The plague has taken over the city. People are dropped dead in hundreds. Deep inside the Eternal City are the witches and sorceresses, hiding from those in power who are ever-ready to hang them in public. 

Giulia has spent her life helping broken women from all parts of the society. She is a healer, midwife, abortionist and poisoner, depending on what the women need. 

Pope Alessandro VII is determined to rid his city of the witches and the mysterious women, no matter what. Will he succeed? Can Giulia come out alive and escape the witch hunt? 

The story comes in Guilia and Pope Alessandro VII’s first-person POVs in the present tense. 

This is a dark book with several triggers (listed at the end). It is a fictional take on the life of Giulia Tofana, the woman who helped hundreds of women poison the men in their lives for various reasons (abuse mostly). I first read about her in the League of Lady Poisoners by Lisa Perrin. However, I confess it took me some time to connect the dots and realize that the book is about the same person. 

The narrative starts with a prologue where Giulia and four other women are being hanged for witchcraft. So we already know how the book will end. Now, we go back to when Giulia was thirteen and first let into the secret world of her mother. 

The content is pretty graphic and can be hard to read at a stretch. There’s a lot of abuse (physical & sexual), which makes it hard to keep going. The book openly shows what women faced from men (husbands, fathers, brothers, lovers, clients, strangers, and just about everyone). 

While I appreciate the first-person POV, I’m unsure why we get it in the present tense. Based on the prologue, this would have worked better in the past tense. Also, the voice is not too different, whether the FMC is thirteen or thirty-six. This would have made sense in the past tense. 

However, I have to ask- why does the Pope get a first-person POV? This is a poisoner’s tale. It is supposed to be Giulia’s narrative. The Pope could have been limited third person. It would have been better and easier to keep the focus on the FMC. 

As with most real-life-based retellings, this one also leaves me with mixed feelings. While I like that the FMC is a flawed person who made wrong decisions (which put others at risk), I’m not sure how it seems when comparing the book to a real person. As a character, Giulia makes a strong impression. 

Sadly, I can’t say the same about her daughter who feels like a surreal butterfly or a spoiled brat. However, I do like the pattern we see here – the younger generation thinking it is better than the elders while making similar mistakes. 

Tarot reading is one of the devices used for foreshadowing. No surprise that I liked how it played in the plot. I did find it ironic that the Hierophant card is called the Pope when the Church thinks things like tarot are a sin [Hierophant is the traditional head of spirituality (any religion), the masculine counterpart of High Priestess.] Of course, the card’s interpretation in the book aligns with Pope’s role in the story (and reality). 

The abuse and torture are not too graphic but disturbing enough to affect the reader. Some of those details are necessary to show why the women did what they did and how they had to pay for it. And oh, some of those torture devices were used during the Goan Inquisition to covert people. 

To summarize, A Poisoner's Tale is a dark, disturbing, and difficult read based on a real person. Make sure you are in the right mindset to read this one. There’s a bibliography at the end, which I appreciate. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers (Bantam), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #APoisonersTale 

*** 

TW: Pedophilia, rape (repeated), assault, domestic violence, miscarriage (deliberate), abortion, abuse, torture, hanging, strangling, plague (epidemic), torture 

 

 

 3.7 Stars

One Liner: A bit silly and OTT but entertaining 

Elizabeth Wynchester loves nothing more than an opportunity to stab the guilty with her sword. She is bold, beautiful, smart, and competent despite the unknown reason for her joints to jam at random. When Elizabeth’s mission takes her to the castle of Earl of Densmore, she realizes she needs more than a sword to complete the mission. 

Stephen Lennox loves tinkering with machinations. He has invented too many of them and continues to do so. After all, machines are more reliable than humans. However, when he agrees to take the place of his cousin, the Earl of Densmore, for a while, Stephen comes face to face with a woman who truly understands him. 

Elizabeth and Stephen are similar yet different. However, before they explore their feelings, they need to sort out the case of the hidden/ missing will and put a criminal in his place. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Elizabeth and Stephen. 

After enjoying the previous book in the series and loving Elizabeth in that one, I knew I had to read this. I understand her urge to stab anything/ anyone that annoys her. Naturally, people don’t let us act on it, but one can dream! 

The dual POV does what it should and gives us the backstories of the main characters. Both of them present a façade to the public to hide their vulnerabilities. While Elizabeth is kinda sunshine, she is also grumpy (with loads of delightful bloodlust). She loves that the MMC builds murder machines (even if not all are meant to… you know… pop off a person). 

There is insta-lust (obv) but there is also some friendship, banter, and the case, which keeps things interesting. I enjoyed the puzzle parts. 

The villain is pretty much a 2D cartoonish man though we can see glimpses of his cunningness and evilness. Not sure if he’ll appear again but in this one, he is more like a comic villain than a real one. 

The FMC is curvy and has Fibromyalgia. This is my second book where the FMC has this condition. However, this book is historical, so no one knows what her condition is called and why it affects people. I like how the whole aspect is incorporated into the plot and her character arc. 

Stephen is well-written, and there were instances when I liked him more than Elizabeth. Somehow, his vulnerability comes out more clearly. I empathized with his loneliness and sense of wanting to belong. 

There’s some filler which at times results in uneven pacing. There’s a 3rd act breakup, but no miscommunication. This one was bound to happen, so I was okay with it. 

The battle scenes are nice but lighthearted. This aligns with the book’s overall tone but it may not work for everyone. 

The Wynchester family scenes are always fun to read. I missed Tickletums, the hedgehog. He barely got any space. Ugh! So not fair as I was hoping to meet the cutie again. The book ends with a teeny lead to the next one. I know Jacob’s book will be lovely with all those animals and… Tickletums! 

To summarize, Hot Earl Summer is a lighthearted and fun read that also deals with some important themes like acceptance, found family, loneliness, finding love, etc. It is moderately paced and enjoyable if you like historical romances with a modern touch. 

Thank you, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #HotEarlSummer 

 3.7 Stars

Leighton is frustrated when she is ghosted by yet another Tinder date. With no real-life plans for the weekend, she grabs a random book from the shelf and starts reading. Soon, Leigh begins to dream of Lakeville Hills and the super hot billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair. 

This becomes a routine for Leigh, a wonderful escape for a few hours. However, one day she brings Killian to her apartment. Real life and dream worlds collide. So what will Leigh do? How can she find a way out? 

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

This is the kind of book where you have to go with the flow and forget logic. Its premise makes it clear. I was willing, and quite enjoyed the ride. 

Humor is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making this a light-hearted read even when the scenes deal with misogyny, etc. The couple’s wisdom quotes are hilarious. 

Not sure if it is a new trend, but many romcoms seem to be ‘talking’ about the tropes in the plot.  Love Story and The Love of My Afterlife had the same. This book also has the characters discussing and jokes about the tropes in their lives. It makes sense given the character arcs, so it was fun. 

The book is sexy but not that steamy. When it comes to the scenes, it goes fade to black. Since it has quite a few dream sequences, we get enough time to see the main characters connect and know more about each other. 

Though we get only Leigh’s POV, it is easy to see Killian’s side. He is open about his feelings most of the time. Though he is the alpha male, he is also a cinnamon roll. A nice package by all means! 

The beginning is slow (until about 30%) but it picks up a steady pace afterward. There really isn’t a third-act breakup, though there is a small fight and a patch-up real soon. 

Given the premise, there are a few missing (logical) details. But answering those would be risky and could mess up the whole plot, so things are left the way they are. In short, this needs the suspension of belief. 

To summarize, It Started with a Book is a light and funny read about dreams coming true and book boyfriends becoming real. Well, I sure wouldn’t mind this happening (are you listening, guardian angels). 

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

#NetGalley 

 3.7 stars

PC Lucy Halliday gets a call to bring her search dog, Moss when a hand is found in Gallows Wood. Lucy wonders if the case is linked to her husband’s disappearance, as she did with every other case for the past two years. Her husband, Nico, was a journalist with a penchant for digging up truths. Lucy is sure something happened to him. 

New DI Jack Ellis is on the case. He has secrets of his own which he intends to keep buried. He also has a reputation for being successful and a great career graph to prove it. Jack wants things to be done fast and as per the rules. Lucy is desperate to find the truth even if it means bypassing certain channels. 

As things get messy and people continue to keep secrets, it’s a race against time for the police to solve the crime. Can Lucy find answers to her questions? What will it cost her? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Lucy and Jack (with a few snippets from other POVs). 

The first in the series is a slow-paced book that takes some time to get into the flow. Be patient as it gets better and leads to a solid ending. 

It was around 15% that I could start to connect with the characters. Until then, somehow even Lucy didn’t appeal to me (despite her tragic backstory). But once I found the rhythm, the story moved ahead seamlessly. 

Dogs naturally have a good space in the book. Since these are trained for different jobs, we get to see them in action. Moss has a greater role since he is with FMC most of the time. Moss is cute but doesn’t make the book lighthearted or a cozy mystery. This remains a police procedural. 

The case is about something I don’t particularly like. However, it is handled well and is likely to form the basis for the overarching theme of the series. I have a few doubts about a few things and am hoping those will be cleared later on. 

Both main characters have tons of baggage and trauma to deal with. I’m not sure if they will become each other’s love interests. It should take time or we’d have a train wreck on our hands. Slow burn is mandatory here! 

I do like that they both have good brains despite the various flaws. This ensures competency as well as retains the human/ emotional touch. The side characters have been introduced. Have to see how they’ll be developed. 

I could guess the culprit simply coz I disliked that character right from the introduction. Nothing makes me happier than seeing such ones get their due. 

There’s some new information toward the end. The next case could be anything, though. I will read it (obv). This is my first book by the author and won’t be the last! 

To summarize, Gallows Wood is a dark police procedural that starts slowly but picks up momentum as it progresses. It is compact and has much to offer, though I recommend checking the triggers first. 

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

#NetGalley #GallowsWood 

*** 

TW:

Domestic abuse (graphic, three scenes), date rape (non-graphic), drugs 

 

 3 Stars

No one expected a middle-aged and widowed Twyla Banneker to become a marshal. But Frank Ellis, her friend and workplace partner, helped her find the footing she needed to survive. Eight years later, they have settled into a rhythm at the job. The land of Tarnia is less dangerous and safer, which doesn’t bode well for their job but gives them some relief. 

However, things start to spiral out of control when they find a dead body. Soon, Frank becomes a foster parent for a baby dragon! There’s something sinister going on, and the Marshalls have to solve the case. Life gets harder when Twyla realizes Frank could be much more than a best friend. 

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

So, I admit I pretty much forgot the previous book and remember only vague stuff about some letters. Thankfully, I could recollect a few more details as I read this one (not a lot but enough to follow the story and visualize the setting). 

I like that the lead characters share a great friendship. This is hard to write without making the whole thing sound off in a friends-to-lovers romance. However, the transition isn’t smooth. It comes a bit too late and is a bumpy ride (much like the battered ducks used in the book). 

I also like that the couple are older and in their 50s. This should make them more mature, right? Not always! Still, it’s good to read books with different age groups. 

Why do we get only a single POV in this one? The book (desperately) needs Frank’s POV. Instead, we have Twyla going on and on for 400+ pages, which gets repetitive (annoying and boring). I understand Twyla’s situation. I truly do. But she needs to be more than someone who goes on a rant whenever possible. Moreover, the lack of Frank’s POV means we are stuck with being in the FMC’s head throughout. 

The book has dragons but the cutesy type. They release glitter (and not fire). This is actually cool. However, the dragons are underutilized in the plot. There’s so much to do with them (observing how they eat, swim, and poop is not enough!) but except for a little in the climax, the rest doesn’t explore their potential. The baby dragon is adorable, though! 

The book is a drama. There is supposed to be a mystery but forget about it if you want to enjoy this one. Mystery is used as a plot device for more drama (angst once, humor next). The reveal made me laugh at the absurdity of the whole thing. I think that’s what the author was aiming for. If not, well… *shrug* 

At least there’s an epilogue, so bonus points for that. No denying that the book tackles some important themes about marriage and motherhood. But, TBH, don’t hit the readers on the head with it. We understand soon. 

There are quite a few F-bombs scattered in the book. Some might find it excessive. I ignored them mostly. Duckers is fun when he is not being too goofy. His love track has some developments, so we are likely to get more details in book three. 

The pacing is a bit uneven due to the repetition. Trimming down the content to 330 pages and then adding Frank’s POVs for some 20 pages would make this a great read and feel more like romance. 

To summarize, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank is a decent read but ends up underwhelming when it could have been a lot better. Read this as women’s fiction with a wee bit of mystery and a touch of romance. 

My thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK (Orbit), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheUnderminingOfTwylaAndFrank 

 4.5 Stars

Linney the House Cat started as a series of webcomics. This graphic novel is a collection of several illustrations that detail the life of a housecat from the cat’s POV. 

I enjoy reading about cats and their antics. When a friend (Rosh) rated it 5 stars, I knew I had to read this one. After all, how can I resist a book that showcases a cat’s personality? 

The author/ illustration adopted Linney when Her Highness was older (around four years). This meant Linney came with her exclusive attitude and took every opportunity to remind her silly hoomans about it. 

The author’s love and understanding are evident in every illustration. She knows her cat even if Linney would never admit it. 

This isn’t a story as such. It is a series of scenes arranged in a sequence to make sense. Linney’s voice is purrfect! She knows hoomans are mere slaves, hooman kittens are ewww, and dogs are even more ewww. Linney loves to take revenge and plots various ways to get even when hoomans don’t do what she wants. 

The tone is light, funny, quirky, and super cute. The illustrations are rough sketches (I love the explanation for why Linney has such a vague visual representation) which seamlessly suit the narrative style. The dialogues and thoughts are in speech bubbles with ‘feelings’ and other stuff mentioned as plain text. The layout is simple and uncluttered. 

While there is sad news, the reader is prepared for it in advance. The whole thing is handled with care. After all, the author’s pain would have been so much more than what we feel when reading it! But don’t worry. The book makes you smile with its ending. 

To summarize, Woe: A Housecat's Story is a beautiful, hilarious, and bittersweet graphic novel about a fluffy orange cat with a huge personality. Though this is marked YA, it can pretty much be read by anyone (kiddos included). 

My thanks to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Random House Graphic, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #WoeAHousecatsStory 

 4 Stars

Miranda comes from a family of toppers and achievers. She is the face of physics and the youngest physics professor in the university. However, her world turns upside down when she is passed over for tenure. Her life no longer follows a plan. 

Dejected, Miranda decides to take her bestie’s advice and use the sabbatical to live life without rules and science. Instead, she decides to make decisions based on the stars and astrology. Things have already gone wrong. They couldn’t get worse, right? 

What does this sabbatical teach Miranda? Will it help her find some love too? 

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

Well, the cover and the premise were cute enough to make me want to grab this book. Unlike Miranda, I love astronomy and astrology equally and believe that both can co-exist. I hoped it would be fun to see how the FMC realizes the same, and it was. 

Miranda’s character is well crafted. The transition from someone who follows rigid rules to someone who embraces change by replacing the rules with another set to finally a person who learns to trust her gut and heart, the progress is steady and unhurried. This feels realistic without being drawn out too long. 

I knew there would be a love triangle of sorts. Thankfully, it doesn’t get messy or awkward (or annoying). While I think the other track could have been a little shorter, I also see why it was necessary to go as far as it did. It plays a part in the FMC’s journey. 

Archer is an adorable grumpy artist. I wish we had more of him in the book and his backstory came out a little more detailed. He is the king of grump you’d want to love! 

Some side characters like Lillian, Daphne, and Kylee make a strong impression. While the other guy was good enough, I didn’t feel anything for him. 

The chapters were titled according to months and zodiac seasons. Each chapter began with a horoscope prediction for the day and aligned with the events that take place in it. I loved this approach and had a great time reading those little nuggets of ‘wisdom’. 

The romance was pretty mild with only a wee bit of steam. However, the relationship between the FMC and MMC was great to read. It started with a not-a-meet-cute and progressed slowly, so that made sense. I wouldn’t have minded a little more spice, though. 

While the track of Miranda’s relationship with her family started realistically, it got resolved a bit too easily, IMO. I wish it continued to be realistic and bittersweet. 

There’s an epilogue (my favorite) that gives us a proper HEA and all. 

The author’s note was delightful and gave a glimpse into the research and work she put into the book. I always love reading such details. 

To summarize, Miranda in Retrograde is a light and steady-paced book (not fast) you can finish in a couple of sittings. It works as a summer read or a starry night read on the rooftop. You don’t need to know anything about astrology to understand the contents.

My thanks to NetGalley, and Gallery Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MirandaInRetrograde 

 2.7 stars

1980s, Appalachia 

Sheila, a seventeen-year-old, lives with an old woman, a twelve-year-old sister Angie, and their mother. Life is hard and a constant battle of bullying, lack of money, and too much work. It doesn’t help that Angie lives in her own world and draws cards that seem to have a life of their own. 

When a pair of female hikers is murdered in the region, the sisters are drawn to the case. This brings danger and violence closer to their home. As things get murkier, can Sheila and Angie survive the aftermath? 

The story comes in the third-person POV. 

There’s something dark and suffocating about the title and cover, which made me request a copy of the book. The premise was intriguing too, especially the setting. The main characters are YA but this is an adult read. I wouldn’t recommend it to teens (unless they are comfortable with dark themes). 

What I Like: 

The setting is dark and intense. It shows the brutal side of nature, which aligns perfectly with the plot and the characters. The atmosphere is thick, suffocating, strange, uncomfortable, and sinister. Anything can go wrong and they do. 

There’s hardly any lighter moment or a scene that makes the reader smile. Everything is tainted with suspicion. Naturally, it makes for an intense read. I enjoyed how the elements were used even when the rest wasn’t working as expected. 

Despite the characters living in imaginary worlds, the situations are very much real and gritty. The MCs are poor, outcasts, and bullied. They have different coping mechanisms. The adults aren’t great either. Flawed and compelling. 

The chapters' titles and the drawings are intriguing. 

There’s magic realism of sorts, and the lines between real and imaginary often blur. I don’t have issues with this since it is one of my favorite genres. However, I do need things to be a little less haphazard. 

The mystery is so, so weak! I hoped for some tension-filled stuff. But nothing much happens for a long, long time and then something happens. After that, I’m not sure how the whole thing would work in reality. It’s confusing and disappointing. 

While I understood metaphors like the invisible rope, I’m still not sure about ifs and what’s regarding the recurring role of rabbits. Is there even some sort of inference? No idea! 

There are a few more themes like sexuality, gender orientation, eating disorders, dysfunctional family, etc. These weave in and out of the narrative but don’t always make sense. The whole thing feels elusive and hazy. 

The ending is okay, decent. There is some progress but this feels largely like a slice-of-life narrative that doesn’t provide any answers. All those bits and pieces were underdeveloped and went nowhere. 

The POVs jump from one character to another and from reality to make-believe. It is easy to lose track if we don’t give it 100% attention. In fact, I’ve had to reread some paragraphs even when I was fully focused on the narrative. It feels like a fever dream in many places. 

The book is just 250+ pages but packed full, though nothing much seems to happen. This is a strange mix of everything and nothing and further weighs down the reader (unless you enjoy such styles). 

To summarize, Smothermoss sounds great in theory and has some worthy elements. It works great in parts but ends up a bit undercooked as a whole. The results will be case-sensitive. So, if my nays are your ayes, give this a try. I know I’d want to read another book by the author. Good potential. 

My thanks to NetGalley, and Tin House Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #Smothermoss 

One Liner: Entertaining but a bit lengthy
 

Delphie dies by choking on a microwave bugger. It is embarrassing! However, she is shocked to wake up in Afterlife, a place that feels a lot like the earth but isn’t. Delphie is still getting used to the feeling of being dead when she crashes into a handsome young man who makes her heart sing. 

However, turns out, the guy is not dead and has to go back to the earth. Fortunately, Delphie is given a chance to go back to the earth. However, she needs to find him, make him fall in love with her, and kiss her – all within ten days to continue being alive. Can Delphie do what it takes to not die again? 

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

How can I ignore a premise like this? Imagine finding love in your afterlife and having to come back alive for it (way too much work, IMO, but Delphie is game, so why not). 

The book opens with a bang. We are right in the scene with Delphie choking on the burger. It shouldn’t be funny but it is. 

The Afterlife will need some getting used to. The best thing to do is go with the flow and don’t compare it to other settings or what you know about the place. It sounds more like a corporate office (be warned!). 

Though the blurb makes it a romance, the book is also about finding one's tribe, new friendships, coming out of the shell, closing past trauma, etc. That makes the side characters (some of them) quite interesting. 

Delphie is a socially awkward twenty-seven-year-old. That leads to a lot of second-hand embarrassment, which went a bit OTT in the middle. While it makes sense in a way, it sure isn’t easy to see the FMC make a fool of herself. Thankfully, things change as the realization strikes. Moreover, we also notice that the FMC made her share of mistakes (which she conveniently forgets), so she is not always easy to like or empathize with. It makes her real but also a tad annoying. 

One character is a diehard fan of romance (pun intended), which means other romance authors and tropes are also mentioned in between. This may or may not work for all readers. I didn’t mind it much but I wouldn’t have felt their absence either. 

The pacing is a bit uneven though not so much that the story drags. However, I would have preferred it if the ending didn’t try to pack so much into it. The book is already 400 pages, so the narrative should be steady and evenly distributed. A lot happens in the last 20%, some of which do seem a bit excessive. 

To summarize, The Love of My Afterlife is an entertainer that attempts to do something different with the tried and tested tropes from the romance genre. That said, you will like it more if you connect with the FMC. 

My thanks to Anne (Random Things Tours), NetGalley, and Penguin Publishing House, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 3.8 stars

Clara lives with her mother in the cottage on the grounds of Brellasham Manor. It has been her home all her life, with her mother being the housekeeper for the family at the Manor (and so was her grandmother). 

River, the owner’s son, returns after fifteen years, still unsure about his relationship with his father and the Manor. He remembers his closeness with Clara, even if she doesn’t seem to want to. 

When Clara finds the diary of Audrey Brellasham, the missing, presumed dead wife and stepmother of the owner, she becomes obsessed with the past. Clara wants to know what actually happened. When the owner announces that the estate will be sold to the developers, Clara knows she is running out of time to find the truth. 

The story comes in Clara, River, and Geoffrey’s third-person POVs. 

This is a standalone book that shares the location with other books in the series. Heaven’s Cove is a picturesque village with a sea, cliffs, cute streets, and a small community. 

The triple POV works well to add depth to the characters. Surprisingly, I liked River and Geoffrey’s POVs more than Clara’s. While I was a bit frustrated with Geoffrey, I could also empathize with his position. 

The pacing is steady and keeps the story moving even when we are yet to find the answers to some questions. 

The diary trope is creatively handled here. We don’t get pages and pages of stories. Instead, we get crisp content, which nudges the FMC to find out more. I like how the diary has a vital role but also doesn’t take up too much space. 

Now, Clara is 31 years old. I can see her situation with her family. Her mother belongs to the previous generation and follows the ‘rules’ way too much. I like that Clara doesn’t simply put her head down but asserts herself when necessary. However, I don’t particularly like it when the FMC becomes stupid in the case of a man. At least, the realization comes soon enough (or I’d have been even more annoyed at her). 

Comparatively, River’s arc and POV feel better. His internal conflict and vulnerability come out very well and make him appear more fleshed out than the FMC. Not something we often see in this genre, but I’ll take it! 

There’s no third-act breakup since the couple doesn’t get together until towards the end. Read this as contemporary fiction (men’s and women’s) rather than romance. You will enjoy it more that way. 

While there are a couple of triggering topics, they are handled with care. We get just enough details, though you may still want to be a tad careful (domestic violence). 

The ending (yes, there is an epilogue) is sweet and heartwarming. It shows things are a work-in-progress just like the characters. I like that it is not too neat but answers all questions satisfactorily. 

To summarize, The Diary at the Last House Before the Sea is a heartwarming standalone set in a beautiful location and deals with second chances, moving on from past traumas, and becoming a better version of ourselves. 

The author’s note says she working on the next in the series. I’m excited to see what she’ll come up with. 

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

#NetGalley #TheDiaryAtTheLastHouseBeforeTheSea