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3.7 Stars
One Liner: Interesting; got potential; needs better editing
Sutradhar is a collection of seven short stories, retellings of ancient myths and historical incidents from a new perspective. The stories vary in length, themes, and topics. From the time River Sarasvati flowed to the British rule and partition, the stories cover a vast spectrum of history.
Newton’s First: It has strong imagery and sets the tone for the book. I wasn’t sure about the intentions of a character because I have no idea which retelling this is.
The Law: My favorite. It’s about Chanakya, after all. From the IHC project to MBA, my interest in politics and laws is because of this great man.
The Lament: This is set during Asoka’s last days in this world. It has some valuable lessons to offer. The narration is gripping and suits the context.
A Mirror for the Ants: The biggest story in the book and is divided into acts. The second-best, in my opinion, though the philosophical part overpowers the imagery and narration.
A One Penny Tune: Yet another philosophical story with a lesson. Set during British rule, it holds a mirror to the then conditioning of the society.
The Offering: This was the first story I read in the book (it’s the smallest one). Emotions are strong in this one, though I found the shift a little abrupt. A longer version will have a much higher impact.
The Path of a Coward: It is set during the India-Pakistan partition and starts with a bang. The story held the same momentum until about 85%, after which it went philosophical again. Not sure how I feel about ending the book that way.
The overall writing is pretty easy to read, though it’s a little uneven at times. I couldn’t help but notice the adverbs that appear either in succession or don’t show up at all. I did enjoy the seamless interweaving of prose and poetry. The vivid imagery is a plus, though rhetoric makes it a bit too heavy (which wasn’t always necessary, imo).
The author shared his writing experience (when we spoke), and he said how he wrote the book over a few years. That explains the bumps, which can be ironed out with a thorough round of editing (missing punctuation towards the end) and some structural developments.
Overall, Sutradhar is a good collection of historical short stories with a dose of magic and philosophy. The stories have good potential to please a wider range of audiences.
One Liner: Interesting; got potential; needs better editing
Sutradhar is a collection of seven short stories, retellings of ancient myths and historical incidents from a new perspective. The stories vary in length, themes, and topics. From the time River Sarasvati flowed to the British rule and partition, the stories cover a vast spectrum of history.
Newton’s First: It has strong imagery and sets the tone for the book. I wasn’t sure about the intentions of a character because I have no idea which retelling this is.
The Law: My favorite. It’s about Chanakya, after all. From the IHC project to MBA, my interest in politics and laws is because of this great man.
The Lament: This is set during Asoka’s last days in this world. It has some valuable lessons to offer. The narration is gripping and suits the context.
A Mirror for the Ants: The biggest story in the book and is divided into acts. The second-best, in my opinion, though the philosophical part overpowers the imagery and narration.
A One Penny Tune: Yet another philosophical story with a lesson. Set during British rule, it holds a mirror to the then conditioning of the society.
The Offering: This was the first story I read in the book (it’s the smallest one). Emotions are strong in this one, though I found the shift a little abrupt. A longer version will have a much higher impact.
The Path of a Coward: It is set during the India-Pakistan partition and starts with a bang. The story held the same momentum until about 85%, after which it went philosophical again. Not sure how I feel about ending the book that way.
The overall writing is pretty easy to read, though it’s a little uneven at times. I couldn’t help but notice the adverbs that appear either in succession or don’t show up at all. I did enjoy the seamless interweaving of prose and poetry. The vivid imagery is a plus, though rhetoric makes it a bit too heavy (which wasn’t always necessary, imo).
The author shared his writing experience (when we spoke), and he said how he wrote the book over a few years. That explains the bumps, which can be ironed out with a thorough round of editing (missing punctuation towards the end) and some structural developments.
Overall, Sutradhar is a good collection of historical short stories with a dose of magic and philosophy. The stories have good potential to please a wider range of audiences.
4 Stars
One-Liner: Cozy mystery when you don’t want to tax your grey cells.
Jack and Flora are back again in the third installment of the series. The duo arrives in Cornwall to research Jack’s book and enjoy the sights in the country. However, Flora stumbles over a dead body right behind the cottage they rented, that too on the very next day of their arrival.
Now, Flora cannot resist a mystery, more so since the local police seem to be doing nothing. Jack wants to work on his book, though he manages to assist Flora and get some research done. When the reason for the crime forks into the past (the time of WWII) and the victim’s personal life, it’s up to Flora and Jack to find the actual cause of the crime and identify the killer.
Of course, the killer is on guard and has attempted to attack the duo more than once. The duo needs to keep themselves safe and unearth the killer. A tough task in a different country, isn’t it?
My Observations:
• It’s a small book (268 pages) and has a steady pace throughout. Moreover, it reads well as a standalone (and there isn’t too much information dump about the previous books).
• The writing in this one felt a little different (I found way too many adverbs), though the tone hasn’t changed.
