2.7 Stars 

Kitty Gray dreams of becoming a doctor like her father but is married to Charles Maclean, one of the richest men in Glasgow. However, circumstances make the Ardbray House in the remote Scottish Highlands her permanent home. Kitty finds a new passion in herbs, and is soon the local midwife and herbalist. Until one day, tragedy strikes. 

Greer Mackenzie’s family has been the housekeepers of the Ardbray House for decades. She resents the house for denying her freedom but doesn’t want to let go of the house she calls home. When Caitlin Black arrives as a prospective buyer, Greer is torn. 

As Caitlin delves deep into the house’s history, she comes across some disturbing events. Now, it’s up to her to find out what had happened. Moreover, the Ardbray House seems to have its own demands. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Kitty and the first-person POV of Greer Mackenzie. 

What I Like: 

The Scottish Highlands setting is descriptive and paints a picture of the house, the loch, and the chilly remoteness of the location. 

Every chapter starts with a brief note about an herb and its medicinal benefits. This was informative and educative. 

The historical setting deals with women’s rights (without getting preachy), the cotton mills and the horrible working conditions, and the gradual entry of women into medical colleges. A few scenes are well done, especially between Kitty and the staff. 

There’s a recipe for ginger cake at the end of the book. Since this delicious cake is mentioned multiple times, it’s nice to have the recipe. The other descriptions of the food are also enjoyable and made my reading a little more enjoyable. 

The prologue is solid and sets high expectations for the rest of the book. However… 

Well, the book has many elements, but no single aspect stands out. I kept wondering what the actual focus of the story was. The prologue makes it seem like it’s the house. Soon, we see it’s the characters, especially Kitty. But yet again, the house seems to be important. Then Kitty again. Based on the title, it should be Kitty, but the prologue makes the house stand out. See what’s happening? 

A story with paranormal elements (ghosts) should have a solid atmosphere and sustain it. While Geer’s first-person POV tries to make the house seem oppressive and brooding, it doesn’t sustain the feelings for long. Also, Geer is annoying, making the contemporary track a chore. 

Moreover, the book doesn’t really have herbalism except for Kitty’s paintings and her garden. Even though she is said to have become a self-learned herbalist, we see just a random instance or two of her using herbs, that too only for the family and the house staff. 

The book tries to pack too much into the plot, and almost none of it is explored in detail (the kitchen sink syndrome, as a friend calls it). We get Kitty’s biography with missing years (that have important developments). The contemporary track is entirely surface-level. Neither Geer nor Caitlin is impressive. The ending is okay, I suppose, but nothing wow. 

The pacing is slow and dragging. Moreover, the mystery mentioned in the blurb doesn’t appear until after 50%. Then, of course, it is almost immediately solved in the same timeline, followed by the events revealing the truth. It’s a good thing the book is listed as General Fiction on NetGalley. This cannot be considered a mystery despite the countless secrets our characters like to keep. 

To summarize, The Herbalist's Secret has a great premise but needs some structuring and prioritizing to decide the main element and amplify it. Cutting down the excessive explanations would also help. Since this is a debut release, I’ll round up the rating to 3 stars. 

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

#NetGalley #TheHerbalistsSecret 

 3.7 Stars

Samira Murphy is stretching herself thin to keep her family together. At seventeen, she has an autoimmune disorder, low attendance, a Gran in mourning, an alcoholic brother, a mother working the job of her dreams in another state, and a low bank balance. When Samira’s college and future become uncertain, she decides to hunt down her estranged father through a DNA search. Imagine her surprise when it matches with a sibling she didn’t even know about! 

Henry Owen has two moms – a bio-mom who loves him (and may not always be reliable) and a not-adopted-but-adopted mom and dad/ uncle who want him to achieve the sky and more. Henry longs for a connection to call his own. His DNA search leads him to Samira, a half-sibling. 

Can two people struggling with personal demons find comfort in this new bond? What is it to have a brother or sister you didn’t know about? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Samira and Henry in alternative chapters. 

My only reason to grab this book was the premise. A YA read that centers on half-siblings finding each other is not common (at least as far as I know). It’s refreshing to read how two people get to know each other’s existence when they are in a most vulnerable age group. 

Samira and Henry are well-etched. They are your average teens but also different. Samira is half-adult, no thanks to the responsibilities dumped on her head. Henry has anger management issues (which somehow get resolved off-page) but is a sweet guy. 

Tara and Linh ensure there are enough lighthearted and sweet moments in the book. People do need friends like them (even if Tara can be overwhelming at times). 

The dual POV (both in the third-person) works well. We see their current situation and get the necessary backstories. Once they start interacting, the dual POV helps maintain the balance between the happenings and the characters’ perceived ideas about the events. 

The interactions between Samira and Henry feel organic. They go through a range of emotions, learn to bond, fight like all siblings do, and support each other. 

Since this is a YA novel, it doesn’t deal with the triggers in depth. Much of it is surface level but expected. Still, I wish Kamron’s alcoholism got a bit more space. While we see how it affects Samira’s life, the resolution feels a little too neatly tied up. 

