3.7 Stars

Max was a regular working man living alone and doing his job with a few groans and curses. Suddenly, he is the heir to an ultra-rich dead man and is worthy of billions. Max isn’t sure what he wants but whatever he decides, the press and business partners will not let him stay low. 

Sarah is a rare find in the tabloid industry and writes nothing but truth even if it means skipping deadlines. Turns out, this trait is what her boss wants when he assigns her to find out more about the elusive Maximillian Smith. 

For Max, Sarah is a useful person to control the narrative when the truth comes out. For Sarah, Max is a way to retain her job. As the two try to fill gaps in his past, they have to deal with their feelings for each other as well as the increasing pressure from the press. 

The story comes mostly in Max and Sarah’s third-person POVs. 

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The story seems to continue from the previous book, but I could follow it without issues. While the central plot is resolved, book #3 will neatly tie up the loose ends. 

It’s a low-stakes read with many feel-good vibes and works on the premise that good things will happen to good people. I like that there isn’t unwanted drama or angst except for what’s necessary. This may not work for everyone but it suited me just fine. 

Romance naturally gets a good share of space. It’s got some steam but less than 2 stars with much detail being left to the reader’s imagination. 

This is in equal parts (or more) a family drama. The side characters (Chase, Piper, and Alex) are easy to like. Makes sense since the first book belonged to Chase and Piper. The next should be Alex’s. I’m curious to see who she’ll be paired with. 

The dual POV works well to give us both perspectives. While Max sometimes sounds off, he has his reasons and shows good progress as the plot moves ahead. Sarah is a good character and never gives readers a chance to doubt her integrity. 

The book starts with a short author’s note and a personal anecdote about foster systems. This is one of the major themes, though it doesn’t overshadow the rest. We get details in bits and pieces, which add depth to the MMC’s arc. 

The pacing feels a bit uneven but it is a pretty quick read overall. I could finish it in a couple of sittings, though the page count is around 380. The little bits of humor and sass contribute to the fun levels. 

To summarize, The Forgotten One is an entertaining and heartwarming book about finding one’s family and being open to accepting new blessings. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheForgottenOne 

 3.5 Stars 

Tao is a nomadic fortune teller. She prefers to move from one place to another, not staying anywhere long enough to attract unwanted attention. As a teller of small fortunes, she makes just enough money to keep her wagon and the mule. For her, this life is much better than what she left behind. 

When Tao’s small fortune ends up something bigger, she has to accept two men accompanying her. An ex-mercenary and a reformed thief on a hunt to find a lost child tag along with Tao who is used to being alone. The group increases when a young baker and a magical cat join her. 

It’s almost too much for Tao to handle them all but maybe this is her chance to find the family she wanted! 

The story comes in Tao’s third-person POV. 

Cozy fantasies are easy reads as the books are usually shorter and don’t have intense stuff. The premise here sounded mellow yet adventurous, and the beautiful cover was enough to make me request the book. 

There’s no denying the cozy vibe despite the darkish themes. While the found family is the central theme, the book also deals with immigration, power battles, prejudice, war, privileged vs. poor, grief, and so on. These are woven into the plot and don’t feel off or deliberate. 

The lack of romance for the main character is actually a plus here. I’m relieved that there's no unwanted love track to mess up the MC’s arc. This is a book about friendship and found family. That’s where it stays (though there are a few undercurrents for the side characters). 

However, I do wish the main character’s arc was explored in a little more depth. Maybe coz it’s a cozy fantasy, many elements seem to get surface-level treatment. It works in some instances but not all the time. 

This would have been 4 stars if the world-building was more concrete. The whole thing is quite vague – countries that don’t like each other, past feuds, fragile peace, etc. However, I’m not sure about the religious aspect either. A place that’s called a church doesn’t sound like one and seems to have a mix of older gods as well. Then, there’s mistrust in those who don’t follow the Mother (and her Son). It gives partial Christian vibes, and I’m not sure if I got it right. 

The magical powers could also have been presented in more detail with a few scenes with other Mages, etc., showcasing how their talents work. The whole thing feels vaguely familiar but unknown. 

The last quarter picks up pace and also ups the entertainment level. This may or may not be for everyone as it feels like the resolutions are quick and easy. I liked it since that’s how the cozy element works. Things don’t escalate much and diffuse quickly. 

To summarize, The Teller of Small Fortunes is a heartwarming story about finding oneself, searching for a home, and making new friends. The narrative is slowish and sweet. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton (Hodderscape), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheTellerOfSmallFortunes 

 

 3.5 Stars

The Winterfrost Market is famous for its Midwinter celebrations. Elsie, her sister, and their mother set up their cozy traveling tea house in the town. However, Elsie’s mom goes north to Midwinter Haven for some rare spices. The place is filled with fae, vampires, witches, elves, and other magical creatures, deemed dangerous by humans. When she doesn’t return, Elsie worries and decides to search for her. She hires a grumpy tracker to take her northward. 

Kit isn’t really a tracker but he sure knows his way to Midwinter Haven. However, he has his own reasons for letting Elsie accompany him. As a few secrets come out, Elsie and Kit may have to decide what they want, while trying to find more about her mother. 

The story comes in Elsie and Kit’s third-person POVs. 

Well, cozy fantasies are a thing now, and the cover is adorable. Naturally, I had to grab this one. Though the stakes seem a bit high, the overall vibe is cozy and easy. 

The premise is great. We have intrigue, adventure, danger, royals, magic, and whatnot! However, there isn’t enough detail to make the setting come alive as it should. 

I appreciate the inclusion of a map at the beginning. It was helpful. But a map doesn’t negate the need for better world-building. While we get basic details, the writing relies on the assumption that readers would know what it means. This may not work for everyone. 

The dual POV certainly helps since we get both backstories in parallel. However, many elements are missing. It’s all surface-level, so there isn’t enough emotion to fully connect with the characters' feelings or to support their actions. 

The pacing is great. However, this is an advantage and disadvantage. The story flows fast, which keeps the tempo steady. Yet, we don’t have the time to immerse into the setting or empathize with the varied emotions the characters feel. 

Though the book is the first in the series and a standalone, it needed to be longer and more detailed. (It still is standalone but with missing elements). 

It’s a bit of insta-love if we consider the timeline. Since the banter isn’t great, the ‘love’ aspect doesn’t really shine. The lack of steam (this is a clean romance) works in its favor. 

The side characters are quite cool. I hope they’ll be more fleshed out (along with the world-building) in the coming books. Taking time with the descriptions and dialogues might be helpful. 

To summarize, Winterfrost Market is a decent and enjoyable read if you want something light and magical. It should be a good palate cleanser between heavy reads. Can pretty much finish the book in a single sitting. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Velikor Publishing, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #WinterfrostMarket 

 4 Stars  

Mabel Canning is the acting secretary of Lady Fellbridge and is organizing the suffragette meeting on the estate. Many women who had been in the movement attended the event. Everything seems well until Annie Hatkins, Lady Fellbridge’s best friend and a leading suffragette is murdered in her bed. 

As Mabel (with help from her beau Park and her friends, Cora and Skeff) starts to investigate the crime, she realizes the truth lies somewhere in the past during the peak of the suffragette movement. Can Mabel find out what happened and expose the killer before more lives are lost? 

The story comes in Mabel’s third-person POV. 

The fourth book of the series should work as a standalone read but I’d recommend reading at least the previous book if not all. The story takes place in the FMC’s hometown (village) with local characters and her friends from the city. 

After reading a few books that have the suffragette background, I found that there was still more to learn about the movement. There are two types of protestors – Suffragettes and Suffragists. While the former was actively engaged in the movement (marches, protests, and even being jailed), the latter chose peaceful methods (lobbying, NGOs, etc.) to get what they wanted. Both worked for the same cause but in different ways. 

Lady Fellbridge’s estate is where the major events take place. The Hall has a history and the design is quite complicated. We do get enough to have a vague idea but I felt a rough map (the one mentioned in the story) would have helped. 

Inspector Tolly seems to have finally given up. Likely that he realized it’s easier to let Mabel do her sleuthing. It saves him work, after all! I’m glad that Constable Wardle (Hildy) gets a bigger role. Being a woman constable is not a small thing. 

The mystery is actually good. It took me a while to figure out who the killer was. Though I still didn’t know the reason, but suspected a little (overactive imagination and all that). The reveal did make sense and tried up with the rest of the details. 

We finally get to meet Reg Canning and Mrs. Chandekar in this book. She is an absolute darling! (Apparently, her first name is Moti. So, Moti with a hard t sound would mean fat; Moti with a soft t sound, Mothi, would mean a pearl. I presume it’s the latter but I did wonder the first time I saw the name. Unfortunately, some people write Moti even for pearl, so that might have led to that spelling in the book.) 

The surprise element is the little mischievous kid from the previous books. He is very much present in at least 30-40% of the book and brings a lot of smiles and chuckles. 

The way the book ended makes me wonder if this will be the last in the series. We are at the brink now. It could end and would make sense, or it could continue and offer more cases I’m okay with either, though I would like to read at least another three books to see how Mabel handles the new responsibilities. 

To summarize, Murder of a Suffragette is a steady-paced entertainer with some danger, mischief, and drama. It is a lighthearted read that tackles a few important topics. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderOfASuffragette 

 4 Stars 

The contents are divided into the following sections: 

The details are provided in short paragraphs, either between the illustrations or on the next page (the illustrations are numbered for this). The snippets are interesting and informative without being overwhelming. There are quite a few fun facts included, and the semi-informal narrative style makes it an entertaining read. (Ex: whales once lived on the land!)

The illustrations are individual pieces and seem to be digitally created (could also be ‘elements’ we find in Canva or similar apps). However, the chosen color scheme gives the book an HD effect. (Psst! Do you know about dinosaur ants?)

I wish the font size was bigger. Since I read the book on the computer, I could zoom and adjust my electronic copy but not sure how convenient the text size would be in a physical version. (Once upon a time, bees were carnivorous!)
 
The book ends with a neat and detailed glossary section.
 
To summarize, Secret Stories of Nature is a compact book and a great way to ignite interest in children about various aspects of nature. It can be considered as a worthy starting point for young learners. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Quarto (Wide Eyed Editions), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
 

 4.2 Stars

1858

Nurse Gemma Tate is heartbroken to realize that one of her wards in the Foundling Hospital has been killed. Though she trusts Inspector Sebastian Bell to solve the case, Gemma knows there are things he might never find out. She is in a position to access the gossip and secret whispers since she works in the same place. 

As new clues emerge, Sebastian and Gemma realize there’s more to the case than a random murder. They need to find the truth soon or the victim may not get justice. 

The story comes in Sebastian and Gemma’s third-person POVs. 

The victim is a young girl (a teen). The official blurb makes it clear but I’m highlighting it again just to be sure. We do get a semi-detailed description as it is necessary for the plot. 

Finally, in book three, this becomes a Tate and Bell Mystery with Gemma playing a crucial part in the investigation. The book should work as a standalone. 

Since this is a dark mystery (still borderline cozy), the setting has a life of its own. The story takes place between Christmas and New Year; a handful of days, but filled with a lot of investigation. The cold weather, the rigid rules of the Foundling Hospital, the uncertain future of the children, and the bleakness of the murder make the plot atmospheric. 

The mystery is revealed in stages, with new information coming out, and most of it does not make sense for the characters since they have yet to connect the dots. Even I couldn’t guess until the characters almost did. The reveal did make sense in a way. 

Quite a few leads are pursued to solve the case, and these provide a glimpse into the lives of the unfortunate, the social conditions, and other aspects. Nothing preachy; just showcasing how things were back then. 

The ‘romance’ track doesn’t have any progress here due to the time span and the intensity of the case. However, the characters spend some time acknowledging their feelings (to themselves). 

The pacing is on the slower side, which cannot be helped. The book demands a steady-paced narrative to let the readers think and explore the details. 

There’s a development in the overarching plot which takes the story forward in a new direction. Without revealing spoilers, I’ll say that this could make Gemma play a more active role in future investigations. I’d like that (even if she tends to get dramatic and reckless at times). 