• The characters are pretty much black and white. If you want layered and complex characters, this is not the book. But if you want something that adheres to the cozy mystery checklist, pick this book.
• The descriptions of places in Cornwall were beautiful. I enjoyed the scenic beauty of the locations.
• The mystery is neither strong nor weak. I guessed the killer more on instinct, though the clues confirmed my guess soon enough.
• There are no unexpected twists, no melodrama, or heavy stuff. There’s some progress in the personal track, but it’s limited to one character.
• The book ends with a sort of bait to keep the reader guessing about what the next book will be about, which I rather liked. The current case is complete, and the new one will start fresh in the next one.
To Sum up, Murder at Primrose Cottage is a good continuation of the series and works well as a breather between heavy reads. Pick it up if you want a cozy mystery that doesn’t require too much effort to read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #MurderatPrimroseCottageAFloraSteeleMysteryBook3
One-Liner: Cozy mystery when you don’t want to tax your grey cells.
Jack and Flora are back again in the third installment of the series. The duo arrives in Cornwall to research Jack’s book and enjoy the sights in the country. However, Flora stumbles over a dead body right behind the cottage they rented, that too on the very next day of their arrival.
Now, Flora cannot resist a mystery, more so since the local police seem to be doing nothing. Jack wants to work on his book, though he manages to assist Flora and get some research done. When the reason for the crime forks into the past (the time of WWII) and the victim’s personal life, it’s up to Flora and Jack to find the actual cause of the crime and identify the killer.
Of course, the killer is on guard and has attempted to attack the duo more than once. The duo needs to keep themselves safe and unearth the killer. A tough task in a different country, isn’t it?
My Observations:
• It’s a small book (268 pages) and has a steady pace throughout. Moreover, it reads well as a standalone (and there isn’t too much information dump about the previous books).
• The writing in this one felt a little different (I found way too many adverbs), though the tone hasn’t changed.
• The characters are pretty much black and white. If you want layered and complex characters, this is not the book. But if you want something that adheres to the cozy mystery checklist, pick this book.
• The descriptions of places in Cornwall were beautiful. I enjoyed the scenic beauty of the locations.
• The mystery is neither strong nor weak. I guessed the killer more on instinct, though the clues confirmed my guess soon enough.
• There are no unexpected twists, no melodrama, or heavy stuff. There’s some progress in the personal track, but it’s limited to one character.
• The book ends with a sort of bait to keep the reader guessing about what the next book will be about, which I rather liked. The current case is complete, and the new one will start fresh in the next one.
To Sum up, Murder at Primrose Cottage is a good continuation of the series and works well as a breather between heavy reads. Pick it up if you want a cozy mystery that doesn’t require too much effort to read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #MurderatPrimroseCottageAFloraSteeleMysteryBook3
4.2 Stars
One Liner: Lighthearted and enjoyable.
Liddy Latham, a seventy-something woman, belongs to the Taylor family that owns more than half the land in Bonnet, a small town in Texas. She is cheery, determined, loving, and famous for arranging funeral dinners.
Matilda Monroe comes from the Davis family that has a 30-year plus feud with the Taylor family. Matilda arrives back in Bonnet, intent on destroying Liddy’s life and family. While Liddy’s family backs and supports her all the way, Matilda doesn’t seem to find allies in her own family. After all, not everyone is stupid. That doesn’t deter her, though.
As if the feud isn’t enough, Matilda’s son, Nick, and Liddy’s niece, Amelia, get attracted to each other. The relationship is doomed even before it begins. But hey, the heart wants what it wants.
Can the families, especially the women put an end to the feud for their kids’ happiness? Can Nick and Amelia’s relationship survive when the town is busy snooping on them and betting on the result?
• I’ve read books with Southern humor before, and this one fits perfectly. Even though the book deals with some heavy topics, it is still lighthearted and funny.
• There are so many mentions of brownies, lemon pies, lemon meringues, tacos, and other food that I was glad to read it at night after dinner.
• The characters are distinct and have their quirks. In a book with so many people, it gets easier to keep track of characters.
• This is a dialogue-heavy book. People talk… a lot. This can be an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the reader.
• The first 20-25% is a little slow. Characters appear one after another, and the story starts with death. Once you get hang of the characters, the story picks up pace.
• The writing style is casual and easy, but the formatting felt a little odd. More than a few times, I had to reread to understand who spoke a dialogue.
• The story is kind of Romeo and Juliet retelling. Even if we didn’t guess it, the author made sure to use the reference at least a dozen times.
• There are no mandatory twists or misunderstands for the sake of it. No checklist to adhere to. That’s another plus.
• Nick is a great guy (and he loves cats). He is compassionate but knows his mother well. He doesn’t let her walk all over him.
• Amelia is a cheerful and happy character with tiny hints of insecurities from the past. I like how she doesn’t spend hours dwelling on these aspects.
• Liddy’s move at the climax was a surprise I enjoyed the most. The ending, too, is practical and a little mushy.
To sum up, The Bluebonnet Battle is a lighthearted book that deals with some heavy topics without any drama. After all, a family feud is dramatic enough. ;)
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheBluebonnetBattle #NetGalley
One Liner: Lighthearted and enjoyable.
Liddy Latham, a seventy-something woman, belongs to the Taylor family that owns more than half the land in Bonnet, a small town in Texas. She is cheery, determined, loving, and famous for arranging funeral dinners.
Matilda Monroe comes from the Davis family that has a 30-year plus feud with the Taylor family. Matilda arrives back in Bonnet, intent on destroying Liddy’s life and family. While Liddy’s family backs and supports her all the way, Matilda doesn’t seem to find allies in her own family. After all, not everyone is stupid. That doesn’t deter her, though.
As if the feud isn’t enough, Matilda’s son, Nick, and Liddy’s niece, Amelia, get attracted to each other. The relationship is doomed even before it begins. But hey, the heart wants what it wants.
Can the families, especially the women put an end to the feud for their kids’ happiness? Can Nick and Amelia’s relationship survive when the town is busy snooping on them and betting on the result?
• I’ve read books with Southern humor before, and this one fits perfectly. Even though the book deals with some heavy topics, it is still lighthearted and funny.
• There are so many mentions of brownies, lemon pies, lemon meringues, tacos, and other food that I was glad to read it at night after dinner.
• The characters are distinct and have their quirks. In a book with so many people, it gets easier to keep track of characters.
• This is a dialogue-heavy book. People talk… a lot. This can be an advantage and a disadvantage, depending on the reader.
• The first 20-25% is a little slow. Characters appear one after another, and the story starts with death. Once you get hang of the characters, the story picks up pace.
• The writing style is casual and easy, but the formatting felt a little odd. More than a few times, I had to reread to understand who spoke a dialogue.
• The story is kind of Romeo and Juliet retelling. Even if we didn’t guess it, the author made sure to use the reference at least a dozen times.
• There are no mandatory twists or misunderstands for the sake of it. No checklist to adhere to. That’s another plus.
• Nick is a great guy (and he loves cats). He is compassionate but knows his mother well. He doesn’t let her walk all over him.
• Amelia is a cheerful and happy character with tiny hints of insecurities from the past. I like how she doesn’t spend hours dwelling on these aspects.
• Liddy’s move at the climax was a surprise I enjoyed the most. The ending, too, is practical and a little mushy.
To sum up, The Bluebonnet Battle is a lighthearted book that deals with some heavy topics without any drama. After all, a family feud is dramatic enough. ;)
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheBluebonnetBattle #NetGalley
*My 200th ARC from NG*
4.5 Stars
Willow lives in a magical world with her parents and pet rabbits, having loads of fun. She has their full attention as she performs her magic tricks. But soon, Rowan, her baby brother is born, and it appears that he is a powerful wizard. The adults, including Willow’s favorite granny, are mesmerized by the child.
Willow tries to end his magical control over others by using her magic. Does she succeed, or does she learn a new life lesson?
The book is a magic-themed take on sibling relationships and how the elder child feels when a new baby arrives at home. The ending is, of course, beautiful, with Rowan charming Willow with his love for her.
The language is simple and sprinkled with cute magical words that add to the charm. Kids will love using these spells in real life.
4.5 Stars
Willow lives in a magical world with her parents and pet rabbits, having loads of fun. She has their full attention as she performs her magic tricks. But soon, Rowan, her baby brother is born, and it appears that he is a powerful wizard. The adults, including Willow’s favorite granny, are mesmerized by the child.
Willow tries to end his magical control over others by using her magic. Does she succeed, or does she learn a new life lesson?
The book is a magic-themed take on sibling relationships and how the elder child feels when a new baby arrives at home. The ending is, of course, beautiful, with Rowan charming Willow with his love for her.
The language is simple and sprinkled with cute magical words that add to the charm. Kids will love using these spells in real life.
I wanted to like the book more than I did. It deals with important topics and has been written for kids. While I have no issues with exaggerating the prowess of a 12yo, I do have issues with how 'money' is dealt with in the book.
Another issue is with Dell's credit cards that don't seem to max out ever. I don't know how much a counselor would get paid, but things don't seem to add up.
Top it all, Jairo wins a jackpot for millions just when he decides to join college again and study. How convenient! Even though the book is for middle-graders, wouldn't it better to keep such things a little practical? If everyone's monetary problems were solved so easily, we'd be living with ease.
Now, Willow meets Dell as her counselor because the school thought she cheated in her exam. How is it that her new school didn't know she was gifted? The tests were done long ago. The papers would've been shared with the school during admission, I presume. Or is that not how the system works in the US?
Dell, what do I say? I'd have to blame the entire system that he does nothing for the kids, and people have no idea. Sure, it happens in many fields, but isn't counseling serious work? You are dealing with fragile humans, and here it is kids who would grow up into broken adults.
Mai's arc is the steadiest, and I really liked her. I liked Pattie until the end. Willow is pretty much everything she can be from a researcher to a medical examiner and whatnot.
What I did like in the book was abrupt writing. Somehow, it add to the pace, and I finished the book in 2+ days. The shift in POVs wasn't smooth. Nope. It's the dry and sort of dark humor that made the narration better (or maybe I have a twisted sense of humor).
Spoiler
How can Pattie have enough money saved to buy an entire apartment but not use some of it to rent a decent house to live with her kids? She's got them all living in a garage when hoarding as many thousands of dollars? As if that's not enough, she decides to spend all her saving on a building! Imagine a little kid using this as an example to think that their parent has done the same.Another issue is with Dell's credit cards that don't seem to max out ever. I don't know how much a counselor would get paid, but things don't seem to add up.
Top it all, Jairo wins a jackpot for millions just when he decides to join college again and study. How convenient! Even though the book is for middle-graders, wouldn't it better to keep such things a little practical? If everyone's monetary problems were solved so easily, we'd be living with ease.
Now, Willow meets Dell as her counselor because the school thought she cheated in her exam. How is it that her new school didn't know she was gifted? The tests were done long ago. The papers would've been shared with the school during admission, I presume. Or is that not how the system works in the US?
Dell, what do I say? I'd have to blame the entire system that he does nothing for the kids, and people have no idea. Sure, it happens in many fields, but isn't counseling serious work? You are dealing with fragile humans, and here it is kids who would grow up into broken adults.
Mai's arc is the steadiest, and I really liked her. I liked Pattie until the end. Willow is pretty much everything she can be from a researcher to a medical examiner and whatnot.
What I did like in the book was abrupt writing. Somehow, it add to the pace, and I finished the book in 2+ days. The shift in POVs wasn't smooth. Nope. It's the dry and sort of dark humor that made the narration better (or maybe I have a twisted sense of humor).
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Dark, disturbing, and sinister.
Paris, 1750: The winter is brutal, but people are worse. Madeline’s life isn’t any better, but she knows things could be worse. When she gets a chance to make things better, Madeline agrees to put her life at risk. She needs to find out what goes on in the clockmaker’s house and report it to those who hired her for the job. It’s her only chance at freedom, no matter how much the house and the clockmaker scare her.
Dr. Reinhart is a master scientist and wonderful clockmaker. His creations are life-like and show signs of being much more than automata. The bejeweled rabbits and birds might be mesmerizing, but how could the man create these pieces with utter perfection? What is his secret?
Veronique is Dr. Reinhart’s seventeen-year-old daughter. She just came back home after years at the convent. Veronique wants to prove her worth and how she is capable of being trained as her father’s assistant and successor. Reinhart trains her, but Veronique knows that her future isn’t certain until he is satisfied with her worth.
Jeanne, aka Madame de Pompadour, is King Louis’s mistress, one among the many, but with enough control and network to maybe keep her place. However, things get sinister as her position and life are at risk. And what about the larger conspiracy and the King’s love for ‘certain things’?
The world outside seems to be in turmoil. Little kids go missing from the streets. Madeline realizes that she might have uncovered the secret. Will she make it through the day when the dark secrets lead her to the heart of Versailles?
What I Like:
• The story comes from three third-person POVs- Madeline, Veronique, and Jeanne. They are three different women from different backgrounds and with different approaches to life. This added to the narration and kept things interesting even when the pacing was slow.
• The Paris in the book is not glitzy or glamorous. It is dirty, sick, smelly, and simmering a rebellion. The mood of the public (and the response of the royalty) was well established throughout.
• The story combines two major incidents from the period- the automata and the vanishing children. The blending is seamless and sensible. The final reveal doesn’t surprise me because it’s a logical progression.
• The ending is not neatly tied up in a bow. Yes, it is hopeful and positive (that’s why the book has 4 stars from me), yet certain crucial elements were realistic and in line with history.
• There’s no gore or graphical description of brutality, assault, and death. Still, it is present throughout the book.
• The scenes with Dr. Reinhart working on the clocks and creations are cool. I enjoyed reading those.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The first half is slow. While some of it was necessary to establish the setting, a few incidents were unnecessarily dragged. Some of the reveals were easy to guess. Leaving them until the end tilted the balance.
• A majority of the action takes place in the last 15% of the book. There’s too much information at once, that too towards the end.
• The story is dark throughout. There isn’t any respite until the end. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. People looking for lighter moments will be disappointed. There were times I wanted something hopeful to keep me going.
To sum up, The Clockwork Girl is a dark and disturbing read set in the dirty and desolate Paris of 1750.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orion Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheClockworkGirl #NetGalley
*****
P.S: I love the cover!
One Liner: Dark, disturbing, and sinister.
Paris, 1750: The winter is brutal, but people are worse. Madeline’s life isn’t any better, but she knows things could be worse. When she gets a chance to make things better, Madeline agrees to put her life at risk. She needs to find out what goes on in the clockmaker’s house and report it to those who hired her for the job. It’s her only chance at freedom, no matter how much the house and the clockmaker scare her.