The same goes for Henry’s personal issues with his uncle and aunt, who are also his dad and mom. The change seems to come out of nowhere. While this can be due to the POV restrictions, it also makes everything seem too easy. 

However, I do like that Gran’s arc is consistent. It makes more sense since people are indeed like that in real life. Change doesn’t happen so easily, and people who make selfish decisions are more likely to continue making them. I don’t mind the happy ending, though I do wish it wasn’t made easy for certain characters. 

I also wouldn’t mind if Samira and Henry spent more time together. The siblings sure have a lot to talk about! 

Family is another theme of the book. Some of it is handled well and provides a hopeful outlook. The other part may be too optimistic even for YA readers. 

There are a few cuss words commonly used by teens (even if we want to pretend otherwise). There’s a bit of adult-ish content, too. 

To summarize, The Search for Us deals with quite a few complex issues at the surface level. It is a steady-paced read with a different premise and delivers a neatly wrapped-up ending. 

Oh, don’t miss the author’s note at the end. 

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

#NetGalley 

 4 Stars

Jack’s mother calls him in the middle of the night, demanding that he travel immediately to Paris and help her. Jack obliges despite being estranged from his parent. Flora decides to accompany him. After all, she needs to find out about the supposed latest discovery of her late parents. 

The duo spends time in Paris and Provence, trying to find out if Jack’s mother, Sybil, is really being targeted. Is her lover’s family a threat to her life? Soon, they realize that the list of suspects is growing, but there are hardly any solid leads to follow. With Jack and Flora also under threat, the amateur sleuthing couple has to work fast and smart to uncover the truth. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Jack. 

Despite being the seventh book in the series, this one can be read as a standalone. However, you will enjoy it more if you read at least the previous book or two. 

The setting, especially Provence, is vivid and beautiful to read. We get a majority of the descriptions from Flora’s POV. It helps that this is her first visit to the country. The narration has a sense of awe and makes it a delightful read. 

Sybil is quite a character. She’s annoying and infuriating; someone we would love to hate. Luckily, Jack and Flora know how to deal with her tantrums (which is to let her go on until she’ll shut up). 

The other characters, aka suspects, also have definite personalities, some bordering on stereotypes. Still, this is a cozy mystery, so it works well for the plot. 

The pacing is slow due to the focus on the setting, but I don’t mind it much. Reading about new destinations is always fun, and the duo is a favorite of mine. We also see progress in their personal lives (Flora’s backstory feels anticlimactic, though I suspect it’s a deliberate choice and necessary). 

The mystery has multiple elements, though if you pay attention, it is easy to identify the actual culprit. Most questions get answered by the end, while a couple of them are left to guess (even for the main characters). The reveal comes in two stages, followed by a nice rounded ending. I’m also sure we have two leads for the next book. 

To summarize, Murder in a French Village is slower but never boring. It combines mystery, emotions, and introspection to deliver an enjoyable read. The book is a solid addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next one. 

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

#NetGalley #MurderinaFrenchVillage 

 3.7 Stars

Ramayana for kiddos is not a new concept. I grew up reading the condensed versions of the epic, so when I saw this on NG, I knew I had to see which version is available to today’s kids. 

I’m glad to say that this one pretty much retains the essence of the original, even though the finer elements had to be sacrificed, considering the target age group. 

The text is easy enough to read, though having an adult read the book to children would be a better option. That would make space for discussions, which are necessary for kids to understand the intricacies of an epic (I’ve noticed how some people support Ravana just because their parents told them to respect Rama and not ask any questions. They don’t even realize they are supporting a rapist, but that’s what happens when we don’t encourage positive discussions). 

Anyhoo, back to the book. The story should work well to provide a gist of the epic and provide an introduction to the main characters. The illustrations inspire mixed emotions. I’m not sure, but they seem computer-based. The blurb specifies the illustrations have been made for the modern readers, which is why we have demons looking more like trolls. 

Rama is blue and has quite a physique. Sita, however, looks weak (like a recovering patient) rather than pretty. A couple of pages reminded me of the movie Adipurush (this is Not a compliment). But since this book came first and has a teeny-weeny budget compared to the 600-crore-worth headache, I can be a little forgiving. Still, I’m not a fan of these illustrations. 

A minor correction is that Rama’s arrow doesn’t hit Ravana’s heart. Ravana’s life is hidden in his tummy. However, the rules of war meant Rama couldn’t aim his arrow at Ravana’s stomach. So, Hanuman prayed to his father, Vayu Deva (the wind god), to redirect Rama’s arrow to kill Ravana. 

To summarize, The Ramayana from The Jai Jais’ Legends Series is a decent attempt at retelling the Hindu epic for today’s young audience. 

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

#TheRamayana #NetGalley 

*** 

P.S.: I would recommend watching Sita Kalyanam by Bapu and Ramana Garu. Though the movie ends with the wedding, it is the best introduction to Ramayana. 

 4.5 Stars

Myung and Laleh are the keepers of the whale of babel. They were created by the Great Wisa and know no one else. When Myung’s curiosity takes her away from the whale, it sets in motion for the worlds from different times to collide. Her adventure is a bridge between the pasts and the presents. 

Myung and Laleh uncover the secrets of the island of Ojda. They also stumble upon the mystery hidden for centuries -the mad sisters of Esi. Somewhere in this quest, the sisters might find a way back to each other. 

The story comes in multiple POVs and snippets from research papers, diary entries, books, articles, etc. 

The premise and the cover intrigued me enough to try for a copy. I loved the cover even more after holding the paperback (the picture doesn’t do full justice to how beautiful it looks). 

NGL, I was wary when I read the first 40-50 pages. The plot seemed extravagant and intricate. Combined with beautiful prose, it could be a hit or a horrible flop. Luckily, the stars were in my favor (as you can see from the rating). 

This is the kind of book best read in the physical format (at least for me). I’m glad I got the paperback, even if the font size is slightly small. The pacing is slow but steady and cannot be rushed. Nor can you skim it and miss something important. 

Moreover, the narration frequently blends different POVs. It jumps from third-person to second-person and breaks the fourth wall at times. However, none of them distracted me. In fact, it pulled me deeper into the setting and made me an integral part of the story. 

The book is one of those rare ones where I could even hear the characters speak at times and not just visualize it in my mind. Maybe it is due to the format chosen. The dialogues between the main characters are not in quotes but in italics, as if they listen to each other’s minds rather than speak them out loud. It should have been annoying (I’m picky), but it suits the characters. I also marked quite a few quotes for the sheer beauty of the prose and the weight of emotions behind the words. 

The book predominantly deals with sisterly bonding. The sisters are not related by blood, but their love for each other is so deep, poignant, and intense that the reader has no choice but to be swept away by it. 

However, this isn’t a book to look for logic. Not everything is explained since even the characters don’t know the answers. It’s where you go with the flow from start to finish and learn as the characters do. Some questions will remain unanswered. Needless to say, this won’t work for everyone (I’m surprised it worked for me). 

I absolutely love the setting, be it inside of the whale of babel or the islands of Ojda and Esi. Nature is entwined with humans to an extent where the lines blur many times. The same goes for magic. As someone who loves forests and all things mystical, I couldn’t have asked for more. 

The characters stand out and crave a space for themselves, even if most have limited roles. There are five main characters, all of them women. Each is different from the other but with enough similarities to draw parallels between their lives. 

I don’t read much of high fantasy since most books are super large and run into series. Fortunately, this is a standalone and not a very big book, though it requires high concentration levels. While it is enjoyable, it also demands you to pay full attention and not miss any details. That’s tough since I read at night, and my energy levels are already down. Still, I managed (and ended up being behind on my reading schedule). 

There are a couple of triggers, though nothing major. However, madness is one of the core themes. It is done well, but you may want to read a sample first if you are wary of this theme. 

The ending is heartbreaking and poignant. It aligns with the storyline and leaves it high up there at the top of the cliff. I’m not a fan of sad (but maybe hopeful) endings, but I wouldn’t want anything else for this story. It’s perfect. 

To summarize, Mad Sisters of Esi is an ambitious plot presented in a complex format. However, the end result is satisfying, impactful, and heart-touching. I can’t say who will enjoy this one. You have to decide for yourselves. 

Thank you, Blogchatter, author Tashan Mehta, and publisher HarperCollins India, for a copy of the book. This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

*** 

P.S.: I don’t know if the book is supposed to be some sort of allegory or a metaphor. I enjoyed it for what it is. Any ‘deep social’ interpretations, if present, flew over my head. 

This is not a review.  

This is the second in the series after The Blue Bar. The factors I liked in book one have been negated in this one. While the police procedural and the case are good, this one amplifies the caste stereotypes and paints a one-sided picture. I’m tired and sick of it. 

Heck, even in the series, did Arnav’s sister get saved from being r*ped because of her caste? Did she get justice because she was a savarana? Why did she have to commit suicide? 

The book has been written for the target audience (not just West but the self-proclaimed activists who benefit more from caste than everyone else; they will lose the most if the issue ceases to exist). 

I don’t know whose choice this was, but this is disappointing on many levels. There’s quite a bit of research, as mentioned at the end of the book. It explained why the content is like this.  

Maybe I should be glad the list didn't include a book that calls for stoning a community (Brahmins) to death. It's by an author who agreed that she did not report sexual harassment by a senior professor because he belonged to a 'lower' caste. The elite and 'intellectual' community always protect their own, no matter how horrible the crimes. In fiction, of course, it’s the others who do this. 

Even if I ignore the overdose of caste and focus on the plot, a couple of aspects made it hard to enjoy this one. 

First, there’s Tara. I really tried to empathize with her. For an independent woman to end up in a wheelchair and depend on others for basic functions can be beyond frustrating. She would be angry due to the helplessness she feels. However, she soon loses my support. There’s stupid; then there’s stupid. Tara manages to join the latter category. And what’s with that self-righteous attitude? 

Then there is Sita. I love a smart, efficient, and honest policewoman. She has a greater role in this one, which I appreciate. However, her constant pining for her married boss grated on my nerves. