4 Stars

Tarot readings are time-consuming, and spreads are worse. They are detailed for sure but take too much energy and are not always helpful. Some questions need a crisp answer, which a spread doesn’t provide. This book discusses various ways to do one-card tarot reading for different occasions. It also provides interpretations for the 78 cards w.r.t to daily card pulls. 

The book starts with a short intro about what to expect and lists a few tarot rituals to help readers align themselves with the universe and stay grounded. The content in the first section is for self, aka the tarot reader. 

It begins with how to start the day with a good morning card pull, followed by different one-card reads through the day. More importance is given to affirmations, acceptance, self-belief, journaling, etc., by using the day’s card as an inspiration. Of course, not all rituals are feasible (at least for me), but they are useful for those who want to get back to tarot reading or adopt a better frame of mind. 

The second section is about one-card draws, where the author provides her interpretations for each card. This section is brief yet detailed and provides a good perspective of what to consider. While there are no reversals, there’s a subhead, Don’t Do This, which can be used for reversed cards. I admit this section is my favorite, as I’m always looking for more meanings and interpretations. 

While the book works for novice readers, some of the mentioned rituals (like trance, bath, etc.) can be tough. Nevertheless, these are just for guidance. The author encourages readers to create their own rituals by using hers as a starting point. 

The book has some lovely, dreamlike illustrations. Some are of a young girl, a tarot reader, while the others are of the cards (in section two). The overall tone is ethereal and comforting, with a touch of mysticism. The illustrations suit the mood and theme of the book. 

To summarize, Card of the Day Tarot guides experienced tarot readers to gain deeper insights from their readings but with a focus on a single card. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Fair Winds Press (Quarto Publishing Group), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #CardoftheDayTarot 

 4 Stars

Dan Armstrong gets a call from his former colleague asking for help. It seems a team of ufologists (UFO enthusiasts) are camping on an isolated mountain cap. There’s been a death, which looks much like murder. Dan agrees to help and joins the group as a fellow enthusiast. 

Even though they think aliens are involved, Dan is sure the murder is the handiwork of a human and someone from the group or in the region. With Oscar by his side, Dan now has to play the interpreter and solve the crime with the local police. Can they find the killer before more deaths occur? 

The story comes in Dan Armstrong’s first-person POV and works as a standalone. 

As a reader of the series, I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones. I’m also a believer in UFOs, though not like the characters here. 

Being a cozy mystery, the focus is more on the crime and suspects rather than the technicalities of UFOs and science. Most of the content tends to be of a nonbeliever since it comes from Dan’s POV. However, he does his best to keep an open mind, which proves to be helpful. 

Of course, a book set in Italy has to have a lovely setting and good food. This time, we tour the snow-capped mountains, the surrounding forest, and the autonomous village in the foothills. There is enough tea to satisfy a British reader and enough wine and food for the Italian reader. 

The mystery is just right- neither simple nor complicated. One part is easy to solve, the other needs a bit of work but has a logical conclusion. We can guess who the killer is despite not knowing the reason. 

Anna (Dan’s girlfriend), Virgilio and his wife, etc., have very minor roles. Dan and Oscar work with a different police team. And as Dan says, this one is indeed teamwork. Many people contribute, creating a more balanced approach. Inspector Costey is impressive. I hope we get to meet again. 

Oscar does what he always does – makes puppy eyes at everyone, becomes popular with ladies, eats as much as he can get, and helps solve the case in his own way. No one can resist a cute lab, right? 

The pacing is on the slower side, as it is with the series. However, the chapters are of moderate length and provide some sort of progress to keep the plot moving. 

To summarize, Murder at the Matterhorn is an entertaining mystery and a good continuation to the series. Does it have aliens? Well, read the book to find out. ;) 

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

#NetGalley #MurderattheMatterhorn 

 4 Stars

Cally is stretched thin between caring for her mother and handling her teenage son. She is so used to being needed and having an overflowing schedule that Cally doesn’t know what to do when she has too much time on her hands. 

In the spur of a moment, she decides to take a trip to Starshine Cove, a remote place with no signboard. Cally and Sam arrive at their destination right before Christmas and are pulled into the warmth and beauty of the small town. As Cally meets new people and makes friends, she wonders if this is the change she needs in her life. 

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

I didn’t read book one, but this works more than well as a standalone. Of course, you’ll have ‘spoilers’ for book one, but don’t we all know how a love story ends? ;) 

Cally is a forty-two-year-old single mother to an eighteen-year-old Sam. Her first-person POV, though limiting in perspective, is quite easy and refreshing to read. The writing style is informal and casual, with a good dose of dry humor. This works well and maintains a good balance between lightheartedness and emotional depth. 

I absolutely love Lilly (the fairy-obsessed eight-year-old) and Meg (a dinosaur-obsessed four-year-old). They are such a delight to read. Archie is a wonderful character (even if his Viking hair and beard aren’t my thing). 

Sam sure acts his age, but he is also a sweet young man who really loves his mother and grandmother. His character is just right (apparently, the author has teens of her own, so no surprise it’s spot on). There’s enough talk of social media and TikTok, which is to be expected. 

Starshine Cove is a picturesque location and magical in winter. The locals are just as heartwarming. Since this is a feel-good book, we won’t find villains or nasty people plotting behind the scenes. 

With themes like moving on, finding love again, learning to live for one’s self, taking risks, etc., the book has some worthy discussions deftly handled. 

There’s a third-act breakup, which is very well done and feels necessary for the characters. No misunderstanding, though. They sit, talk, and decide, even if that may not be what they want. 

To summarize, Secrets of Starshine Cove is an absolute comfort read with a cozy setting and some beautiful characters. It’s Christmas-themed, too, so that’s a plus. It is predictable but a comfort read throughout. 

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

#NetGalley #SecretsofStarshineCove 

*** 

 3.5 Stars

Maisie Cooper has to stay back in Sussex to attend the trial of her brother’s murder. Solving the case seems to have made her popular. Maisie gets an offer to investigate the unsettling events in and around Bunting Manor. Turns out the place is owned by Mrs. Pascal, none other than Aunt Phyllis, the estranged aunt Maisie knew as a child. 

It seems that someone has a grudge against Aunt Phyllis and is out to kill her. However, Maisie learns there are a lot more secrets being kept from her, and the only way to get to the bottom of the truth might be to keep asking questions. With help from Sergeant (and childhood friend) Jack Wingard, Maisie needs to find the culprit before there are more dead bodies. 

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

Though second in the series, the book works well as a standalone. I’m glad to report that it mentions the date right at the beginning. It’s provided in the prologue and the first chapter, making it easy to understand the setting and track the case. 

The book pretty much takes off where the previous one ended. Maisie is getting ready to attend the trial and wondering about her job, housing, and earnings (or the lack of it). 

The pacing is slow, similar to the previous one, and Maisie spends a lot of time trying to get people to talk and share something useful. 

There are distinct characters like Aunt Phyllis, Zoe (16yo orphan), Archie, etc., However, the dialogue between characters is a bit strange. I understand this is done to highlight their eccentricities. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. They stand out only in a couple of instances. The rest of the time, the characters seem as if they are on a stage. 

One secret is stretched a bit too much. I can see why, but it is easy to figure out the secret. Though I can see why, the reveal somehow doesn’t deliver. 

The mystery is decent. Easy to guess, but not right away. There are no last-minute twists. Even with some information being withheld (common in mysteries), there is enough to connect the dots and arrive at a conclusion. The rest is supplied by the characters later on. 

Maisie and Jack’s friendship is okay, but I’m not convinced by how much she thinks about him in this book. That connection just isn’t there yet. The chemistry feels forced despite it being a super slow burn.  

To summarize, Murder at Bunting Manor is a good continuation of the first book and has its merits. It makes a decent cozy mystery. However, I am unable to connect with the characters and enjoy the book as I should. My journey with the series ends here. 

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

#NetGalley #MurderatBuntingManor 

 

 

 

 5 stars

Oh, this is such a sweet, heartwarming, loving, adorable, and cutest book ever! The little yak, Gertie, is back again. This time, she is ready to become the big sister and welcome the mini-est yak to the family. However hard, she is even willing to share mummy yak with the new arrival. But… does mummy yak have enough space in her heart for both? 

As guessed from the premise, the book deals with preparing the older child to welcome the newest and youngest member into the family. Uncertainties, vulnerability, doubts, etc., are common since the baby in the house has to become an adult to let someone else be the baby. The book shows these concerns through Gertie while addressing them through her mother and the entire yak community. 

The answer is presented in simple terms that a child would understand with ease and become more aware of their actions and emotions. This would be a great book for families planning and expecting a second child. It’s important to communicate with the first child and ensure that they feel just as loved as before. 