Dr. Reinhart is a master scientist and wonderful clockmaker. His creations are life-like and show signs of being much more than automata. The bejeweled rabbits and birds might be mesmerizing, but how could the man create these pieces with utter perfection? What is his secret?
Veronique is Dr. Reinhart’s seventeen-year-old daughter. She just came back home after years at the convent. Veronique wants to prove her worth and how she is capable of being trained as her father’s assistant and successor. Reinhart trains her, but Veronique knows that her future isn’t certain until he is satisfied with her worth.
Jeanne, aka Madame de Pompadour, is King Louis’s mistress, one among the many, but with enough control and network to maybe keep her place. However, things get sinister as her position and life are at risk. And what about the larger conspiracy and the King’s love for ‘certain things’?
The world outside seems to be in turmoil. Little kids go missing from the streets. Madeline realizes that she might have uncovered the secret. Will she make it through the day when the dark secrets lead her to the heart of Versailles?
What I Like:
• The story comes from three third-person POVs- Madeline, Veronique, and Jeanne. They are three different women from different backgrounds and with different approaches to life. This added to the narration and kept things interesting even when the pacing was slow.
• The Paris in the book is not glitzy or glamorous. It is dirty, sick, smelly, and simmering a rebellion. The mood of the public (and the response of the royalty) was well established throughout.
• The story combines two major incidents from the period- the automata and the vanishing children. The blending is seamless and sensible. The final reveal doesn’t surprise me because it’s a logical progression.
• The ending is not neatly tied up in a bow. Yes, it is hopeful and positive (that’s why the book has 4 stars from me), yet certain crucial elements were realistic and in line with history.
• There’s no gore or graphical description of brutality, assault, and death. Still, it is present throughout the book.
• The scenes with Dr. Reinhart working on the clocks and creations are cool. I enjoyed reading those.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The first half is slow. While some of it was necessary to establish the setting, a few incidents were unnecessarily dragged. Some of the reveals were easy to guess. Leaving them until the end tilted the balance.
• A majority of the action takes place in the last 15% of the book. There’s too much information at once, that too towards the end.
• The story is dark throughout. There isn’t any respite until the end. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. People looking for lighter moments will be disappointed. There were times I wanted something hopeful to keep me going.
To sum up, The Clockwork Girl is a dark and disturbing read set in the dirty and desolate Paris of 1750.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orion Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#TheClockworkGirl #NetGalley
*****
P.S: I love the cover!
4.2 Stars
One-Liner: Gripping, emotional, and HEA.
Cerys leaves her family one day and vows never to return. She sets the car ablaze after reaching the hillside that was her home. But she realizes that life has other plans for her as she meets Lily and Sammy, Lily’s four-year-old.
Lily is running from her life and is desperate to keep her child safe. Bogged down by insecurities and vulnerabilities, she finds comfort and strength in Cerys. The two women forge a bond and have a fresh start in a small Welsh town. They still have their secrets and cannot reveal them.
Moreover, the past is never behind. They know they can’t ignore it for long. Sooner or later, their pasts will catch up with them. Are Cerys and Lily strong enough to face the past and build new lives? What do they have to sacrifice in return?
My Observations:
• The story is fast-paced even when it moves between characters and their pasts. The story is told in limited third person POV of both the women, Cerys and Lily. This gives us enough info into their thoughts and background.
• Cerys and Lily are vulnerable and likable. I could empathize with their situations and kept rooting for them. Lily, in particular, had my heart, poor girl.
• The side characters like Dilys and Gavin were just as interesting. While Kate and Matt were pretty much one-dimensional, they served the purpose.
• Dilys is a favorite. I like independent, grumpy old characters with a wise head and a soft heart. They are the best. Dilys added a lot of warmth and depth to the story.
• Danny is your typical narcissist. While I’m glad that his brutality wasn’t explicitly described, I did want to see more of his dark side. The manipulations could’ve been shown better.
• Rhys’ track seemed a little too quick given what Lily went through. I’d have liked it more if the pacing was slower for this.
• The bonding between Cerys, Lily, Dilys, and Sammy is beautiful to read. It feels real and tangible. This is probably the highlight of the book.
• While some of their decisions don’t make sense, I could empathize with them and understand their reasons. Moreover, I didn’t have to linger on it for long, thanks to the steady pace.
• The book ends on a happy note, which is always a plus for me. My only grouse is that I couldn’t know what happened to Danny. I so wanted him to suffer (a lot).
The book is marked as women’s fiction but has the word ‘thriller’ in the blurb. It’s more of a drama with some elements of thriller included. Luckily for me, it worked out because I liked the main characters.
My ARC seemed like an uncorrected proof copy, though it doesn’t say that anywhere. The formatting was haywire and made it hard to understand the sudden shifts in POV, past, and present. I hope the final copy has the necessary formatting to make this easier.
To sum up, Disappeared is an emotional and gripping story about two women who find each other in odd circumstances and build a strong bond.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orion Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#Disappeared #NetGalley
One-Liner: Gripping, emotional, and HEA.
Cerys leaves her family one day and vows never to return. She sets the car ablaze after reaching the hillside that was her home. But she realizes that life has other plans for her as she meets Lily and Sammy, Lily’s four-year-old.
Lily is running from her life and is desperate to keep her child safe. Bogged down by insecurities and vulnerabilities, she finds comfort and strength in Cerys. The two women forge a bond and have a fresh start in a small Welsh town. They still have their secrets and cannot reveal them.
Moreover, the past is never behind. They know they can’t ignore it for long. Sooner or later, their pasts will catch up with them. Are Cerys and Lily strong enough to face the past and build new lives? What do they have to sacrifice in return?
My Observations:
• The story is fast-paced even when it moves between characters and their pasts. The story is told in limited third person POV of both the women, Cerys and Lily. This gives us enough info into their thoughts and background.
• Cerys and Lily are vulnerable and likable. I could empathize with their situations and kept rooting for them. Lily, in particular, had my heart, poor girl.
• The side characters like Dilys and Gavin were just as interesting. While Kate and Matt were pretty much one-dimensional, they served the purpose.
• Dilys is a favorite. I like independent, grumpy old characters with a wise head and a soft heart. They are the best. Dilys added a lot of warmth and depth to the story.
• Danny is your typical narcissist. While I’m glad that his brutality wasn’t explicitly described, I did want to see more of his dark side. The manipulations could’ve been shown better.
• Rhys’ track seemed a little too quick given what Lily went through. I’d have liked it more if the pacing was slower for this.
• The bonding between Cerys, Lily, Dilys, and Sammy is beautiful to read. It feels real and tangible. This is probably the highlight of the book.
• While some of their decisions don’t make sense, I could empathize with them and understand their reasons. Moreover, I didn’t have to linger on it for long, thanks to the steady pace.
• The book ends on a happy note, which is always a plus for me. My only grouse is that I couldn’t know what happened to Danny. I so wanted him to suffer (a lot).
The book is marked as women’s fiction but has the word ‘thriller’ in the blurb. It’s more of a drama with some elements of thriller included. Luckily for me, it worked out because I liked the main characters.
My ARC seemed like an uncorrected proof copy, though it doesn’t say that anywhere. The formatting was haywire and made it hard to understand the sudden shifts in POV, past, and present. I hope the final copy has the necessary formatting to make this easier.
To sum up, Disappeared is an emotional and gripping story about two women who find each other in odd circumstances and build a strong bond.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orion Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#Disappeared #NetGalley
*Not-so-Popular Opinion*
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Great premise, but rambles a little too much.
Nell Sweeney leads an ordinary life until she gets kidnapped. No one knows where she is or who took her. Who would want to harm a nurse? Or maybe she’s the unlucky one. Whatever the reason, they need to find her before it is too late.
Everyone has secrets, and some are too dangerous to hide in the dark. The world of the dark web can be a safe place to vent frustrations, but only until things don’t go out of hand. What happens when a single post spirals things out of control?
What I Like:
• The story is based on the incel (involuntary celibates) movement, where men blame women for just about everything, including their lack of girlfriends. It’s not easy reading about sick minds, but the reality is far worse.
• The story is narrated in three POVs (Marian, Nell’s mother, Nell, and Him, a key player whose identity is revealed later). The man’s POVs were very well done.
• The book deals with narcissism in different forms.
• There are no unexpected twists or far-fetched scenarios.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The book is 400 pages long, and a lot of it is filled with Marian’s ramblings. As much as I understand that Marian is distraught about her missing daughter, reading her POV was tiresome.
• The middle part drags, and nothing much happens except more rambling. I began fast reading from here.
• I’m not sure why the book is titled The Nurse. It has nothing vital to do with the plot. Nell is a nurse, but I don’t think the story would change if she was in any other profession.
• The story could’ve easily been completed in 280+ pages. A tighter narration would have been more effective (at least for me).
• Relating to any of the characters was pretty much impossible. It felt like watching a slow thriller on the screen. That should’ve been a plus, but since it was too slow, the effect got diluted.
To sum up, The Nurse deals with a crucial premise but rambles a little too much.
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Great premise, but rambles a little too much.
Nell Sweeney leads an ordinary life until she gets kidnapped. No one knows where she is or who took her. Who would want to harm a nurse? Or maybe she’s the unlucky one. Whatever the reason, they need to find her before it is too late.
Everyone has secrets, and some are too dangerous to hide in the dark. The world of the dark web can be a safe place to vent frustrations, but only until things don’t go out of hand. What happens when a single post spirals things out of control?
