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zoeferry's reviews
613 reviews
A Secret Cornish Wish by Ali McNamara
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75
“A Secret Cornish Wish” by Ali McNamara is a delightful addition to the St. Felix series. The novel beautifully follows the intertwined lives of six friends from their final year in high school through their adult years, always bringing them back to their beloved hometown of St. Felix. McNamara expertly captures the spectrum of life’s experiences—from joy and celebration to heartbreak and tragedy—set against the charming backdrop of St. Felix. I particularly enjoyed how this story weaves seamlessly into the broader series, offering more profound insight into characters who have previously lingered in the background. Overall, “A Secret Cornish Wish” is a heartwarming and lighthearted read that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish the power of friendship and home.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
“The Silent Companions” by Laura Purcell is a masterfully crafted gothic horror novel that showcases Purcell’s talent for creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense. The story centers around the newly widowed Elsie Bainbridge, who moves into her late husband’s eerie family estate, The Bridge. There, she encounters hostile servants and a superstitious town that avoids the house at all costs. As Elsie delves deeper into the estate’s dark history, she unravels the chilling secret that has abandoned The Bridge for years.
This book is a must-read for fans of gothic horror, promising a spine-tingling experience that will keep you up at night.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston is a delightful read for book lovers. I was instantly captivated by the characters and the plot. Who hasn’t dreamed of finding themselves in their favourite fictional town, meeting beloved characters face-to-face? As you dive into the story, you uncover a heartfelt tale of two people navigating life after profound losses, finding their way back to themselves and each other. It’s a cozy and cutesy read that romance fans and bibliophiles alike will adore.
Julia by Sandra Newman
dark
tense
medium-paced
3.75
This novel is a captivating feminist retelling of George Orwell’s 1984 from the perspective of Winston’s lover, Julia. Sandra Newman masterfully weaves elements of the original story with a fresh, insightful take that breathes new life into this classic tale. Despite not being a huge fan of dystopian fiction and having not revisited Orwell since high school, I found this reimagining surprisingly enjoyable. While some parts felt a bit excessive (I wouldn’t mind erasing the torture scene from my memory), the overall experience was compelling and thought-provoking.
I Need You to Read This by Jessa Maxwell
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
I was thrilled to see that Jessa Maxwell had published another book, and *I Need You to Read This* did not disappoint. While the story had a slower build than I anticipated, the unexpected ending more than made up for it. Maxwell captures the cozy mystery vibes that made *The Golden Spoon* such a delight, but this time with a slightly sharper edge. By the end, I couldn’t put it down. It’s definitely a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries!
Gallows Hill by Darcy Coates
Although I initially found Margot's character a bit frustrating, she undergoes significant development that makes her journey all the more compelling. Coates crafts an atmosphere so tense and unnerving that I was hooked from start to finish, eager to uncover the next twist. If you're a zombie lore and horror fan, this novel is a must-read.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
"Gallows Hill" by Darcy Coates is a gripping exploration of a family's dark legacy. After her parents' sudden death, Margot returns to her eerie childhood home, a place steeped in mystery and foreboding. As she unravels the chilling secrets her family has kept hidden, she finds herself in a deadly struggle for survival.
Although I initially found Margot's character a bit frustrating, she undergoes significant development that makes her journey all the more compelling. Coates crafts an atmosphere so tense and unnerving that I was hooked from start to finish, eager to uncover the next twist. If you're a zombie lore and horror fan, this novel is a must-read.
The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Casey
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Susan Casey masterfully captures the thrill and mystery of deep-sea exploration in The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean. In a year when the ocean has often been in the news for troubling reasons, Casey offers a refreshing and awe-inspiring glimpse into a world few have ever seen firsthand.
Her vivid narration, whether recounting dives as an onboard observer or immersing herself as a participant, is so evocative that readers can almost feel the pressure of the deep and the anticipation of discovery. Casey also shines a spotlight on the passionate individuals dedicated to uncovering the ocean’s secrets, and she does so with such enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to share in her excitement.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone curious about the mysteries beneath the waves or for those looking to see the deep-sea industry in a new, more positive light.
Her vivid narration, whether recounting dives as an onboard observer or immersing herself as a participant, is so evocative that readers can almost feel the pressure of the deep and the anticipation of discovery. Casey also shines a spotlight on the passionate individuals dedicated to uncovering the ocean’s secrets, and she does so with such enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to share in her excitement.
Overall, this is a must-read for anyone curious about the mysteries beneath the waves or for those looking to see the deep-sea industry in a new, more positive light.