The illustrations are marvelous. Right from the color scheme to Granny Hilda’s curls and Gertie’s little birdie, the pages transport the readers to the snowy mountains. And I have to mention the titles of books in Gertie’s collection. Cheeky! 

The writing style is simple and suitable for the target audience (I think so). There aren’t more than a handful of words per page. But they do the job effectively. I’d love to read more books with Gertie, the littlest yak. 

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

 3.7 stars

Lady Vesper Lyndhurst considers herself an excellent matchmaker. After all, didn’t her nudges lead three (or is it four) couples to the altar? As a duke’s daughter, Vesper has everything she wants and fills her days with activities. She’s too busy arranging things to have time for her own marriage or love. 

Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydonm had to return to England to save his estate and deal with his mother. The last thing he wants is to spend time with the tonm but has no choice even if nothing has changedm and people are as petty as ever. 

It doesn’t take long for Vesper and Aspen to meet again. The childhood friends-turned-enemies cannot help but snap at each other. But there’s more to their bickering than either would like to admit. Nevertheless, the two can find a way forward only if they sort through the past. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Vesper and Aspen. 

This is a Regency friends-to-enemies-to-lovers (frenemies to lovers) book with some enjoyable moments and some not-so-good ones. It has a quite lot of tropes, which again give mixed results. It’s the second book in the seriesm but works as a standalone. 

The book begins with a quick note, explaining that the content can be darkish and talk of asylums, torture, medical mistreatment, etc. 

Since Vesper and Aspen are childhood friends (estranged for a few years), we can see they know each other enough to deliberately rile up the other for fun. A few barbs were too sharp, but there's a reason behind them (both were hurt and had some preconceived notions). However, this is balanced out by genuine concern and growing attraction. 

The pacing is decent, and I like the slow-burning steamy romance (2.5ish) between the lead couple. Aspen has ADHD, which is shown through her restlessness and the need to always do something. 

Misunderstandings and miscommunication are galore in this one. Some of it is annoying. The constant humor (with a good dose of sexual innuendos that are somehow well done) made it bearable. 

The side characters are sweet and entertaining. Judith shines in her limited space. There’s a strong hint about the next book, and knowing what little I saw of that character, I am excited to see how it goes. 

There’s a kitten, too, not-so-lovingly named Cat by Vesper (she is allergic to animal hair). You can see this little fluff ball on the book cover. 

There’s a third-act breakup, too, but Aspen saves the day. Though, I do blame both of them for not sharing complete information with the other. At least, it’s sorted in a rather …. way, so we move on to the last scene. 

What I totally dislike about the book is the resolution (or the lack of it) about the villain. People ought to face the consequences of their actions, at least in books. And what that character did is evil. Maybe in book #3? 

There’s a detailed epilogue, making me happy enough to round up the rating to 4 stars (I brought it down to 3 after the confrontation scene). There’s an author’s note at the end without more information and inspiration about real-life people who worked for the said causes (better lunatic asylum rights and schools for poor kids). 

To summarize, Never Met a Duke Like You is a fun and entertaining book that touches upon some dark themes without getting graphic or depressing. The only graphic part is the steam, so go with the right expectations. ;) 

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

#NetGalley 

*** 

P.S.: The book is compared to movie Clueless, but since I haven't watched it, I can't say how true this is. 

Nora and Jack are drifting apart after a decade of marriage. Even their 205-pound mastiff, Elliot, doesn’t seem to keep them together. With busy careers and no time for anything else, the couple finds it hard to remember why they have been in love with each other since their school days. 

A chance meeting with a mysterious old man (kinda like Santa), all thanks to Elliot’s escapades, gives them something to think about. When the man asks them to wish on a snow globe, the couple’s lives may change in a way no one expected. 

Nora and Jack are now Noel and Jonah, still successful in their careers but leading single and separate lives. However, they continue to come face to face, and as their friendship grows into something more, they have to decide what to do with their lives. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Noel and Jonah, with the first chapter in the third-person POV about Nora and Jack. 

This is about second chances, love, family, relationships, and healing. The story starts in the city (NYC) but moves to a cute small town, Winter Falls. 

Set in December, we see quite a bit of snow, cold, dampness, chill, festive decorations, cooking, baking, food, etc. The city and the town are easy to visualize. 

The pacing is wonderful. It doesn’t even feel like reading 360+ pages. The story continues to move and has bits of chat messages and emails inserted to add to the mix. This is pretty much a Hallmark-type book, so don’t expect any intense drama or complex situations. 

Despite dealing with some heavy themes like dementia, death of loved ones, etc., the book achieves the right intensity and has many light moments between different characters. 

 Elliot is such a darling, you’d want to take him home (never mind that he drools all over). Moxie is another highlight of the book. I could have read an entire book with just these two. 

Jace and his mother, Izzy, Noel’s parents, and a few other characters like Avery, Emily, etc., add more flavors to the plot and are good supporting characters. Not all of them get the same space, but they shine in their roles. 

There seem to be minor discrepancies in the timeline, but nothing major to distract from the central plot (however, you should go with the flow). 

The ending is, of course, HEA, but a bit different from what I expected. I like it enough, but there isn’t that crucial moment that should have been there based on the blurb. 

To summarize, A Wish for Christmas is a heartwarming and cozy Christmas read with a super adorable dog. Read the book for Elliot! 

And oh, this is a clean romance. 

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

#NetGalley #AWishforChristmas 

 4.5 Stars

We meet Gertie, a tiny yak who wants to grow big because big is great. She does everything possible to grow bigger and is disappointed by the lack of results. However, in the time of crisis, it’s her tiny size that helps rescue a life. Gertie realizes something very important – small can be great, and being small is just as wonderful. 

Oh, this is such a cutie little book with a valuable life lesson and beautiful illustrations. The snow-capped mountains, colorful yaks, the starry sky (with constellations), snowflakes, Gertie’s little bird friend, etc., are a treat for the eyes. The color contrast makes Gertie stand out on the page despite her tiny size. 

The writing is simple, sweet, and flows seamlessly. This is a book you can read aloud and not wince (as there are no random breaks in the meter). 

Onto the second in the series, which is sure to be even better. 

 In Its Own Time is a chapbook with a collection of poems on varied themes but with a central thread- time. It has twenty-two poems, some a few lines and some a few stanzas, but none beyond a page.  

It is a worthy chapbook with poignant, thoughtful, and heart-touching poems on different topics. It may not make you smile, but it will make you introspect and find comfort in your thoughts. 

 2 Stars

Lady Petra Forsyth has decided to lead a spinster’s life when her fiancé dies a few weeks before the wedding. With her inheritance to provide for her expenses, Lady Petra has no need for a man or marriage. 

When she gets to know that a longtime friend has passed away due to melancholia and a certain questionable physician seems to be involved, Petra wonders if there’s more to it. After all, not many people were informed or even invited to the funeral. Her quest for truth triggers a series of events and puts her life at risk. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Lady Petra. 

I’m always ready to read a historical mystery or romance. The premise promised some fun and sleuthing, so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, the results were below average. 

The book does have a few good points, like little Teddy, the street urchin, and Annie, the maid. The Duchess is also cool. Someone you’d want on your side. 

However, the not-so-good points outweigh by a large margin. 

First, the opening has to be strong enough to hook the reader. Here, we get a bunch of names and lengthy conversations that ‘bring us up to date’ about the FMC. 

Second, it’s hard to enjoy a book when the heroine doesn’t appeal to you. That’s my problem here. I could not like Lady Petra despite her being a feminist, LGBT+ ally, and whatever. She’s judgmental, jumps to conclusions, and acts like a typical privileged woman of the ton. 

Third, the so-called potential love interest Duncan sounds great in theory. However, he is limited to being a cardboard cutout with zero personality. The chemistry is minus ten. It isn’t even there. Things happen because well... checklist, possibly. 

Fourth, the writing is chaotic. I know this is still in the editing stages and is an uncorrected proof, but the book will need major structuring to get rid of the filler content. I also know the book is the first in the series, and some of it is necessary for world-building. However, we don’t need to be introduced to many characters who serve no purpose. 

Fifth, the mystery is boring, too. The concept is very good. But once again, the execution doesn’t have it appealing. It’s neither surface level nor detailed, leaving it hanging nowhere. Even the villain doesn’t get more than a couple of scenes to show his villainous side. 

Sixth, there’s no denying that the book tries to achieve too much – racism, homophobia, women’s rights, misogyny, sexism, abuse, institutionalization, classism, etc., and a heroine who wants to fight it all. It could have still worked. This doesn’t. 

Seventh, there’s a cliffhanger in this one about the FMC’s personal life. Let’s say I couldn’t care less by that point. I tried and failed. 

To summarize, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord might appeal to some readers, but it definitely didn’t work for me. Moreover, it even gave me a headache on both days I read it. That doesn’t happen often, so I find it hard to be lenient. Sorry! 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley