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sarahscupofcoffee
A locked room thriller set in a creepy manor while a baking competition show is being filmed (think The Great British Bakeoff vibes). If you want blood and cupcakes, The Golden Spoon is your next read. Grab a cup of coffee, and maybe some cake, and let’s chat.
Before we get started, I’d like to give a huge hug to NetGalley, Jessa Maxwell, and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This was one of my most anticipated releases for March, so I’m honored to have received a copy.
a fun premise
If someone were to ask me to describe this thriller in one word, my response would be fun. This was such a joy to read, which is odd since it’s a thriller and there’s a murder involved. But there’s also cake. I loved the baking show backdrop and it got me in the mood to watch a few episodes of The Great British Baking Show on Netflix.
I don’t want to give a bunch away because it’s a thriller, but the story starts out a lot like Lucy Foley’s thrillers.
a peephole prologue
If you liked The Guest List or The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, you’ll probably love this book.
This isn’t the technical term (I don’t know if there is one), but I call this writing device a “peephole prologue.” The first chapter in the book offers a peephole into the murder. We see someone dripping blood from the top of the baking tent and we know that it’s Betsy, the host, who discovers the body.
And then the timeline zooms back to whenever the story starts and we work our way up to the point in the prologue.
Personally, I don’t like this writing style. This is morbid as fuck, but I don’t like how nobody dies until eighty percent into the book with these thrillers. I like the whodunnit, but I need that to happen after the murder takes place instead of hunting for clues beforehand.
It’s just a personal preference.
multiple pov
To say that this is a multiple point of view thriller is an understatement. We’re told this story from seven (I think) perspectives: one for each contestant and then we get Betsy’s. This was a little disjointing at first before we knew who everyone was, but it does settle. There were bits that were confusing, but it didn’t detract from the book much.
As a side note, I really loved the short chapters. It made the plot go so much faster. We see some scenes from multiple perspectives, but it’s not repetitive. The perspectives will switch at the same point, so we’re not retracing steps.
the ending
Again, I’m not going to go into detail… but the ending was fine. It was predictable, but I don’t think a thriller needs to take you by complete surprise in order for you to have a good time. I saw the murder-related twists coming from a mile away, but I still loved the journey getting there.
What really held my attention was Lottie’s story. Her story is a subplot that feeds into the bigger plot and it’s amazing. I honestly would’ve loved more background and information on her part of the story.
Overall, this was a fun read. I wouldn’t say it’s the best thriller I’ve ever read, but it was a blast. I recommend reading The Golden Spoon for the characters and the setting, especially if you’re into baking and/or competition shows.
Before we get started, I’d like to give a huge hug to NetGalley, Jessa Maxwell, and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This was one of my most anticipated releases for March, so I’m honored to have received a copy.
a fun premise
If someone were to ask me to describe this thriller in one word, my response would be fun. This was such a joy to read, which is odd since it’s a thriller and there’s a murder involved. But there’s also cake. I loved the baking show backdrop and it got me in the mood to watch a few episodes of The Great British Baking Show on Netflix.
I don’t want to give a bunch away because it’s a thriller, but the story starts out a lot like Lucy Foley’s thrillers.
a peephole prologue
If you liked The Guest List or The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, you’ll probably love this book.
This isn’t the technical term (I don’t know if there is one), but I call this writing device a “peephole prologue.” The first chapter in the book offers a peephole into the murder. We see someone dripping blood from the top of the baking tent and we know that it’s Betsy, the host, who discovers the body.
And then the timeline zooms back to whenever the story starts and we work our way up to the point in the prologue.
Personally, I don’t like this writing style. This is morbid as fuck, but I don’t like how nobody dies until eighty percent into the book with these thrillers. I like the whodunnit, but I need that to happen after the murder takes place instead of hunting for clues beforehand.
It’s just a personal preference.
multiple pov
To say that this is a multiple point of view thriller is an understatement. We’re told this story from seven (I think) perspectives: one for each contestant and then we get Betsy’s. This was a little disjointing at first before we knew who everyone was, but it does settle. There were bits that were confusing, but it didn’t detract from the book much.
As a side note, I really loved the short chapters. It made the plot go so much faster. We see some scenes from multiple perspectives, but it’s not repetitive. The perspectives will switch at the same point, so we’re not retracing steps.
the ending
Again, I’m not going to go into detail… but the ending was fine. It was predictable, but I don’t think a thriller needs to take you by complete surprise in order for you to have a good time. I saw the murder-related twists coming from a mile away, but I still loved the journey getting there.
What really held my attention was Lottie’s story. Her story is a subplot that feeds into the bigger plot and it’s amazing. I honestly would’ve loved more background and information on her part of the story.
Overall, this was a fun read. I wouldn’t say it’s the best thriller I’ve ever read, but it was a blast. I recommend reading The Golden Spoon for the characters and the setting, especially if you’re into baking and/or competition shows.
I never know how to review sequels because I don't want to give the story away, but if you enjoyed Anatomy... this book won't disappoint.
Spoilers for Anatomy (not for the sequel):
Spoilers for Immortality:
She evades death through help of some people in high places. The second half of the book is set in London in a palace. She's rescued from the prisons because she's to help this princess in exchange for her freedom. Here she meets a whole bunch of people and gets inducted into a secret society for immortal socialites. I absolutely loved this society! Full of character and interesting conversations.
One of the most interesting things about this book I thought was the introduction of a mild love triangle. A doctor shows up on the scene and I honestly love him for Hazel. I love Jack more, obviously, but Simon is a treasure. He's respectful and sweet, romantic and witty. He would've been great for her if Jack didn't show up unexpectedly.
I could write a whole summary of this book apparently, but this book is full of amazing scenes that will keep you turning pages until your metaphorical candle melts all the way down. The only reason I rated it four stars instead of five was the plot. I found the plot to be weaker than the first, but I didn't mind all that much. I especially loved the writing style and the epilogue. Epilogues are generally dry for me, but I loved how Schwartz changed the writing style to make the "camera" zoom out on various people. Creative and left me feeling satisfied.
Spoilers for Anatomy (not for the sequel):
Spoiler
We follow Hazel as she lives in a post-Jack world. Jack is gone, as alluded to at the end of Anatomy. He decided to leave Hazel to live out her dreams because he would only hold her back, which is not a trope I enjoy by the way. Hazel survives without him and continues to treat patients. I don't know what else to say without giving away the rest of the book... so I'll stop here. You should read it, though.Spoilers for Immortality:
Spoiler
One of the patients she treats poisoned herself in an effort to induce a miscarriage. Hazel ends up going to jail and sentenced to death because she "aided in an abortion," even though she didn't really. She just treated this poor woman who did it to herself. These scenes were the most vivid in the entire novel and literally gave me nightmares. So chilling.She evades death through help of some people in high places. The second half of the book is set in London in a palace. She's rescued from the prisons because she's to help this princess in exchange for her freedom. Here she meets a whole bunch of people and gets inducted into a secret society for immortal socialites. I absolutely loved this society! Full of character and interesting conversations.
One of the most interesting things about this book I thought was the introduction of a mild love triangle. A doctor shows up on the scene and I honestly love him for Hazel. I love Jack more, obviously, but Simon is a treasure. He's respectful and sweet, romantic and witty. He would've been great for her if Jack didn't show up unexpectedly.
I could write a whole summary of this book apparently, but this book is full of amazing scenes that will keep you turning pages until your metaphorical candle melts all the way down. The only reason I rated it four stars instead of five was the plot. I found the plot to be weaker than the first, but I didn't mind all that much. I especially loved the writing style and the epilogue. Epilogues are generally dry for me, but I loved how Schwartz changed the writing style to make the "camera" zoom out on various people. Creative and left me feeling satisfied.
When I think about a story of witchcraft, I usually think about flamboyant magic. Emilia Hart delivers a more subtle story about generational witchery in her debut novel, Weyward. We follow the stories of three woman across five centuries as they discover themselves and their self worth.
The Women
The first perspective we follow is that of Altha, a young woman awaiting trial for witchcraft and murder in 1619. I think her story is my favorite of the three because it took place so long ago. Being able to peek into the perspective of someone who is accused of witchcraft is heartbreaking and fascinating at the same time.
This book made me so angry in many instances, but it was beautifully written and designed to evoke an emotional response.
The second woman we meet is Kate, whom is actively fleeing an abusive relationship.
Please check trigger warnings for this book before reading because there are detailed scenes with domestic and sexual assault throughout, as well as abortions and miscarriages. Tread lightly and practice self care.
Anyway, we’re in 2019 with Kate as she flees this disgusting man for a cottage that she inherited from her great aunt, whom she didn’t know well.
The last perspective we see things from is Violet’s in 1942 as she battles a war of being herself in a time where playing with bugs was considered “unladylike.” Violet is the only woman we follow that is one hundred percent sure of herself and knows exactly who she wants to be, but the world won’t let that happen.
The Three POVs
We bounce from perspective to perspective, which was very confusing for me at first. I put down the eBook at about thirty percent the first time I picked this up because I knew that I needed the audio in order to get through it. I requested the audiobook from NetGalley not thinking I would get it, but I ended up getting approved! I immediately picked it back up and the audio is fantastic.
I highly recommend the audiobook because there are three narrators and they do a fabulous job.
Nature & Witchcraft
I know this blog is brand new so you don’t know me well enough yet, but I’m a witch and I adored this book. Witchy books are iffy with me because some of them paint Wiccans or those who practice witchcraft in a terrible light. I do realize that they’re fiction and allowed to have fantasy elements, but some of these witchy reads are insulting.
Weyward is not one of them. Obviously, witchcraft in Weyward isn’t reflective of how it’s practiced in the real world, but I loved the nods to our practice within the pages.
For example, the witchy elements present in this novel are grounded in nature. My husband is a druid and if he read like I do, he would love this book simply because of how witchcraft and nature are connected. I also really liked the addition of familiars and how the women were able to tether themselves to animals.
I also adored how witchcraft wasn’t this big, flamboyant show of power. It’s subtle. It’s talking to bees and having a crow help you find your way out of the forest. It’s growing things and being fascinated by nature. I just loved the way that this book depicted witchcraft.
The Epilogue
Endings are important to me. A shitty ending could take a five star read to a three star read. I cried at the epilogue because it was perfect. Epilogues are usually these fluffy, skippable bits at the end of the book where you see a smiling family with a baby that you didn’t get to meet. They’re fake.
Weyward’s epilogue was beautiful because it actually tied up loose ends and answered questions.
Final Thoughts
I can talk about this book for hours, so I’ll stop here. I’m rating it four stars because I’m stingy with my five star ratings, but I want a physical copy for my shelf. Admittedly, I haven’t read Practical Magic, but if you liked the movie (Sandra Bullock is a queen) you would probably adore this book. Similar vibes.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with both the audiobook and an eBook of Weyward in exchange for an honest review.
The Women
The first perspective we follow is that of Altha, a young woman awaiting trial for witchcraft and murder in 1619. I think her story is my favorite of the three because it took place so long ago. Being able to peek into the perspective of someone who is accused of witchcraft is heartbreaking and fascinating at the same time.
Spoiler
There is a scene from Altha’s perspective that had my jaw on the floor. During her trial, she is accused of having a witch’s mark and is stripped naked in front of the jury, judge, and gallery to prove its existence. It made me so angry for Altha.This book made me so angry in many instances, but it was beautifully written and designed to evoke an emotional response.
The second woman we meet is Kate, whom is actively fleeing an abusive relationship.
Please check trigger warnings for this book before reading because there are detailed scenes with domestic and sexual assault throughout, as well as abortions and miscarriages. Tread lightly and practice self care.
Anyway, we’re in 2019 with Kate as she flees this disgusting man for a cottage that she inherited from her great aunt, whom she didn’t know well.
The last perspective we see things from is Violet’s in 1942 as she battles a war of being herself in a time where playing with bugs was considered “unladylike.” Violet is the only woman we follow that is one hundred percent sure of herself and knows exactly who she wants to be, but the world won’t let that happen.
The Three POVs
We bounce from perspective to perspective, which was very confusing for me at first. I put down the eBook at about thirty percent the first time I picked this up because I knew that I needed the audio in order to get through it. I requested the audiobook from NetGalley not thinking I would get it, but I ended up getting approved! I immediately picked it back up and the audio is fantastic.
I highly recommend the audiobook because there are three narrators and they do a fabulous job.
Nature & Witchcraft
I know this blog is brand new so you don’t know me well enough yet, but I’m a witch and I adored this book. Witchy books are iffy with me because some of them paint Wiccans or those who practice witchcraft in a terrible light. I do realize that they’re fiction and allowed to have fantasy elements, but some of these witchy reads are insulting.
Weyward is not one of them. Obviously, witchcraft in Weyward isn’t reflective of how it’s practiced in the real world, but I loved the nods to our practice within the pages.
For example, the witchy elements present in this novel are grounded in nature. My husband is a druid and if he read like I do, he would love this book simply because of how witchcraft and nature are connected. I also really liked the addition of familiars and how the women were able to tether themselves to animals.
I also adored how witchcraft wasn’t this big, flamboyant show of power. It’s subtle. It’s talking to bees and having a crow help you find your way out of the forest. It’s growing things and being fascinated by nature. I just loved the way that this book depicted witchcraft.
The Epilogue
Endings are important to me. A shitty ending could take a five star read to a three star read. I cried at the epilogue because it was perfect. Epilogues are usually these fluffy, skippable bits at the end of the book where you see a smiling family with a baby that you didn’t get to meet. They’re fake.
Weyward’s epilogue was beautiful because it actually tied up loose ends and answered questions.
Final Thoughts
I can talk about this book for hours, so I’ll stop here. I’m rating it four stars because I’m stingy with my five star ratings, but I want a physical copy for my shelf. Admittedly, I haven’t read Practical Magic, but if you liked the movie (Sandra Bullock is a queen) you would probably adore this book. Similar vibes.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with both the audiobook and an eBook of Weyward in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such a struggle and I don't know why. I don't have any concrete criticism besides not connecting with anything. I didn't give two shits about the characters, the plot was all over the place, and all of the twists at the end were frustrating as all hell. I really don't understand the hype with this one. The love triangle was very frustrating to deal with and the resolution at the end was mind boggling.
I don't know. The writing as fine, the plot was... fine, the characters were annoying and I didn't like any of them (except for a female archer that played as a side character... I liked her). This was just not a great book and I won't be reading the sequel.
The only reason I didn't DNF it was because I previously DNFed another 500+ page book for worse reasons and I need a large book for a reading challenge.
Spoiler
Our main character falls for a demon and when he's revealed as a demon, she's hell bent on escaping (since he fucking captures her and does all of this horrible shit). Then, he tries to make amends because he loves her and she wants nothing to do with him. She ends up being with the prince (the other side of the triangle). The prince breaks off his arranged engagement at this point. Like. If you loved her, why the fuck didn't you do that before?? If it was that easy, why did you wait and do it at the very end?? Frustrating as all hell. The book ends and tries to get you to read the second one by dangling the possibility of her actually falling for the evil demon dude instead. Like. Come the fuck on.I don't know. The writing as fine, the plot was... fine, the characters were annoying and I didn't like any of them (except for a female archer that played as a side character... I liked her). This was just not a great book and I won't be reading the sequel.
The only reason I didn't DNF it was because I previously DNFed another 500+ page book for worse reasons and I need a large book for a reading challenge.
Easy to read and super sweet, this is the perfect palate cleanser if you're looking for a young adult romance. This book wasn't deep or profound. There's no real lesson to be learned. It's just a fun fluff book that will make your heart happy. I can see this book making a great movie, maybe even better than the book? It's short; the audiobook is only five hours long. Easy to read in a day and prefect for readathons.
TJR convinced me that Daisy Jones & the Six was a real band and that she actually interviewed them. I thought the author's note was from her perspective until I Googled it and realized that this band is fictional, but based off of Fleetwood Mac. I am a HUGE Stevie Nicks fan, so this knowledge deepened the love I have for this book. It was such a great story and I loved how it was written entirely in transcript form. As a side note, the audio is full cast and probably the best audiobook I've ever listened to. Ever. Highly recommend it.
Well, this novella did its job. I picked it up because I'm in a horrible reading slump. It's short (the audio is less than an hour long) and I was told that it's emotional. Backman made me cry. This is a heartbreaking story about an elderly man who is losing his memory. And Every Morning was my first Backman and now I need more; the writing was outstanding. Even though it was a short novella, this story will stick with me.
Set in New York City, we're following a roommate romance between a surfer and an engineer-turned romance writer. When Rosie's ceiling caves in, she escapes to her best friend's studio apartment while she's on her honeymoon. Turns out, this best friend already told her cousin that the studio would be free and he shows up, as well.
As a solid three star read, The American Roommate Experiment had its moments. Despite not enjoying much of the spice or the sexy talk (it was awkward somehow?), there was a small smile plastered on my lips throughout the reading experience.
The meet cute was adorable. As mentioned above, Rosie meets her best friend's cousin, Lucas, while staying in her studio apartment. Rosie thinks that Lucas is breaking in. Classic rom-com meet cute and it's hilarious.
From there, they flirt as they get to know each other, which was enjoyable to read about. When the actual title of the novel comes into play, it starts to lose me.
Since Rosie is a romance writer, she has a deadline for her next book and she's struggling with writer's block. Lucas proposes that she go on fake dates with him to inspire her. Like... what?
The thing is, Lucas delivers. He takes her on these incredible, swoon-worthy dates and they both catching feelings (saw that coming). This was just a very standard romantic comedy. There wasn't really anything new about it. As such, I could probably write a full on spoiler review and not really spoil anything.
All of the plot points were predictable and Lucas started to annoy me halfway through. It's like he's written as a stereotypical telenovela character.
The audio is also almost fifteen hours long. When a romance is fifteen hours long, I want a serious slow burn that will make me pine through those hours. Even though it was kind of a slow burn... it wasn't really because of the fake dates. They weren't "real," but they were real, you know?
The American Roommate Experiment wasn't my thing, but it might be yours. The New York vibes were great, as was the first half of the book. If you don't mind plots like these and you're looking for a sexy male love interest who can cook, their story may interest you. There is a lot of food.
https://www.instagram.com/darkroastbooks/
As a solid three star read, The American Roommate Experiment had its moments. Despite not enjoying much of the spice or the sexy talk (it was awkward somehow?), there was a small smile plastered on my lips throughout the reading experience.
The meet cute was adorable. As mentioned above, Rosie meets her best friend's cousin, Lucas, while staying in her studio apartment. Rosie thinks that Lucas is breaking in. Classic rom-com meet cute and it's hilarious.
From there, they flirt as they get to know each other, which was enjoyable to read about. When the actual title of the novel comes into play, it starts to lose me.
Since Rosie is a romance writer, she has a deadline for her next book and she's struggling with writer's block. Lucas proposes that she go on fake dates with him to inspire her. Like... what?
The thing is, Lucas delivers. He takes her on these incredible, swoon-worthy dates and they both catching feelings (saw that coming). This was just a very standard romantic comedy. There wasn't really anything new about it. As such, I could probably write a full on spoiler review and not really spoil anything.
All of the plot points were predictable and Lucas started to annoy me halfway through. It's like he's written as a stereotypical telenovela character.
The audio is also almost fifteen hours long. When a romance is fifteen hours long, I want a serious slow burn that will make me pine through those hours. Even though it was kind of a slow burn... it wasn't really because of the fake dates. They weren't "real," but they were real, you know?
The American Roommate Experiment wasn't my thing, but it might be yours. The New York vibes were great, as was the first half of the book. If you don't mind plots like these and you're looking for a sexy male love interest who can cook, their story may interest you. There is a lot of food.
https://www.instagram.com/darkroastbooks/
A YA thriller-slash-horror novel about a very small town about monsters that lurk in the neighboring woods.
I don't typically like young adult horror or thriller books, but Erin A. Craig knows how to captivate all audiences with her writing. Small Favors is listed as a fantasy, horror, romance, but I loved that the romance in this book took a backseat to the main monster plot.
Now, just because this book is categorized as YA... that doesn't mean there isn't blood. There's plenty of blood and gore that comes with a horror book. I'm finding that I enjoy YA books that treat their main characters like adults. I forget sometimes that the characters in this book are teens and children.
The atmospheric setting and twisted plot were my favorite parts of this book, but each character was well thought out, too. If you liked her debut, House of Salt and Sorrows, you need to check this out one. You'll love it (plus the sequel comes out in a few months).
Plus: I'm dying to make that honey cake. My god, my mouth was watering the whole time.
I don't typically like young adult horror or thriller books, but Erin A. Craig knows how to captivate all audiences with her writing. Small Favors is listed as a fantasy, horror, romance, but I loved that the romance in this book took a backseat to the main monster plot.
Now, just because this book is categorized as YA... that doesn't mean there isn't blood. There's plenty of blood and gore that comes with a horror book. I'm finding that I enjoy YA books that treat their main characters like adults. I forget sometimes that the characters in this book are teens and children.
The atmospheric setting and twisted plot were my favorite parts of this book, but each character was well thought out, too. If you liked her debut, House of Salt and Sorrows, you need to check this out one. You'll love it (plus the sequel comes out in a few months).
Plus: I'm dying to make that honey cake. My god, my mouth was watering the whole time.
Find me on Instagram: @darkroastbooks
We all know her. The career-minded woman from Hallmark movies who gets her heels stuck in mud as she tries to “rough it.”
You know, the one whose fiancé or boyfriend leaves after a work trip to a small town after he meets an adorable baker?
Instead of reading about the adorable baker, we’re reading about the woman whom is always described as a shark and it’s wonderful.
Nora Stevens is a literary agent in New York, so she has a very demanding job. She’s been accused of having no feelings and has a nickname around the office: the shark.
When Nora’s little sister begs her for a getaway before bringing her third child into the world, Nora can’t say no.
We all know her. The career-minded woman from Hallmark movies who gets her heels stuck in mud as she tries to “rough it.”
You know, the one whose fiancé or boyfriend leaves after a work trip to a small town after he meets an adorable baker?
Instead of reading about the adorable baker, we’re reading about the woman whom is always described as a shark and it’s wonderful.
Nora Stevens is a literary agent in New York, so she has a very demanding job. She’s been accused of having no feelings and has a nickname around the office: the shark.
When Nora’s little sister begs her for a getaway before bringing her third child into the world, Nora can’t say no.