deeply explored than others. Though I could sympathize with Jane and her struggles, I did question her choices and thought that occasionally her behavior was a tad immature for a thirty-nine-year-old. However, I appreciated how she was inspired to effect change in her life.
The novel emphasizes the importance of history and legacy and how crucial it is to preserve the stories of those who came before us. I loved the rich history of the house and wish that we had spent more time in the past timelines. The stories of the women who lived in the house were in turn inspiring, poignant and heartbreaking. The author incorporates in-depth segments on Native American culture and repatriation, the history of settler colonialism in Maine and the Wabanaki Nations, and the Shaker movement into the narrative. I found these sections extremely informative and I commend the author for the meticulous research that went into crafting this novel. I should mention that the inclusion of these segments did render the novel a tad lengthy and disjointed and slowed down the pace of the narrative, but this did not detract from my overall reading experience.
This is a complex novel meant to be read with time and patience. Overall, I found it to be a rewarding read and well worth the time and effort.
This was my first time reading J. Courtney Sullivan and I’m eager to explore more of the author’s work.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella revolves around Jack Schmidt, the fifty-two-year-old owner of a beachfront restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, that has been in the family for three generations. We follow Jack as he ponders over his options of continuing with the restaurant that he has devoted his life to or accepting the offer made to him by a large restaurant corporation to buy him out. Jack is compelled to takes stock of his life and contemplate what a future without the restaurant, which is his family legacy could look like, while also considering how his decision would affect his employees who Jack cares deeply about and the local community which considers Schmidt’s a local beacon.
Jack is single, has never been married and has never ventured outside his community after college but is conflicted about his decision, emotionally exhausted and feels the need for freedom from the responsibilities he has prioritized his whole adult life that have taken a toll on his personal relationships. His thoughts often drift to the memories of those who came before him - memories of his grandmother and father - and how the restaurant has always been a safe place for him in his most difficult moments. Complicating matters further is some shocking news related to his past, that has Jack questioning some of the choices he made decades ago and his realization that his life as he knew it will never be the same again.
The narrative is shared from Jack’s perspective through past and present timelines and is interspersed with segments from a guidebook describing the town through the seasons. The writing is crisp yet elegant and the author conveys the thoughts and emotions of his characters with insight and wisdom. What I particularly liked about the writing was that even in the tensest or most emotionally charged moments, the author does not unnecessarily embellish. Both timelines are well-developed and I liked how the different threads of the narrative converge as the story progresses. There are a few plot points that could have been explored further, but this did not detract from my overall experience.
This is a slow-paced, character-driven novel with well-thought-out characters. Jack is a very likable protagonist – kind and generous - and it is easy to relate to him as broods over his past and present choices. I loved the setting and found the dynamic between Jack and his friends and employees incredibly heartening. The narrative features several subplots revolving around Jack’s friends and acquaintances deftly woven into the story, which allow us a better understanding of Jack as a person and his relationships with those he holds dear. The tone of the novel mostly shifts between nostalgic, melancholic and contemplative, but the author balances this with several light-hearted and heartwarming moments that make you smile. The ending felt realistic and I liked how the author concludes the story on a hopeful note and does not force an overly dramatic ending.
A story about family, community and human connection, legacy and personal growth, this is a beautifully written novel that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven stories that inspire pause and reflection.
(On a personal note, Delaware and Rehoboth Beach hold a very special place in my heart and reading a story set there brought back some fond memories.)
This was my first Ethan Joella novel and I hope to explore more of his work.
Many thanks to Scribner for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Jack is single, has never been married and has never ventured outside his community after college but is conflicted about his decision, emotionally exhausted and feels the need for freedom from the responsibilities he has prioritized his whole adult life that have taken a toll on his personal relationships. His thoughts often drift to the memories of those who came before him - memories of his grandmother and father - and how the restaurant has always been a safe place for him in his most difficult moments. Complicating matters further is some shocking news related to his past, that has Jack questioning some of the choices he made decades ago and his realization that his life as he knew it will never be the same again.
The narrative is shared from Jack’s perspective through past and present timelines and is interspersed with segments from a guidebook describing the town through the seasons. The writing is crisp yet elegant and the author conveys the thoughts and emotions of his characters with insight and wisdom. What I particularly liked about the writing was that even in the tensest or most emotionally charged moments, the author does not unnecessarily embellish. Both timelines are well-developed and I liked how the different threads of the narrative converge as the story progresses. There are a few plot points that could have been explored further, but this did not detract from my overall experience.
This is a slow-paced, character-driven novel with well-thought-out characters. Jack is a very likable protagonist – kind and generous - and it is easy to relate to him as broods over his past and present choices. I loved the setting and found the dynamic between Jack and his friends and employees incredibly heartening. The narrative features several subplots revolving around Jack’s friends and acquaintances deftly woven into the story, which allow us a better understanding of Jack as a person and his relationships with those he holds dear. The tone of the novel mostly shifts between nostalgic, melancholic and contemplative, but the author balances this with several light-hearted and heartwarming moments that make you smile. The ending felt realistic and I liked how the author concludes the story on a hopeful note and does not force an overly dramatic ending.
A story about family, community and human connection, legacy and personal growth, this is a beautifully written novel that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy character-driven stories that inspire pause and reflection.
(On a personal note, Delaware and Rehoboth Beach hold a very special place in my heart and reading a story set there brought back some fond memories.)
This was my first Ethan Joella novel and I hope to explore more of his work.
Many thanks to Scribner for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Haters by Robyn Harding
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Forty-four-year-old Camryn Lane has just published her debut novel “ Burnt Orchid” – a commendable achievement after years of unsuccessful attempts, all the while navigating her personal life and responsibilities and her career as a high school counselor. But her joy is short-lived after she receives a caustic email from an unknown sender which is soon followed by a harshly worded one-start review on a popular book review site, which is just the beginning of a disturbing chain of events – a deluge of negative reviews, online trolling and harassment. As the situation escalates, her personal relationships begin to suffer, aspersions are cast on her professional ethics and integrity and she soon realizes that she stands to lose everything she worked so hard to achieve. The narrative follows Camryn as she searches for the person targeting her.
This was my first Robyn Harding novel and I was excited to read it. I loved the premise of the The Haters and thought it was well-crafted. The suspenseful mystery with plenty of twists and surprises made for an engaging read. The narrative is presented in short chapters from Camryn’s first person POV with segments from Camryn’s book interspersed throughout the novel. The author’s depiction of how online trolling and bullying affect the mental health of those who are targeted was realistic and relevant. I could sympathize with Camryn’s plight, but given her age and maturity, I was surprised by some of the choices she made. The final reveal was surprising and though I didn’t find the motive entirely convincing, I’m always happy when my theories are proved wrong and I did like how the author chose to end the novel.
I liked the idea of chapters from Camryn’s book interspersed throughout the narrative but also felt that this messed with the pacing of the primary plot and rendered the novel a tad too long. The chapters from Burnt Orchid were intense, but I failed to see the purpose of including so many chapters into the text of the narrative and found one particular aspect in this regard at the end more than a bit contrived. I'm not a fan of adult fiction (in this genre) wherein teenage drama outweighs other aspects of the story. This is a personal preference, but it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. However, I did appreciate the sensitive themes that the author has addressed.
I listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Megan Tusing and Jess Nahikian, who did a commendable job of breathing life into the story.
It does feel weird giving a (relatively) lower rating to a book that so many of my GR friends have enjoyed, but I assure you I'm not a "hater." I didn’t dislike this one in its entirety, but also didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d expected!
This was my first Robyn Harding novel and I was excited to read it. I loved the premise of the The Haters and thought it was well-crafted. The suspenseful mystery with plenty of twists and surprises made for an engaging read. The narrative is presented in short chapters from Camryn’s first person POV with segments from Camryn’s book interspersed throughout the novel. The author’s depiction of how online trolling and bullying affect the mental health of those who are targeted was realistic and relevant. I could sympathize with Camryn’s plight, but given her age and maturity, I was surprised by some of the choices she made. The final reveal was surprising and though I didn’t find the motive entirely convincing, I’m always happy when my theories are proved wrong and I did like how the author chose to end the novel.
I liked the idea of chapters from Camryn’s book interspersed throughout the narrative but also felt that this messed with the pacing of the primary plot and rendered the novel a tad too long. The chapters from Burnt Orchid were intense, but I failed to see the purpose of including so many chapters into the text of the narrative and found one particular aspect in this regard at the end more than a bit contrived. I'm not a fan of adult fiction (in this genre) wherein teenage drama outweighs other aspects of the story. This is a personal preference, but it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. However, I did appreciate the sensitive themes that the author has addressed.
I listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Megan Tusing and Jess Nahikian, who did a commendable job of breathing life into the story.
It does feel weird giving a (relatively) lower rating to a book that so many of my GR friends have enjoyed, but I assure you I'm not a "hater." I didn’t dislike this one in its entirety, but also didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d expected!
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
A murdered antiques dealer and a mysterious package that has smugglers, drug dealers and art forgers racing to get their hand on it, online scammers targeting the elderly and their own life situations – the members of the Thursday Murder Club have a lot on their plate! DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna de Freitas would have preferred to keep our senior sleuths from getting involved in the murder investigation but when has anyone or anything ever stopped the very capable Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim from doing what they do best? When Donna and Chis are sidelined by the National Crime Agency who take over the case, guess who they team up with?
With Bogdan pitching in, the Thursday Murder Club, Chris and Donna leave no stone unturned as they try to figure out who murdered Kuldesh Sharma, the eighty-year-old antique dealer who was a friend of Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, try to locate the mysterious package that everyone suspects Kuldesh had received before his death, and also identify an online scammer who has targeted one of their fellow residents at Cooper’s Chase retirement community.
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is a cleverly crafted cozy mystery that combines a suspenseful plot with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. The author deftly weaves several subplots into the primary narrative without detracting from the murder mystery or adversely impacting the pace. The subplot revolving around Elizabeth and Stephen was deeply moving and I appreciated the insight and compassion with which the author has tackled several sensitive issues, including aging, age-related illness, loss and grief. I enjoyed Joyce’s journal entries, which are always a joy to read. I also liked how Joyce had a more active role to play in this installment. The author does justice to all of our main characters, each of whom has a distinct role to play. I particularly like how each story in this series not only revolves around new mysteries but also features supporting characters introduced in previous installments, which gives us a sense of continuity while also contributing to the character arcs of our main characters.
With its riveting plot with plenty of twists and turns, deeply moving depiction of sensitive themes and the author’s signature wit and humor, this installment ranks as one of my favorites in the series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Fiona Shaw, which made for a thoroughly enjoyable immersion reading experience.
Please note that this book does not work as a standalone. I would strongly recommend reading these books in series order.
The author has mentioned that we will have to wait for the next book in this series as he is currently developing a new series. I‘ll be eager to meet these characters again and also look forward to reading the author’s new series.
With Bogdan pitching in, the Thursday Murder Club, Chris and Donna leave no stone unturned as they try to figure out who murdered Kuldesh Sharma, the eighty-year-old antique dealer who was a friend of Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, try to locate the mysterious package that everyone suspects Kuldesh had received before his death, and also identify an online scammer who has targeted one of their fellow residents at Cooper’s Chase retirement community.
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is a cleverly crafted cozy mystery that combines a suspenseful plot with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. The author deftly weaves several subplots into the primary narrative without detracting from the murder mystery or adversely impacting the pace. The subplot revolving around Elizabeth and Stephen was deeply moving and I appreciated the insight and compassion with which the author has tackled several sensitive issues, including aging, age-related illness, loss and grief. I enjoyed Joyce’s journal entries, which are always a joy to read. I also liked how Joyce had a more active role to play in this installment. The author does justice to all of our main characters, each of whom has a distinct role to play. I particularly like how each story in this series not only revolves around new mysteries but also features supporting characters introduced in previous installments, which gives us a sense of continuity while also contributing to the character arcs of our main characters.
With its riveting plot with plenty of twists and turns, deeply moving depiction of sensitive themes and the author’s signature wit and humor, this installment ranks as one of my favorites in the series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Fiona Shaw, which made for a thoroughly enjoyable immersion reading experience.
Please note that this book does not work as a standalone. I would strongly recommend reading these books in series order.
The author has mentioned that we will have to wait for the next book in this series as he is currently developing a new series. I‘ll be eager to meet these characters again and also look forward to reading the author’s new series.
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman picks up five years after the events in The Bookstore Sisters. The Gibson sisters, Sophie and Isabel, who have since returned to Brinkley’s Island, run the Once upon a Time Bookshop with a bakery section selling delectable treats based on their late mother’s recipes. Isabel and Johnny Lenox are planning their wedding for the fourth time, after their last three plans fell through at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances.
The narrative follows Isabel and Sophie as they navigate the challenges that come their way as they plan for Isabel’s wedding.
“Love makes you do unexpected things. It’s never what you think it will be.”
This is a lovely story that revolves around themes of family, sisterhood, love, second chances, community and of course the therapeutic value of books and reading. Stories such as these are rarely unpredictable, but what makes them special is the journey to the end and Alice Hoffman does not disappoint! I loved the bookstore setting and the author’s depiction of the close-knit community and how everyone banded together to support the sisters in their time of need was truly touching. A few emotionally heavy themes are woven into the narrative and the author addresses the same with compassion. I loved the literary references and the baked treats with their enchanting names. Beautifully written with endearing characters (including a dog named Hank, who has a very important role to play), and full of hope and heart, this is a heartwarming story and a wonderful addition to this short story series.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
“He informed her that a famous philosopher had written that people lived their lives forward and only understood them when they looked backward. But by the time that happened, there was usually very little time left. Life would slip away before you knew it, so you had to live every day as if it was your last, for it just might be. Today would soon be the distant past, and you would have to strain to remember what you did or who you spoke to.”
This was my Amazon First Reads selection for July 2024.
The narrative follows Isabel and Sophie as they navigate the challenges that come their way as they plan for Isabel’s wedding.
“Love makes you do unexpected things. It’s never what you think it will be.”
This is a lovely story that revolves around themes of family, sisterhood, love, second chances, community and of course the therapeutic value of books and reading. Stories such as these are rarely unpredictable, but what makes them special is the journey to the end and Alice Hoffman does not disappoint! I loved the bookstore setting and the author’s depiction of the close-knit community and how everyone banded together to support the sisters in their time of need was truly touching. A few emotionally heavy themes are woven into the narrative and the author addresses the same with compassion. I loved the literary references and the baked treats with their enchanting names. Beautifully written with endearing characters (including a dog named Hank, who has a very important role to play), and full of hope and heart, this is a heartwarming story and a wonderful addition to this short story series.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.
“He informed her that a famous philosopher had written that people lived their lives forward and only understood them when they looked backward. But by the time that happened, there was usually very little time left. Life would slip away before you knew it, so you had to live every day as if it was your last, for it just might be. Today would soon be the distant past, and you would have to strain to remember what you did or who you spoke to.”
This was my Amazon First Reads selection for July 2024.