3.8 Stars

The book is written in rhyming verse and has sweet illustrations about a brother and sister who have to play a fun game to earn jellybeans.

While the verse as such wasn’t gripping, the concept was. The book isn’t limited to teaching kids about sharing. It talks of being patient, planning, and knowing how to win. There’s a bit of subtle financial advice for kids about saving.

That said, parents/ teachers will have to explain it to the kids and start a discussion. The themes in the book can be interpreted for different aspects, so that’s a win-win situation at the end.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Mascot Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

#DashandNikki #NetGalley

3.7 Stars

One Liner: The historical timeline worked better.

Eleanor Wilder goes back to Pembrokeshire from London to start afresh. After falling sick and being hospitalized, she’s too weak to manage the business in the bustling city. Her love for theatre and theatrical costumes made her a successful businesswoman, and she can easily continue it online from her parent’s house.

The trip back home brings back her interest in tracing the ancestors. The name Esme Blood calls to her soul. In fact, Eleanor finds that nature is giving her the necessary clues to know what happened to Esme.

Back in 1875, Esme Blood is a young girl born to a teenage mother who left her in a fortune tellers’ tent and vanished. Esme only has a doll to call her own. She’s lucky that Rose and her husband have adopted and loved her like their own.

But Esme’s life is not easy. Each time she finds that happiness is within reach, something happens that makes things worse. Is Esme’s life only about uncovering secrets and yearning for a happy ever after?

How is Esme connected to Eleanor apart from the obvious family link? The Tarot cards show hope. Is it possible to hope for love and find it too?

The Music Makers is the second book in the series and pretty much follows the same format as the first one. The heroine has the urge to find out what happened to a certain ancestor and is helped by diaries written by the ancestor.

What Worked for Me:

• I’ve been fascinated by tarot cards since I was in high school. Tarot cards are an intrinsic part of the book. So that’s a definite plus. One day, I’m going to learn how to read tarot cards.
• Esme is a strong character. Though her decisions seem a little rash at times, she sees them through and doesn’t give up.
• Eleanor is smart, sensible, and loving. The way she handles her illness and her business was a treat to read.
• A majority of the historical track is interesting and engaging. Lynette, Aaron, Cassie, etc., were intriguing in their own way.
• The shift between past and present is clear and doesn’t cause any confusion.
• The use of Victorian theatre throughout the book was consistent and artful. In fact, I loved the role of theatre and tarot cards more than music (which went on and off).
• There’s no need to read book one to read this. It works as a standalone.

What Didn’t Work for Me:

• The connection between Eleanor and Arthur wasn’t explored properly. In dual timelines, one timeline suffers, and this book is no exception.
• There are too many characters again. But this time, they come towards the end and create confusion. Since it happens at a stage where the story picks up speed and races towards the conclusion, it gets overwhelming.
• The relationships reminded me of Ekta Kapoor’s daily soaps (Indians will know what I mean). I was tempted to round down to 3 stars. But such convoluted relationships are not new (I’ve read enough Regency and Victorian books to know that as a fact), so I let it go.

To sum up, The Music Makers is a good continuation of the series. While I enjoyed it, I wouldn’t call it the best. Still, I’m looking forward to reading the next one.

Maybe the author will use a new technique to reveal the past in book three. Diaries are convenient but can get boring if they are used multiple times in the same series.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sapere Books, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#TheMusicMakers #NetGalley

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Breezy and light cozy mystery collection.

The Return of Hester Lynton is a collection of ten cases Hester solved during her time as a detective. Ivy is her assistant and the author of the book (yep, a lady Watson to the lady Holmes).

The cases are all different from one another and keep the interest sustained. Some are dangerous, while others are easy to deal with. The clientele includes people from all strata of society, ranging from a school teacher to a military head.

Most cases are straightforward and don’t have any unexpected twists. This works for some and makes a couple of too bland. Still, the overall result is above average. I went with minimum expectations, and that helped me enjoy this book a lot more. I could guess a few cases, but that’s fine too. I like to solve cases on my own.