What I Like:
• The story is based on the incel (involuntary celibates) movement, where men blame women for just about everything, including their lack of girlfriends. It’s not easy reading about sick minds, but the reality is far worse.
• The story is narrated in three POVs (Marian, Nell’s mother, Nell, and Him, a key player whose identity is revealed later). The man’s POVs were very well done.
• The book deals with narcissism in different forms.
• There are no unexpected twists or far-fetched scenarios.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The book is 400 pages long, and a lot of it is filled with Marian’s ramblings. As much as I understand that Marian is distraught about her missing daughter, reading her POV was tiresome.
• The middle part drags, and nothing much happens except more rambling. I began fast reading from here.
• I’m not sure why the book is titled The Nurse. It has nothing vital to do with the plot. Nell is a nurse, but I don’t think the story would change if she was in any other profession.
• The story could’ve easily been completed in 280+ pages. A tighter narration would have been more effective (at least for me).
• Relating to any of the characters was pretty much impossible. It felt like watching a slow thriller on the screen. That should’ve been a plus, but since it was too slow, the effect got diluted.
To sum up, The Nurse deals with a crucial premise but rambles a little too much.
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Comfort read for cozy mystery lovers.
Westleham Village, 1947: The Second World War is over, and people are getting back to their lives. All is not well, but life has to go on.
Martha Miller is a newcomer in the Westleham Village and has her share of troubles. Stan, her husband, left without a word, and there’s been no news of him for almost a year. Martha takes Ruby, her younger sister, as a lodger to earn her living.
It doesn’t help that Martha isn’t a favorite in the village. Rather it’s the opposite. When Alice, the chairperson of the Westleham Village Fair committee, falls dead after drinking Martha plum gin at the fair, she is immediately the prime suspect.
Martha has no choice but to clear her name. Luke Walker, the new and handsome vicar, extends his help and support.
As the duo tries to solve the mystery, the news of another death reaches them. After all, how can there be only one death?
Now up to Martha, Luke, and maybe even Inspector Ben to find the killer before it’s too late. With secrets and new crimes being revealed, can they catch the actual murderer?
My Observations:
• The book is just 210+ pages long and reads at a decent pace. It’s got the old-world charm of historical cozy mysteries with simple plots.
• There’s a list of characters and their roles at the beginning of the book. I love this. Makes it easier to keep track and refer.
• The dynamics between the characters change as the story progresses, and I’m intrigued to read further developments.
• The beginning is bumpy. It was around 15-20% that I settled into the narrative. Martha sounds older than her age, and I wondered if she was inspired by Miss Marple. It took me a while to guess she was in her early 30s.
• The side characters are quirky and even stereotypical at times, but I was expecting it.
• This time, I didn’t want to find who the killer was. I read it more as a way to relax rather than become an active investigator.
• The solving is uncomplicated, though there aren't too many clues. No twist or surprise, which is always a plus.
• The ending leaves things open and ready for book two. Needless to say, I am waiting for it. I also hope there will be more character development as the series progresses.
• I probably would’ve rated it 3 or 3.5 any other time, but this book came to me at the right time. Cozy mysteries are my comfort read, and this did the job. So 4 stars it is.
To sum up, Poison at the Village Show is a simple cozy mystery and an interesting start to a new series. This one has potential but go with low expectations.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#PoisonattheVillageShow #NetGalley
One Liner: Comfort read for cozy mystery lovers.
Westleham Village, 1947: The Second World War is over, and people are getting back to their lives. All is not well, but life has to go on.
Martha Miller is a newcomer in the Westleham Village and has her share of troubles. Stan, her husband, left without a word, and there’s been no news of him for almost a year. Martha takes Ruby, her younger sister, as a lodger to earn her living.
It doesn’t help that Martha isn’t a favorite in the village. Rather it’s the opposite. When Alice, the chairperson of the Westleham Village Fair committee, falls dead after drinking Martha plum gin at the fair, she is immediately the prime suspect.
Martha has no choice but to clear her name. Luke Walker, the new and handsome vicar, extends his help and support.
As the duo tries to solve the mystery, the news of another death reaches them. After all, how can there be only one death?
Now up to Martha, Luke, and maybe even Inspector Ben to find the killer before it’s too late. With secrets and new crimes being revealed, can they catch the actual murderer?
My Observations:
• The book is just 210+ pages long and reads at a decent pace. It’s got the old-world charm of historical cozy mysteries with simple plots.
• There’s a list of characters and their roles at the beginning of the book. I love this. Makes it easier to keep track and refer.
• The dynamics between the characters change as the story progresses, and I’m intrigued to read further developments.
• The beginning is bumpy. It was around 15-20% that I settled into the narrative. Martha sounds older than her age, and I wondered if she was inspired by Miss Marple. It took me a while to guess she was in her early 30s.
• The side characters are quirky and even stereotypical at times, but I was expecting it.
• This time, I didn’t want to find who the killer was. I read it more as a way to relax rather than become an active investigator.
• The solving is uncomplicated, though there aren't too many clues. No twist or surprise, which is always a plus.
• The ending leaves things open and ready for book two. Needless to say, I am waiting for it. I also hope there will be more character development as the series progresses.
• I probably would’ve rated it 3 or 3.5 any other time, but this book came to me at the right time. Cozy mysteries are my comfort read, and this did the job. So 4 stars it is.
To sum up, Poison at the Village Show is a simple cozy mystery and an interesting start to a new series. This one has potential but go with low expectations.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#PoisonattheVillageShow #NetGalley
4 Stars
One Liner: Heart-touching.
Germany & Auschwitz, 1935-1943: Jozef and Adi dream of a lovely future together, ignoring the warnings about the unrest and Hilter’s regime. When reality forces them to take notice of the situation, they try to find a way to survive. However, their attempts are in vain as the couple are captured, separated, and shifted to Auschwitz. How can they survive in a place designed to kill people? Will they ever see each other again?
South Carolina, 1953: Alice spends her thirteenth birthday with her friends and dozes off only to be woken up by wailing sirens. Nancy, the school’s cheerleader, and Billy’s (Alice’s older brother) friend is found dead in the lake.
Alice notices that their lives and interests are changing even as the mystery of Nancy’s death continues. When Mikey, her best friend suspects, Jozef (the reclusive German guy in town), Alice is not sure of it. When she meets Jozef and gets to know him, Alice learns the story of his life and the horrors of the Holocaust.
But when Alice comes across a secret that can change her life forever, she doesn’t know what to do. Should she stand for the truth or listen to her heart?
My Observations:
• This is my third book by the author. I love how she captures and translates certain emotions. Though the story belongs to the WWII setting, human relationships are the primary focus.
• The friendship between Jozef and Bruno was so well-etched that it didn’t seem the least bit odd to their interactions in Auschwitz. In fact, it made the storyline seem more real.
• The author’s note mentions how Bruno was inspired by a real person. It doesn’t excuse any Nazi behavior and yet shows glimpses of humanity.
• The beginning is a bit slow, but the story picks up the pace soon. It’s a small book too, so that’s another plus.
• There’s a logical loophole in the story, but I was willing to ignore it. I was glad that the past was revealed without letters or diary entries.
• My biggest issue was with Alice. She’s thirteen, and I had to remember this point because her actions and dialogues made her sound like an eight or nine-year-old. The storyline was for a thirteen-year-old, and it was very hard to imagine Alice for her said age.
• The ending is hopeful and emotional. It perfectly fits the mood of the book and lingers even after you finish reading.
To sum up, The Note is a heart-touching book about friendships and bonds that stand the test of time.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheNote
Germany & Auschwitz, 1935-1943: Jozef and Adi dream of a lovely future together, ignoring the warnings about the unrest and Hilter’s regime. When reality forces them to take notice of the situation, they try to find a way to survive. However, their attempts are in vain as the couple are captured, separated, and shifted to Auschwitz. How can they survive in a place designed to kill people? Will they ever see each other again?
South Carolina, 1953: Alice spends her thirteenth birthday with her friends and dozes off only to be woken up by wailing sirens. Nancy, the school’s cheerleader, and Billy’s (Alice’s older brother) friend is found dead in the lake.
Alice notices that their lives and interests are changing even as the mystery of Nancy’s death continues. When Mikey, her best friend suspects, Jozef (the reclusive German guy in town), Alice is not sure of it. When she meets Jozef and gets to know him, Alice learns the story of his life and the horrors of the Holocaust.
But when Alice comes across a secret that can change her life forever, she doesn’t know what to do. Should she stand for the truth or listen to her heart?
My Observations:
• This is my third book by the author. I love how she captures and translates certain emotions. Though the story belongs to the WWII setting, human relationships are the primary focus.
• The friendship between Jozef and Bruno was so well-etched that it didn’t seem the least bit odd to their interactions in Auschwitz. In fact, it made the storyline seem more real.
• The author’s note mentions how Bruno was inspired by a real person. It doesn’t excuse any Nazi behavior and yet shows glimpses of humanity.
Spoiler
I did think a lot about this. After all, I’ve been a witness to the whitewashing of the Kashmir Hindu genocide and victim-blaming. I don’t know how the survivors of WWII will feel, but I can completely understand their discomfort and pain.• The beginning is a bit slow, but the story picks up the pace soon. It’s a small book too, so that’s another plus.
• There’s a logical loophole in the story, but I was willing to ignore it. I was glad that the past was revealed without letters or diary entries.
• My biggest issue was with Alice. She’s thirteen, and I had to remember this point because her actions and dialogues made her sound like an eight or nine-year-old. The storyline was for a thirteen-year-old, and it was very hard to imagine Alice for her said age.
• The ending is hopeful and emotional. It perfectly fits the mood of the book and lingers even after you finish reading.
To sum up, The Note is a heart-touching book about friendships and bonds that stand the test of time.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheNote