3.7 Stars

Charlie Sparrow’s family has owned the Chanterelle Cottage for six generations in the small-town Owl’s Hollow. She and her moms form the trio of witches in the town. The shop is her everything but they are struggling to keep it afloat. Still, her parents don’t want to make Charlie a business partner. 

The arrival of Sterling Fitzgerald aka Fitz complicates things. Fitz is a mage and has opened a magecraft store, Maven Enterprises. He comes from money, which makes him Charlie’s enemy. How will a spell shop survive when mages are around? 

 However, neither can deny the attraction between them. Moreover, someone has been causing trouble with strange supernatural events affecting the whole town. It’s up to Charlie and Fitz to sort out the issue and find a common ground for their businesses and hearts. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Charlie. 

That’s such a cute cover, right? I knew I had to read this one (and lucked out this time). 

A big yay to Charlie’s moms Alice (Mama) and Ruby (Mim). They are the definition of opposites attract and form a beautiful team (with a few parental flaws, of course). 

The side characters like Elinor, Bonnie, and Tandy are well-etched. While they start as stereotypical, we see the characters have more depth to them. The LBGT rep is cool and seamless. I also like how the white characters are mentioned as white (as opposed to assuming that anyone whose skin tone is not described is automatically white). Love this. 

The setting is lovely as it should be in small-town books. Since this one is 400+ pages, there’s enough space for world-building in terms of location and magic. Both are deftly handled with enough explanations woven into the plot. The magical world combines quite a few elements (runes, elemental magic, crystals, spellwork, nature witchcraft, scrying, etc.) 

Fitz is actually a sweet person. I admit there were many instances I liked him more than Charlie (more on this next). He is caring, loving, kind, talented, and a good businessman. He knows how to run a business, which is important if one wants to become a business partner. It helps that he also has enough trauma in his past. 

Charlie is not a bad character; just immature and idiotic. Since we get the book from her POV, her voice needs to be good and it is to an extent (I’ll say that I liked the author’s narration more than Charlie’s POV, if it makes sense). The voice is cheeky (which I credit the author and not the character). While it is interesting to have a flawed FMC, there were quite a few instances when she got annoying. The FMC’s actions (some of her interactions with the love interest) don’t make her cute. If Fitz did that, we’d be calling him a red flag and a toxic man. (

Imagine judging the guy from the start and calling him a judgmental ass while he is actually trying to do something for you after you hurt him. Not good, Charlie.  

) 

Since this is not a mystery book, the characters don’t see what’s right in front of their eyes, nor do they connect the dots until the mess becomes a bigger mess. I expected that, so wasn’t disappointed. 

There is a third-act breakup which comes early in the last quarter and extends until the end. Moreover, there is no epilogue. Why? When I read 400+ pages, why can’t have at least a 2-page epilogue? I need to know some details. Grr! 

Before I forget, I have to applaud the ease with which we have the Celtic cross (Tarot) spread presented in the first 10% of the book. Can I get a free reading too, please? 

To summarize, The Cottage Around the Corner is a cozy witchy romance with an interesting magic system and a good setting. I’d have liked it if the FMC was a little more mature, but I did love the author’s voice and the MMC. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group (Ballantine | Dell), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheCottageAroundTheCorner 

 4 Stars

One minute Joy Blackwood was excited about spending the rest of their retirement life with her husband Yves. The next instant, he suffered a heart attack and passed away. However, his dying confession about having a daughter breaks Joy’s heart. Not knowing what to do, Joy decides to take the painting Yves left for Robyn and hand it over personally to the girl in Ballycove (Ireland). 

However, meeting Robyn brings out the protective instincts in Joy. The introverted girl is trying to keep her bookshop afloat and pining after a guy who sees her as a friend. As Joy becomes a part of Robyn’s circle, she wonders what the truth will do to them. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Joy, Robyn, and Fern. 

The blurb and the cover make it clear that this is a heartwarming and uplifting story about women who bond with each other despite the conditions. The book delivers on what it promises. 

The story begins with Yven’s retirement, the reveal, and his death. So, straight away, we get into the main plot. Similarly, we also get the other POVs to tell us about the present and a certain incident in the past that changed everything. I like this approach we can focus on what the characters do from here on. 

Joy, Fern, and Robyn are the three main characters. Robyn is in her early twenties and easily the sweetest girl you’ll find. Her character growth is beautiful to read. From being an introvert in love with a childhood friend to becoming a confident bookseller and learning to set boundaries, I enjoyed reading her arc the most. 

Joy is a kind person, way too kind most of the time because she has a good heart. One character says, ‘You are a class act, Joy’. That sums up her arc. I wouldn’t have minded if she had a bit of a mean streak but she doesn’t. 

Fern feels more realistic in her reactions. She is flawed, which I liked, given how the other two are super sweet. She balances out the emotion well. 

Albie is easily my favorite. He is such a wonderful side character who actually plays a vital role without seeming to. This ninety-year-old is full of life, charm, and wonderful nuggets of wisdom he shares with others. And, how can I not mention his old tortoise, Dolly Patron? 

The setting is beautiful with its cloudy weather, spacious bookshop, beach, and cute streets. Typical small-town charm. (Here, I have to mention that I first thought the book was set in Australia based on the cover. For Irish settings, my mind needs looming dark clouds or a moody sky, lol). 

I wish the ages of the characters weren’t so confusing to track. Robyn’s was easy to calculate but the other two were complicated. I’m still not sure if I got it right. 

Though the book is just 304 pages, the pacing is on the slower side, especially in the first half. Once we settle into the plot, the narrative gets better but doesn’t pick up speed. However, this pace works for the plot, so can’t complain. 

I was surprised when a new subplot was introduced so late in the book but must admit that it worked well. It was necessary not just for a certain shift but also to establish the contrast between the two characters. 

The ending is obviously happy and hopeful. Though there is no real romance, there is a wee bit of it to make the ending sweeter. It could feel a bit too sweet for some. 

To summarize, The Bookshop Ladies is a heartwarming story about finding family, forgiveness, moving on, self-worth, and second chances. It’ll make me a nice and cozy read on cold afternoons. 

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

#NetGalley #TheBookshopLadies 

 3.5 Stars

One Liner: A decent read
 

December 1923, 

Iris Woodmore is back sleuthing when the leading lady in the pantomime charity play is found dead. With Percy’s younger brother being one of the suspects, Iris decides to investigate the case. She also comes face to face with her nemesis intent on regaining his lost name. 

Can Iris solve the case and try not to mess up her private life again? 

The story comes in Iris’s first-person POV. 

I was happy to see the next book in the series set during Christmas. Walden does sound good in winter. The festival doesn’t have a major role in the plot, though. Don’t look for a proper Christmas mystery here. 

As always, we have to deal with a large cast of recurring characters and new ones related to the case. While the book works as a standalone, it can be overwhelming to remember who is who without prior knowledge. I enjoyed the presence of the recurring characters, though not all. 

The pacing is steady, and we get a clue or tidbit as the story progresses. How it fits the bigger picture is for us to guess. There are a few lighthearted moments too, which I quite enjoyed. 

The mystery started out well with a couple of subplots to thicken the plot. However, the reveal could have been better. No issues with who the killer is but I did want the method of solving the mystery to be more detail-based. 

I like how the social situation of the period is woven into the plot. With many characters in business and politics, we get more than enough feel of the time. 

While I like Iris’s determination to do the right thing when it comes to the cases she solves, her disregard for ethics in her personal life is worrying. Sorry but not sorry. No amount of feminist talk can make her look good in this aspect. Her pathetic track record in men has to break somewhere. 

That said, I am excited for the next book and hope a scandal knocks sense into her silly mind. The MC could do with a reality check about her life. At the same time, I want the nemesis to be put in place. He shouldn’t get away for what he did (is doing). 

To summarize, A Corpse in Christmas Close is a decent addition to the series even if isn’t the best. The book does take the story forward, so I’m hoping the next one will be a much better read. 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

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 3.7 Stars

Bertie Carroll has no choice but to go when his friendly rival and playwright, Alice, gives him a frantic call. Someone had placed an advert that a murder would take place in the third act of her play. Though Bertie has no idea how or what he should do, he goes to offer moral support to Alice. 

However, a murder indeed occurs, and Alice is determined Bertie should solve it (with her help, of course)! With Inspector Hugh Chapman assigned to the case, Bertie has to navigate the clues as well as his feelings for his friend. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Bertie (mostly), Hugh, and Alice. 

As someone who quite enjoyed the first book, I was excited to read this one. The author’s experience with theater shines even in this book. The detailing of the Gaiety theatre- the seats, the backend, etc., is so good! Also, don’t miss the author’s note at the end. 

While this works as a standalone, reading the first book will be better. That’s because unlike other LGBT+ works, this one is subtle and hush-hush (better than book one, though). It was the same in book one. Though the friction between the lead characters is a bit more apparent, it doesn’t openly highlight anything. 

Bertie is easy to like, which makes this an easy and entertaining read. Alice is a force to reckon with (for the MC and readers, lol). She does bring a lot of lighthearted moments and chuckles, though. Her characterization is steady, and I would be delighted to meet her again in future books. 

Once again, the theater industry, actors, and relevant issues are the primary focus. The 1930s setting adds a lovely charm as well as provides details about how the backgrounds (for plays) were made, the local living conditions (based on income), transportation, etc. Quite a lot of history is packed into it without distracting from the plot. 

The mystery as such is easy to guess. While it should have been a whodunit, it is more of a howdunit and whydunit for me since I guessed the killer early. The repetition of certain details made it even more obvious (toning it down a little should help the plot). 

Bertie’s secretary, the efficient Miss. Gertie (Gertrude) Williams, has a small role in the last quarter. It’s fun meeting her again. Always give me characters that thrive on order and color-coded lists. 

The reveal is not a monologue but comes from more than one character and involves others asking questions and such. This works well as it keeps the reader more invested in the proceedings. 

To summarize, Murder at the Matinee is a light and cozy read set in the world of theater from the 1930s. It reads a lot like a classic mystery with the visible influence of Christie’s works. 

We are told there will be more books in the series, so I’m hoping the next one will not be a long wait. 

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

#NetGalley #MurderattheMatinee 

Seventeen-year-old Tempest is just surviving as the days blend into one another. She had been grieving her parents’ death and struggling with it. However, it soon turns out that she has a lot more to worry about when the truth of her parents’ identities is revealed. Some people out there want to kill Tempest. 

Jet (19) is a young officer of the League of Protectors (LOP), an organization that acts as a force to keep supernatural creatures from being harmed by humans and vice versa. His life ambition has been to join the higher ranks of LOP. When his talents uncover Tempest, he realizes the danger is much darker and more ruthless than expected.  

The story comes in the first-person POVs of Tempest and Jet. 

I don’t remember where I saw it mentioned this was first in the series but I’m glad I didn’t forget that point. The book ends in a cliffhanger in many ways. I prefer a standalone series, so this is a little disappointing but at least I knew this would be a series. 

The dual POV is done well. I liked that both voices are easy to distinguish and neatly labeled at the beginning of each chapter. The story progresses with the POV shift, so the pacing is steady as well. 

This is an urban fantasy about shape-shifters of all kinds who have their own universities, monarchy, police system, and obviously, extremists who want the purebloods to retain supremacy. 

The fantasy elements belong to different religions (this is clearly mentioned by the characters). So, there is a naga, a mayura (peacock), dogs, cats, panthers, snails, magi, succubus, etc. I was quite tickled by the choice of making the Indian Deepti a nerdy succubus. I hope she has a meaty role in the coming books. 

The main characters are pretty decent. Tempest’s arc is better and feels more aligned with her backstory. Jet is a younger version of the brooding dark and handsome hero with intense feelings and a tragedy in his past. I liked him enough but felt the protective instincts came out a little too early. 

There is some romance (clean enough with just one kiss) and pining on both sides. It may seem slow burn in a way but not really. The saving grace is that it doesn’t dominate the plot. Tempest spends more time with the side characters than the MMC, so the angst is more internal and feels a bit too much (they even really know each other). 

I liked some of the side characters. Some weren’t developed yet, so can’t say much. The setting is well done. My favorite is the magic library. I need a membership! 

While a couple of questions get answered, we are left with many more. This can easily be a trilogy (I hope it won’t drag on to six or eight books). However, please do not bring love triangles. I’ll handle the rest but no triangles and quadrangles! 

To summarize, A Trace of Something Stranger is an intriguing YA fantasy and is well done for what seems to be a debut novel. Another round of editing would have tightened it up a bit. I look forward to the next book. 

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

#NetGalley #ATraceofSomethingStranger 

 3.7 Stars

One Liner: Slow-paced but entertaining

 

When Storm Berger’s younger sister, Maddie, disappears, he blames himself for it and decides to travel back in time to search for her. After all, it’s not the first time someone in their family has time-traveled. 

Freydis was her father’s pet and was raised like a boy. However, his death changed her life. At eighteen, she has no freedom and has been offered to a tyrant as a bride. She needs to find a way out. Meeting Storm gives her hope but will he be the one to help her? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Storm and Freydis. 

So, this is the last book of the series and reads perfectly well as a standalone. I didn’t read any of the previous books but had no trouble in following this one. 

The process of time travel is explained well but kept brief. This isn’t the first time someone in the MMC’s family has done it (the previous books belong to the other characters who went back in time). 

Freydis’s character arc is very well done. She is a combination of confidence and vulnerability, naïve but eager to learn. Her thoughts and actions fit her age (eighteen). 

Storm’s character is good as well. I did find it a bit off at times that he was just twenty-one but tried not to let it bother me. Some of his actions align with his impulsive nature but he has enough endearing qualities to make up for it. 

Joalf is a great side character. I loved his role in the FMC’s life. Sutr, the raven is my favorite, of course! A raven that talks and loves treats? Sign me up! 

The dialogue was a bit off at times. Nothing major but I did wonder a few times if that’s how they talked back then. 

The setting is great. I could visualize the rocky buildings, the cliffs, the seaside, and the wintry chill that seeps into the bones. Brrr! Freezing! 

The romance is decent with some sprinkle of external threat and a bit of miscommunication thrown in. While there is no explicit third-act breakup, there is some tension. It aligns with their characters, so I didn’t mind it much. 

The book ends with an epilogue for the series. This might be the only part where readers like me may feel overwhelmed with all the names and details. Since we don’t have to remember any of it, that’s fine. 

There’s a bonus short story too, a quick piece for another person from the same family and involves the time-traveling love story. You can read it or skip it. I read it. 

To summarize, Legacy of the Runes is an entertaining romance with two characters bonding across different centuries and finding love with each other. 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Headline Review, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

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 3.7 stars

Old friends and women in their forties, Shelley, Pearl, and Lena decide to take a break for three days before Christmas and go to stay at a B&B in the Highlands. When they get snowed in and realize they cannot go back to celebrate the festival with their families, the women have to face the real reasons for their escape and decide what they want to do with their lives when they go back. 

Will they continue with their old lives and same old frustrations or find the courage to break the patterns? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Shelley, Pearl, and Lena, with a few chapters from Joel, Tommy, Michael, and Martha’s POVs. 

This is a quick yet heartwarming story about three women and how they face the issues in their lives (and come out stronger). Given the premise, I wasn’t looking for romance. There’s a bit of new love but the focus is on how three women deal with different situations. 

It was heartwarming to read about their friendship. They share a deep bond, and it shows in their interactions. 

The Highland setting during Christmas, the snow, and the cozy B&B are beautiful. I enjoyed the descriptions that provide the necessary detail but don’t distract the reader from the plot. 

There’s a cute doggie, Stan, who is adorable. Then, there is a five-year-old guest, Theo, who is NOT cute; a proper brat! 

The side characters are decently done. Not too deep but works for the plot. We hate those we need to hate and feel bad for those who need our sympathy. However, I did want more from Tommy’s character and was disappointed a little. 

It seems that teenagers are given a free pass for certain things. Since a couple of important questions are not answered, I’m left wondering about their intentions. Can’t say I could feel bad for them (in fact, it’s the opposite). 

While the ending is hopeful for all three ladies, I do wish Lena’s track and Brandon’s track were explored a little more. A kind partner is an asset. But a weak person with a kind heart is a headache. 

Anyway, the book ends on a positive note and suits the Christmas mood with a bittersweet-cum-hopeful vibes. 

To summarize, 'Tis the Damn Season is a quick read about three women whose time away from their families helps them reevaluate their lives and make some much-needed decisions. You can finish in a single sitting (or two). 

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

#NetGalley #TistheDamnSeason 

 4 Stars

One Liner: A worthy continuation of the series

After four cases, Alexi Ellis, the co-owner of Hopgood Hall wants nothing to do with murder or deaths. She and Jack are ready for a short holiday when Polly Pearson, the local gossip who ran a witch hunt against Alexi, comes running to them for help. Turns out, Polly is a prime suspect in the murder of her lover, Gerry, and she claims to be innocent.

Alexi decides to be the bigger person and investigate the case with Jack. Is Polly innocent or guilty?

The story comes in Alexi and Jack’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

The fifth installment in the series should work as a standalone read. There are enough details to get an idea about the characters’ backgrounds. However, it will be more enjoyable for those familiar with the series.

While the book is a cozy mystery, the topics are darker this time (check TW at the end). Cosmo and Tuby bring enough humor to lighten the mood. Our large black cat is a darling unless you are on the wrong side. His hisses and growls are enough to scare most criminals!

The mystery starts out as a simple case of a scorned lover (maybe) but delves deeper and expands into a larger crime with many parties involved. I did guess the direction since hints were pointing at it.

The side characters are pretty much fixed in their roles so far. They are familiar and comforting. We know what to expect, and they don’t disappoint.

The way women make fools of themselves over Gerry would have been annoying if it weren’t realistically portrayed. Such things happen in real life and are not uncommon. The story presents a sneak peek into their thought process, insecurities, and yearning for affection.

I admit the final reveal wasn’t what I expected. I zeroed in on the other person. This does make sense in a way, a twisted sort of way that aligns with that character’s arc.

It seems that Alexi and Jack’s relationship is getting a lot of nazar (evil eye) from many people. The poor couple can’t seem to get rid of their exes, intent on getting them back. However, it is heartwarming to see them put up a united front and deal with it in no-nonsense terms.

There’s a lot of drama too given the nature of the plot and the characters. Some of it gets repetitive at places but it might be useful for first-time readers of this series to get a better idea of the dynamics in the relationships.

A bit of danger and some faithful animals that become heroes bring the story to a neat ending. Not everyone faces the consequences of their actions. I know we’ll see some of those characters again, and can’t wait for them to fall into the hole they dug for others.

To summarize, A Deadly Affair is a well-plotted cozy mystery and an enjoyable read. It has a steady pace and can be a standalone read.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley
 

 3 Stars

One Liner: Read it as a drama

 

Bailey McArthur moved to Heather Moore for a fresh start. As someone who always loved flowers, she opened a florist shop, Flower Power, and was getting her life back on track. 

The arrival of Zach Stern, a journalist, threatens her newfound freedom. When Zach wouldn’t stop asking about Eric, the famous celebrity hiding in the town, Bailey was afraid that her secrets would tumble out. Her growing feelings for Zach complicated things. 

Can Bailey sort out the mess and find happiness? 

The story comes in Bailey’s first-person POV. 

Firstly, this is not romance. It has a lot of drama too, so we’ll call it contemporary fiction. 

The start is quite good. I enjoyed the descriptions of the flower shop and the picturesque small town in winter. 

As the story progressed, I realized this would not be romance. There isn’t enough connection between the main characters. Insta-love trope but sadly it’s not well done. I was still wondering how they could develop such deep feelings for each other. 

There’s a lot of side drama involving Bailey’s family. The celebrity, Eric, is also hit with drama and scandals from all sides. Naturally, Bailey, with her helpful attitude, is at the center of it. Things spiral out of control in the second half. 

Fortunately, I liked the bond between Bailey and Marcus (her brother). His arc was quite believable. In fact, I empathized more with him than the main characters. 

Bailey’s character is decent if a bit silly over Zach. I like she made some great points about starting over, the role of media in sharing gossip at the cost of privacy, the right to become a better person after making mistakes, etc. 

Zach’s character is so surface level, he was hardly anything more than great eyes and hair with commendable ethics. If the side drama was limited to one topic, there would have been enough space for the MMC to grow and the romance to feel like something. 

As expected of the genre, everything gets sorted at the end. There’s an epilogue too. The saving grace for me was the pacing. I could read this in a couple of days. 

To summarize, A Scottish Highland Hideaway has a solid premise but messes it up by bringing too much drama and turning it into a soap opera. It might work better if you go with the right expectations. (It is a proper standalone.) 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and One More Chapter (Harper Collins), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

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 4 Stars

When human bones are found in a crab pot, Detective Alana Mack finds it an odd case. With help from science, they find the victim’s identity. However, Alana is injured in a random attack and the case gets complicated as new clues emerge. Seems the victim has connections to a previous cold case. As more bodies turn up, Alana needs to solve both cases fast. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Alana (max.), William, and a couple of other characters for a chapter or two. 

The third book with Alana Mack has a highly complicated plot. It starts with bones in a crab pot but takes many turns to end up somewhere else. Luckily, the progress isn’t jumpy or haphazard. 

It helps that the MC has no idea about fishing terms and processes. This makes the explanations a part of the narrative without seeming like it’s only there for the readers.  

We have a new addition, rather two new additions but one of them is a dog (Wally), so he gets the limelight. I wish Wally continues to be a part of the series. He is a darling! The other addition is a new member, Eve, in the MC’s team. Tensions increase right away. Have to see where it’ll lead. 

There are possibly some minor developments in the MC’s personal life. We get a little more information about her past and the reason for her presence in a wheelchair. She is a no-nonsense (bordering on rude) person but is good to see her indulge in a couple of emotions at times. Her character is going great so far. 

I did figure out the killer before the team did and liked that I was right. Some of the actions seem OTT, which does align with that character’s persona, so no big deal. 

While I have always liked Paddy, William is giving a good fight to take the first place. He is a smart lad and would excel in the field. He loves Wally, which is another huge point in his favor. 

The series does feel like it has solidified with this one. I hope the momentum continues. Of course, I’m not sure about the track with attacks on Alana. Will it be something that connects to her backstory or future books? Have to wait and find out I guess. 

The author’s note was an interesting read and provided an insight into her writing process. I always enjoy such snippets shared by authors. Won’t say more as I don’t want to reveal the spoilers. 

To summarize, Cage of Bones is a well-crafted and executed police procedural with many twists and turns. It’s a bit on the slower side but doesn’t get boring at any point. Looking forward to the next one. 

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

#NetGalley #CageofBones