My top three cases from the book:

The Case of the Fanshaw Inheritance: Who doesn’t like cryptic codes?

The Mystery of the Locked Room: I’ll admit I like women who can handle a gun with ease. ;)

The Puzzle of the Whitby Housemaid: Nothing like a grumpy doctor and a mysterious house to create interest.

To conclude, The Return of Hester Lynton is a lighthearted cozy mystery from the Victorian era and a nice tribute to Holmes. Hester isn’t Holmes, though. Remember that, and you’ll like the book even more (personal experience).

Thank you, NetGalley and Lume Books, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#TheReturnofHesterLynton #NetGalley

*****

Read the full review here

4.5 Stars

Home for a While is a story about little Calvin who goes to live with a foster caregiver for a while. He is depressed, dejected, angry, unwilling to trust, and unable to express his feelings. However, Maggie is patient and suggests ways for him to let go of his pent-up frustrations.

Each night Maggie asks him if she can hug him. Calvin wonders why she wants to. Each night, she gives him an answer that instills confidence in him.

It’s great to see a picture book tackle issues like foster care and overwhelming emotions. I love the illustrations (they felt so real!) and the steady progress from frustration to mild hope to acceptance.

It would have been great if Maggie and Calvin talked about what’s hurting him. But given the complexity of the issue and the length of picture books, it might have gotten a little too much.

Maybe a sequel for this to show how to initiate a conversation and express their feelings in words?

To conclude, Home for a While is a sad yet beautiful book. It can be used as a basis to start discussing foster care and how it impacts kids.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, American Psychological Association, and Magination Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

#HomeforAWhile #NetGalley

This is my first book by the author, and I'm pretty impressed with the plotline and execution. Despite dealing with a multitude of issues, the book doesn't overwhelm the reader or feel like a pamphlet of social issues.

The writing is funny, quirky, and serious at the same time. It took me a little time to get used to the narration, but once I did, the flow was smooth and enjoyable. The three main characters- Madeline, Celeste, and Jane make a strong impact as the story progresses. Some of the other characters are just as interesting.

This isn't a thriller or a mystery as such, though it has a murder. The identity of the victim is hidden until the climax. I could pretty much connect the dots, though I couldn't place them in neat order.

Two things that annoyed me were the excessive use of adverbs (way too many) and references to Bonnie's yoga. I'm so tired of yoga being treated as an exotic exercise regime, coupled with veganism, social service, and classic music. Please, gimme a break! (Oh, did I mention funky jewelry and loose, unflattering clothes. Ugh!)

I'm still giving the book 4 stars because it deals with some vital issues without sounding too preachy. The touch of dark humor was good to read.

Okayyy...

Disclaimer: I read the book to tick off the last prompt for a reading challenge- Read a Pulitzer-winning book.

Confession: I'm super wary of award-winning books. Period.

After shortlisting three short books for the prompt, I decided to go with this one. Don't ask why. It just felt better somehow. Trying to overcome my wariness, I read the detailed summary of the book on Wiki. Yes, I pretty much knew what would happen in each story even before I read the first page. No, that's not how I ever read books.

I admit the summary helped me a lot. I didn't have to wonder what the whole point of a story was or what I was supposed to understand from it. Go with the flow works rather well here. As much as I sort of felt bad for Olive (even Chris and Henry), I couldn't really feel anything else.

The distanced, discontinued, and vague sort-of narration doesn't seem to help me at all. I felt the same with My Name is Lucy Barton. Only, here I felt it had a better ending, which still seemed to end... just like that.

Let me conclude this (non) review by saying that I'm glad I tried, but that's about it. My wariness stands justified.

Fans of the author/ book, please excuse the review. I'm happy you love it. It's not for me. Let's respect that.

*****

P.S: Giving it 3 stars because I did understand some of the stories (thanks to Wiki again).