To summarize, Murder at the Foundling Hospital is a worthy read for historical mystery fans. Set in Victorian London, it takes us into the dark corners of the city where danger is a constant companion. 

I found the blurb for the next one on Amazon and saw that this book has set the foundation for it. Excited to read it! 

Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderAtTheFoundlingHospital 

 4.2 Stars

There have been countless adaptations of Heidi over the years. This is the latest version and claims to be the first full-length graphic adaption of the novel. I’ve watched the Japanese anime multiple times and read the book last year. 

This graphic edition is more on the lines of the anime but in a much more condensed format. Think of it as an abridged version covering all the important elements. The heavy bits of faith and god from the original have been removed to keep the focus on nature. The core story is more or less the same, though I don’t remember the characters making snowmen in winter. 

TBH, I took the book mainly to see the illustrations. These are really well done. So good that we have quite a few pages where the plot progresses without a single dialogue. The expressions and illustrations in each panel do the job very effectively! The color scheme is softer and uses pastels rather than rich vibrant colors. However, the result is not that different. Heidi is taller (compared to the anime) and has short messy auburn curls framing her face. The goats are adorable! 

What sets the book apart from others is the extra content at the end. Apart from the full-page information about the original author (along with her picture), there are many added details about the local celebrations, goat-herding, flowers in the region, etc. These would make good topics for discussion after reading the story with kids. 

To summarize, Heidi: A Graphic Novel is a lovely book to own. I’m sure the illustrations would be even better in a physical copy. Whether you want to read the story with little ones or buy a copy for your collection, this graphic novel is a good choice. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Andrew McMeel Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 4.5 Stars

Seattle attorney Keera Duggan is back. This time, she is approached by her friend Jenna Bernstein, the CEO of a biotech company, accused of murdering her former partner and lover. This isn’t Jenna’s first touch with trouble. Keera’s father had handled a case for her three years ago and she knows just how manipulative Jenna can get.  

Still, Keera is determined to give a case a shot. As the investigation gets deeper, Keera must determine if her client is innocent or guilty. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Keera and Frank. 

After reading the first book, I hoped it would be a series. Keera was too good to be limited to a single book. Imagine my delight when I saw this one! 

While the plot and the courtroom drama are not as intense as in the previous one, there’s enough to keep the reader hooked. That’s why I read the book on a Sunday and finished it in two back-to-back sittings. 

There are also fewer references to chess moves, which worked just fine for me since I don’t know the game. The courtroom scenes, especially in part two, were fab. They were not filled with tension but more like a waiting game to see what she planned. 

The book relies heavily on the FMC. Keers does a great job of carrying the plot. The opening scene followed by how she dealt with the afterward shows her character. There’s a touch of ruthlessness in her which is exactly what one needs to do the job right but within the boundaries of the law. 

The family is less present but we get enough to remember how dysfunctional it is. Patsy also has a smaller role which allows the plot to move steadily without unwanted distractions. 

Frank Rossi is the second lead and a detective who gets the other half of the POV. Through him, we see the police procedural parts of the case. He is a reliable, stable, and rational narrator. While Frank and Keera don’t have many scenes together (they work on the opposite sides now), I like how there’s a lot of read-between-the-lines thing going on. The development is almost non-existent but I can see the foundation being laid. It will get interesting in the next books (can’t help it; I love a bit of romance as long as it is organic). 

I could connect the dots and guess the way things would turn over sometime in the second half. That didn’t affect my reading experience. For me, knowing I read the clues right implies the author planned well and kept the readers informed instead of wanting to surprise them with a ‘twist’ or by hiding crucial information. 

Did I want a little more exploration of Jenna’s psychology? Yes! A bit more of cat-and-mouse games; yes! Still, no complaints about what I got. 

Also, I love this new trend of introducing new white characters as white. Keep doing it. 

To summarize, Beyond Reasonable Doubt is without doubt a solid continuation of the series and sets the tone for what’s come. I can’t wait to read book #3 and meet Keera (& Frank) again. 

There’s no author’s note in this ARC. Wonder why? The one in the previous book was lovely! 

Thank you, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #BeyondReasonableDoubt 

 4.5 Stars

As the title suggests, the book contains a collection of stories, myths, facts, and folklore about seas and oceans. The content is divided into the following sections: 

There’s a detailed glossary at the end. 

A common theme we can see in the snippets of facts and tidbits from various cultures is the strong presence of nature in the lives of those associated with the seas and oceans. Respect for sea gods, respect for aquatic beings, and fear of mythical creatures ensured a balance and prevented the plundering of natural resources. It stopped many people from taking more than what was necessary. For example, the people of Ghana did not go fishing on Tuesday as was the day when the sea rested. In many cultures, offerings are given to the sea gods and animals, a sign to show that they gave something in return for what they took from the waters. 

A few stories have been included from different cultures. Most of us would know the one about Sindbad the Sailor. Of course, a book about seas and oceans has to talk of seabirds, ships (& superstitions), pirates, legendary voyages, and… ghost ships! There’s a section on boat construction as well. All the information is crisp and concise. Each fact/ myth is no more than 5 short lines. 

The book also covers a few submerged cities and continents. While it mentions the sunken pagodas around the Shore Temple, it missed the chance to highlight Dwarka, the submerged city built by Krishna in Dwapara Yuga (in modern-day Gujarat). 

The beauty and appeal of the book lie much in the vibrant illustrations. To align with the theme, the book has watercolor paintings in pastels on white, black, and colored backgrounds. This gives the illustrations a whimsical vibe. Perfect for the content. 

My only grouse is the chosen font type. It is cute, no doubt. However, the text is not easy to read even on the computer. Due to the style, the letter f needs extra space. So, words like often appear as of ten, which affects readability. Since the illustrations span the full pages (from left to right), reading this on Kindle can be a nightmare. Buy a physical copy instead. 

To summarize, Lore of the Deep is a fun and informative book about various lore related to seas and oceans. It can be a good addition to your bookshelves, especially if you like trivia. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Quarto (Wide Eyed Editions), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
 

 3.5 Stars

When a young Jieun accidentally makes her family vanish, she is determined to find them no matter how long it takes. Yet, the process takes a toll on her. One night, she creates the Marigold Mind Laundry, where people can convert their painful memories into stains on clothes and wash them away. It’s a chance to find some peace and happiness as Jieun helps them by listening to their stories. Somewhere along the way, Jieun realizes there are some lessons she too needs to learn! 

The story comes in the third-person POV of multiple characters. 

It certainly helps to have the right expectations when starting a book. With the current GR rating at ~3.4 stars, picking this up after two 2-star books was a gamble. However, I needed something soothing, mellow, and gentle. 

In a way, the book is a bit similar to The Full Moon Coffee Shop. While I liked that one better, this did the job and eased my mind. 

There are many sayings in the book; too many of them, in fact, and all of them make this read like self-help. However, the magic realism and the undercurrent melancholy prevent it from becoming a boring book. 

The POV jumps are sometimes awkward, so I had to reread a sentence at a few places to follow the thoughts. Also, some dialogues are weird. Not sure if it’s due to translation or if the original was similarly written. 

The episodic style (yet with a bit of interconnectedness) ensures the narrative changes often. The overarching plot doesn’t have much progress, though there are many subtle hints (which I couldn’t always decipher). Every change in the episode/ story is clearly marked with the relevant character’s name and a B&W illustration (this was a surprise). 

While the book was almost 4 stars up to 85% or so, the last bit didn’t appeal much. I did guess two elements correctly but somehow the shift felt too abrupt. Though I like that the approach is realistic for the overarching plot, the other aspects lost the charm due to sudden change. Still, it does end on a hopeful note. 

The found family theme is quite strong in the second half and sustains until the last page, which is a bonus. 

To summarize, The Marigold Mind Laundry is a mood read that almost borders on self-help philosophical musings. While it won’t work for everyone, sometimes this is exactly what you might need. 

Thank you, Jordan Forney, NetGalley, and Random House (The Dial Press), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheMarigoldMindLaundry