3.5 stars (rounded up) 

Elinor is accused of a murder she didn’t commit. Someone is out to get rid of her, and she must do everything possible to save herself and find the culprit. Tristan is by her side throughout, but the fight is not easy. The King’s life is at risk, Twyla is missing, and past truths are revealed. Elinor’s world turns upside down as they dig deeper. 

What will it take to save her dear ones and stay alive? 

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

This is the last book in the series and provides answers to many questions. It cannot and should not read as a standalone. Reviewing the book is hard, as I have to be careful about spoilers for the entire series! 

I was excited to read this, knowing that the stakes would be high. Some of my guesses were right (yippee!), which always makes me happy. 

The tension is well done. Elinor is snapping and losing her calm. Tristan is terrific, of course. Marcus is one of my favorite characters. That kid will go places! Twyla is another favorite, and I would 1000% love a spin-off with her in the lead role. 

The pacing is on the slower side, or so it seems since there’s more planning and waiting. When the action comes, it does deliver to a good extent. I liked some of it but wanted more at other times. That oomph was largely missing this time. 

However, the biggest issue is the misalignment between my expectations and the content in the last quarter. Let’s say that some developments were not appealing. Oh, they perfectly align with the character arcs. But did they have to occur that way? Dunno. 

When I read the last page of the final book in a series, I want to feel satisfied with how things ended. Here, I can’t really say I am. It feels more like we stopped a few pages away from the kind of HEA I like. Of course, it’s a personal thing, so this could be right up your alley. Still, I’ll add that a spin-off is even more necessary in this case. The sign-off has to be on a high note. 

Nevertheless, the book has many good moments and brings everything together nicely. The truth (in various forms) is revealed, and the masks are off. 

To summarize, Ghastly Mistake is the finale of the series and brings together the various threads left loose in the previous books. The setting and paranormal elements seamlessly blend as they do throughout. This may not be how I wanted the series to end, but it is a worthy read. 

My many thanks to the author for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 4 Stars

I’m ready for autumn! Heck, I’m always ready for cool weather. The warm cover was all I needed to read this book. I love that it has a lesbian couple with two little happy kids. Mom has silver hair with a pixie cut, and Mama has black hair with blue highlights. So cool! 

The illustrations are beautiful. The vibrant colors light up the screen. There’s a touch of blur, which adds to the ethereal effect. I’m not that sure about the expressions on some pages, but nature is very well done. 

The story, as such, is simple. The kids go to the park with their Mama, and she explains things about fall. The narration is not smooth. It feels jerky and clunky. The writing could do with some editing and restructuring to elevate the content. 

We have a few pages of additional information at the end about the season, plants, animals, insects, fungi, etc. There are a couple of resources and some tips, too! 

To summarize, Fall Feast is an informative and lovely book introducing the colorful season to kids. Would be better if kids read it with parents since there’s some exploration, which can be risky if little ones touch random insects or eat berries without parental supervision. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books | Happy Yak, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#FallFeast #NetGalley 

 4.5 Stars

I’m always happy (and curious) to read children’s books about our festivals. Since Diwali has become quite popular in recent times (Holi is next, though sadly both festivals are also being appropriated). 

Anyway, the book is labeled non-fiction as it provides information about the five-day Diwali celebration. There’s a quick summary at the end, along with a quiz, steps to make salt diyas, instructions for rangoli (not the one we make; this is more of a lentil project we did in school), and the recipe for Shrikhand. 

The content is simple and easy to read. It is spaced out across the pages and inserted around the illustrations. The narration is a bit dry but works well to provide the details. 

The illustrations are vibrant and super cute. Can’t call them magical, but I do love the overall effect. Our skin tones are spot on (even our gods are brown, which gets brownie points). Thank you for the bindis and bangles, too. Little details like how the grandmother tucks her saree pallu when cooking and the red tilak on the dog’s forehead on Bhai beej day are a highlight for me. Not sure how many non-Indians will notice these, though. If I have to nitpick, the vibhuti on lines on the forehead will always be three (and not two). 

To summarize, Diwali is a compact little book that provides some insights into the festival. It doesn’t go in-depth about the reasons but mentions them in 3-4 lines each. The focus here is on how families celebrate (this is the North version since, for us, Diwali is not a new year and is only a two-day festival). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – words & pictures, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#Diwali #NetGalley 

*** 

P.S.: There are a couple of real-life images at the end taken from the internet (Getty images, credited mentioned on the last page). 

 3.8 Stars

Ivy Ross left River End after her father went behind bars. She vowed not to return and lived in England. However, Ivy had to get back when her younger sister, Jody, called, saying it was time to finalize what they did with their inheritance. The Fairview House was ‘the place’ for all kinds of artists back when life was normal. Ivy wants to sell it, but Jody wants to keep it in the family. She also wants to sort out the differences between the two. 

Ivy is reluctant but does what she can to find out more about the large property they own. It doesn’t help that she sees Leo, the man she loved before the fateful tragedy destroyed their future together. As Ivy digs deeper, she realizes there’s a lot more she doesn’t know. 

The story comes in Ivy’s third-person POV (and the last in a few letters). 

The book is a standalone set in the same place (Rivers End) as the previous two books. While it has a few recurring characters, not knowing them will not affect the reading experience in the least. 

The beginning is a little slow (the pacing improves but the story drags in the middle) as we need the time to understand the dynamics between the sisters and their pasts. Their relationship has a few thorns, but the affection they have for each other is evident. 

We get the story from Ivy’s POV, but can see what she doesn’t and connect the dots she ignores. It’s more of a waiting read to see how and when she will finally get to the truth. However, we don’t know everything, so there’s some intrigue left to keep us going. 

The letters mentioned in the official blurb are opened almost around 40% or later, so the wait was a bit long. Similarly, Leo’s entry also takes time. This is a family drama more than a romance. Not an issue, as such, but given how nice Leo is, he could have had a bigger role in the book. 

Most characters are flawed (except Leo). Ivy can be annoying at times, but it aligns with her overall arc as someone who picks flight when faced with danger/ uncomfortable situations. Jody can be annoying, too, but her struggle comes across a bit more clearly (despite the POV belonging to Ivy). There is one character I cannot like or sympathize with. Good that we don’t get direct interaction with them even if their role is crucial. 

The book shows different types of relationships between couples. It is a subtle study of love and loyalties (and misplaced loyalties). What each character does with their relationship when things get complex reflects who they are or who they have become due to the circumstances. Interesting! 

The ending is heartwarming, as it should be for books in this genre. The epilogue has a mini-epilogue in it, which I found rather sweet. It works for my HEA love. 

To summarize, The House at Angel's Beach is an introspective read about family, relationships, second chances, and healing. There are a couple of triggers. 

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

#NetGalley #TheHouseAtAngelsBeach 

Will continue later

Will continue later

 3 Stars

Sarah Vane is a 60-something retired GP from London. She moves to the quaint seaside town of Merstairs with her dog, Hamish, looking for a fresh start (and to mourn the death of her husband, Peter). Her best friend Daphne already lives here and is a neighbor. However, what Sarah doesn’t expect is to find a dead body in a trunk among the contents already presented in a hut her friend recently purchased. 

Sarah is determined to solve the case, especially when she finds out that the dead man is Gus, a much-loved local pub owner. Soon, another body adds to the list. As she digs deeper into the cases, she finds secrets and links that connect the two deaths. Can Sarah solve the case before the killer targets her next? 

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

You already know my love for cozies, so I won’t repeat it. ;) 

The premise and the beginning are fun. We meet a newly widowed Sarah who moves from London to a seaside small town. She brings her judgmental attitude along with her, which adds a realistic touch to her character but also annoys the readers at times. 

The setting is beautiful! I love the changing weather, the vast blue sea, the clear skies when the sun shines, and the near-constant breeze that turns windy in a blink. There are enough shops and eateries, too! 

The best part of the book is the pets (and their names). Sarah has a Scottie called Hamish. Daphne has a massive orange cat called Mephisto (wish it had a bigger role), and another character has a Chihuahua called… Tinkerbell! 

 The mystery is actually decent, but it’s hard to like it much due to Sarah’s sleuthing abilities (or the lack of them). Wasn’t a fan of her, so I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted. 

There are several side characters. Most of them seem to be colorful, even if their reactions and words seem off. Or maybe the MC’s POV makes them appear that way. 

Moreover, the repeated comments about Daphne’s ‘eccentricity’ got boring. I get it already! Also, as a supposed best friend, does it seem like the MC takes more than she gives? In this book, yes! It might change in the subsequent books. Can’t say. 

The actual reason for sleuthing wasn’t great, nor was the book’s ending. Let’s say that as much as I love mysteries, I do want my living space to be peaceful. I’d rather have other kinds of excitement. 

To summarize, Murder at an English Pub will appeal to some readers, though I can’t say whom. It’s not a bad book by any means. If you prefer judgemental MCs, you might enjoy this more than I did. 

Cozy mysteries are the author’s genre, so can’t say if this was a variation that didn’t come out as planned or if something else. I hope the series gets better as it progresses. I’ll have to say goodbye here. 

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

#NetGalley #MurderatanEnglishPub 

 4 Stars

Maya is a pilot with the Whistlestop River Air Ambulance team. It was her childhood dream of becoming a pilot and working for an important cause. She finds satisfaction at her job even if her personal life is messy, no thanks to a controlling ex, a disapproving father, or a son stuck between two parents. 

Noah had a great life in London until his world crashed with his sister’s death. He became the guardian of his niece, baby Eva, and has no idea how to be a parent. The shift to Dorset is his attempt to bring up a child while doing what he loves – being an emergency specialist paramedic. 

Maya and Noah are on the same team. They seem to like each other a lot. But can they hope for a second chance at happiness with so much baggage weighing them down? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Maya and Noah. 

I’ve been waiting to read the author’s book for a long time. Starting a new series seemed like a great idea. 

While the cover is adorable and lighthearted, the book is a little heavy with many tough themes like a controlling ex, the loss of a sibling, new parental responsibilities, etc. Of course, some sweet and humorous moments provide some relief. 

This is what we’d call women’s fiction with romance as a side plot. The focus is more on the characters and how they overcome the various issues in their lives. They are also flawed, which makes it easy to understand their fears, vulnerabilities, and decisions. 

Most of the side characters are good; some are more memorable than others. Some of them will go on to have books of their own, so what we get here is enough for now. There are a couple of nasty ones as well. 

The narration starts slowly but picks up pace after the first quarter. We need this time to settle into the story. The dual POV also helps see the situations on both sides. The connection between the characters is gradual, even if the attraction is a bit instant. This works well for the plot. 

I loved the scenes detailing the air ambulance and how the teams operate. It was fascinating to read about it. The hardships and troubles are also shown, like negotiating bad weather conditions, fake emergency calls, lack of landing space, etc. 

The storyline is predictable but it goes with the genre, so no complaints. Eva is a cutesy little doll (who can be super cranky too). Though she is just a baby, we cannot imagine the book without her. Can’t wait to see her grow up as the series progresses. 

To summarize, Come Fly With Me is a lovely book about second chances, resilience, healing, moving on, and finding the strength to do the right thing. I’ll be reading more by the author for sure. 

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

#NetGalley #ComeFlyWithMe 

 3.5 Stars

Rose Fleury returns to Dingle to the family home, Magnolia Manor. The place is being renovated and converted into residential housing for senior citizens. Nursing heartbreak, Rose hopes to find a fresh start in a place filled with childhood memories and her grandmother Sylvia. 

When Rose realizes that her topaz necklace, a family heirloom is fake, she is worried the news will upset her dear grandmother. Rose begins to dig through the family archives to find out more about the necklace. With help from Noel Quinn, a local lawyer, Rose is determined to solve the mystery. Will this also give her a chance to build a relationship with the handsome lawyer? 

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

The book should work as a standalone, though it seems to have elements from the first book (which I didn’t read). It is Lily’s story and also has elements related to the Magnolia Manor. Yet, I could understand the basics without much difficulty. 

Sylvia seems to be a great character, though she doesn’t have much role in this one. Whatever I saw of her is good. The side characters are definitely intriguing, more so than the FMC, which doesn’t work well for her. Henri, Vicky, Noel, etc., manage to make an impression. 

The book is quite short (200+ pages) and has a fast pace. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. The pace keeps the story moving and covers many days at a stretch. However, it doesn’t give the reader a chance to connect with the characters. This made it very hard for me to connect with Rose. I couldn’t get a hang of her. 

I loved the mystery of the necklace and the backstory behind it. I kept guessing where and how it would turn. Moreover, the conclusion for the mystery is also good. Not what I expected, but something I really liked. 

The setting is good, too. We get enough glimpses of the countryside and lush landscape with cliffs, sea, charming sunsets, etc. 

My main issue is with the romance between Rose and Noel. I just couldn’t feel their chemistry despite enough scenes between the two. Rose’s third-person POV somehow doesn’t give us the depth of her emotions. For a long time, she doesn’t want anything more from him, but then she is suddenly in love? Even afterward, she is tentative? Not convinced! 

To summarize, The Granddaughter's Irish Secret works better as a family drama than a romance. The book should be more enjoyable to fans of the author or those who liked the previous book in the series. 

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

#NetGalley #TheGranddaughtersIrishSecret 

 3.45 stars

One Liner: A decent collection

 I enjoy reading short story collections, so when this horror anthology was available, I wanted to give it a try. The horror levels are moderate and belong to the atmospheric category rather than outright gore. Of course, there are a few gory elements but not so much to make a reader uncomfortable (unless you have zero tolerance for horror). 

The book starts with a eulogy to Poe in a short poem. As I tend to do with anthologies, I’ve written my impressions of the stories soon after I read each one. 

Marienburg Castle: What happens when the survivors of the WWII American Army try to take shelter in an abandoned place? Nothing good for sure! Well, the story is atmospheric but lacks the punch. 3.5 stars 

The Pumpkin King: Ohhh… this is creepy! No detailed gore but enough for us to imagine. Wouldn’t mind if it was longer, but works as it is. 4.2 stars 

Heavenly Strains: Another chilly, creepy, and atmospheric tale. It deals with parental death and grief, which turn into something else. Many unanswered questions, too! 3 stars 

A Matter of Taste: A slightly longer story that follows the well-known trope of wishes and fallen angels. There’s a twist that I expected; a pretty average read. 3 stars 

My Days With Mahalia: A diary entry of a WWII soldier about an aircraft B-17 named Mahalia. 2.5 stars 

A Night Out With Mr. Bones: More like a twisty thriller/ suspense. A bit predictable. 3 stars 

Merry Are We of the Lake: Now, this is good! Atmospheric. Starts slow but ups the stakes gradually and ends on a high. 4.2 stars 

The Night Fighter: What happens when a mysterious man steals a fighter plane to take it on a night ride? Is it a mission? If yes, what? Another atmospheric tale with a couple of twists. 3.5 stars. 

Pumpkin Seed Spit: A middle-grade horror set during Halloween. Creepy and dark for the age group but works well for the adults, too. 3.5 stars 

A Night for Animals: This is nice. Yeah, it has some chills, but the overall vibe is ‘nice’. 3.5 stars 

The Man Next Door: Oh, this is good! A detailed story with a twist at the end. Atmospheric. Not gory or scary. 4 stars 

Extra! Extra!: What happens when a bored journalist gets a frantic call? Well, this has the chills, though it leaves many questions unanswered. 3 stars 

The Flight Dummy: Interesting! I’m now sure the author loves planes. A creepy, scary story with an open ending. 3 stars 

For the Children: Oh! A detailed story with a surprise twist at the end. 4 stars 

The Watcher’s Web: What happens when a robber goes on a heist? Who does he encounter? The story builds and ups the pace as it progresses. Just the right amount of horror and terror. Well done! 4 stars 

Dreaming, The Copper City: A sci-fi horror about a man on the Moon and what happens when he finds a piece of meteor. I think we lost each other somewhere in the last section. 2.5 stars 

The Huntress: Oh, this is good. A short and entertaining piece. Predictable ending, of course, but well-written. 4 stars 

The Faerie Lights: Another short piece. Good premise but needs to be longer to create a stronger impact. 3 stars 

The October Man: Woo! This is so good. The right touch of creepy and horror with a twisted ending. The best of the lot. 4.5 stars 

As you can see, most of the stories fall around the average line, with some above and below it. The writing is easy to read. Some pieces are on the slower side, though none are boring as such. 

To summarize, The Pumpkin King and Other Tales of Terror is a decent collection with diverse topics and themes (aircraft is a recurring element). Anthologies are subjective, so try it based on your preferences. 

My thanks to Coffee and Thorn and the author of eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.