3.8 Stars

One-Liner: Steady-paced thriller with corporate and Pharma dealings

Rick Cahill is leading a settled life after pretty much giving up on dangerous detective pursuits. His fiancée, Leah, is pregnant with their child, and Rick is more than delighted by the news. However, his health seems to be a concern, as the headaches suggest a grave brain-related disease. Rick just wants to stay alive long enough to see his child and maybe spend some quality time with the baby.

When Moria, his dear friend, and investigative partner, calls for help, Rick knows he’ll do anything for her. She’s been through thick and thin by his side, and it’s time to help her. Moria’s son Luke seems to have broken a restraining order, and she wants to know what Luke is up to.

Rick finds the request simple enough. However, the surveillance and Luke’s subsequent disappearance, followed by deaths in the past and present complicate the case. Rick is now deep into the dealings of the corporate and Pharma world. With billions of dollars at stake, no life is safe. It’s up to Rick to find the truth and keep Luke alive (if he isn’t already dead). Of course, it feels as if Rick’s time has become rather limited on the earth.

Will Rick manage to expose the dark dealings and stay alive long enough to see his child?

Last Redemption is the eighth book in the series and can be read as a standalone. It starts a little slow but soon picks up the pace and keeps the story going. There’s a mystery, thrill, suspense, intrigue, danger, and action.

Even though this is my first book, I had no trouble understanding the relationship between the characters. There are enough snippets to provide a backstory when necessary. Rick is a rugged PI who goes more by instinct than by the book (PIs can’t solve cases if they go by the book). That puts him in danger more than once, but it goes with the job. He’s extra worried this time because of the ticking clock and a miracle child on the way.

The plot is revealed one step at a time through different characters and developments. I enjoyed how the whole thing was structured to arrive at the final conclusion. The culprit wasn’t hard to guess. In fact, we pretty much know who it is halfway through. The rest of it is to uncover the what, how, when, why and bring everything together.

There were a couple of incidents that made me wonder why Rick didn’t think of those on his own. He is an experienced PI, after all. But I let go because his character was clearly not at his best in this book. He was worried about the brain damage, and that most likely affected his instincts.

There’s an epilogue of sorts, which ties up the loose ends (almost). The book ends in such a way that there may or may not be a continuation. It leaves the reader satisfied and gives the author a chance to decide what to do with the series.

The story reminded me of the current scenario where a section of the Indian media and opposition has been lobbying for Pfizer to be brought when our Indian vaccines are already effective. The misinformation doesn't seem to stop when money is involved.

To sum up, Last Redemption is a steady-paced thriller with a capable PI taking control of the case. I’m going to check out the previous books in the series and start from the first.

Thank you, NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#LastRedemption #NetGalley

*****

P.S: I ignored the typos and minute errors as my e-galley was an uncorrected proof copy.

3.5 Stars

Soomi is a cute little girl eager to wear her new sweater to school. The sweater is too big, but her mother pins it up when Soomi insists. However, a thread starts to unravel from the sleeve and grows into a big, round hole. Her friends try to help her fix it in vain.

Soomi is sad and dejected. Her mother fixes it up nice and good, and Soomi learns to wait and grow up before she wears the sweater again. The story, as such, is quite simple. The illustrations are a bit rough but lively and cheerful. I loved Soomi’s tiny fountain that moves as she does.

There’s diversity in illustrations, which was good to see. The book is for kids aged 4 and above, and there isn’t anything else that memorable in the story. It’s a cute one, though.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Clavis Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

#ClavisPublishing #NetGalley

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming.

Gabrielle Winslow and Lulu Quattro are estranged half-sisters with debts, pain, and a common dislike for their mother’s controlling methods. Bette has passed away recently and left detailed instructions for her daughters to fulfill her wishes before they can get their inheritance.

Gabi and Lulu resent that Bette is controlling them even after death. They are both in dire need of money to continue living with dignity. Moreover, relations have been strained, and working together doesn’t seem like a good option.

With no other choice, Gabi and Lulu visit Bette’s house and discover a huge secret collection, almost all of the best from Chanel, Bette’s favorite brand. Confused, annoyed, frustrated, and uncertain, the sisters start to work out their differences and try to find out what Bette wanted them to do with her collection.

The path they choose is not easy, but they learn some valuable lessons on the way. Gabi needs to get over her ex-husband’s betrayal and the messy divorce, while Lulu needs to spread her wings and look beyond her late husband’s family bakery. The two sisters need to find each other again and learn to forgive themselves and others. But is it really possible? Can Gabi and Lulu rebuild their bond and also forge a new path to the future and happiness?

As the title suggests, the book relies heavily on fashion and brands (Chanel being the predominant one). However, it is relationships and emotions that keep the momentum going. Gabi is fifty-five and seven years older than Lulu. The sisters are opposite in many ways, be it their sense of fashion, appearance, or approach to life.

Relationships, self-love, and happiness are major themes of the book. We see how Bette pushes Gabi and Lulu to take control of their lives again and do what makes them happy. The story is presented from both their perspectives, giving us insights into their lives.

The reader might be tempted to support one sister a wee bit more than the other, though we want them to sort their differences and become close as they used to be. I was team Gabi even before the book touched 20%. That didn’t stop me from empathizing with Lulu and her circumstances.

The book dragged a little in the second half. As much as I liked Nicholas and Seth (Lulu’s sons) and the other interesting ladies (Bette’s friends), I wanted the story to move a little faster. However, it managed to provide a happy and satisfying ending.

To sum up, The Fashion Orphans is a heartwarming story about love, forgiveness, and relationships. Happy to add that the book doesn’t focus on romance though there’s a glimmer of hope and lots to look forward to.

Thank you, NetGalley, Blue Box Press, and AuthorBuzz, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#NetGalley

**Happy Publication Day**

One of my favorites this year.

*****

4.5 Stars

True to the title, Small Things Like These is a small book that shows how small things matter the most. We aren’t talking about the small pleasures of life here. The book deals with the history of Magdalene Laundries (or the asylums). The story is fictional, but it could very well be true. In fact, I wonder how many were lucky enough to have their life turned the way it happens in the book.
If you are wondering what I’m talking about, you will first need to read about Magdalene Asylums set up in different parts of Europe and Australia. Understanding the subtle nuances of the book is not possible without knowing the dark history of the topic.
When a friend asked me to read about Magdalene Laundries, I looked up on Google and remembered that I came across this topic before. There was an episode of Miss Prynne Fisher Mysteries (in the Australian setting) that showed how the lives of the girls in these asylums were no less than a nightmare.
Coming back to the book, Small Things Like These is set in 1895 Ireland during Christmas. It shows Bill Furlong’s life in the then present-day as a successful coal merchant. The story takes us back to his childhood, artfully contrasting the miseries of the unfortunate girls forced to stay at the Magdalene laundries with no chance at the future.
The story is atmospheric, emotional, and wonderful. Not because it shows the truth of how the Catholic Church ensures silence from the crowd. But because it underplays the power to perfection. Bill’s emotions and thoughts dominate the book. His life is proof of how things could have been better.
In three scenes (two short and one medium-sized), the author brings out the mirror and places it right in the brutal asylum with huge walls and padlocked doors. There is no escape except death. And death came in abundance, but not when the girls wanted it.
To see the correct image in the mirror, you need to know what the asylum stood for. There is a note at the end of the book, but I recommend reading the history before picking up this book.
Don’t ignore this book, though. The language is beautiful, and the author’s control over her narrative is evident. She could have made this into an extended drama. But she chose not to. For me, that’s the biggest plus of the book. Though I’m a fan of happy (and proper) endings, I know this book ended at the right place. It leaves us wondering how things would go next, though we know what is likely to happen.
Overall, I would say, go read the book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.

P.S: I can’t wait to see the cover they’d design for this book.
#SmallThingsLikeThese #NetGalley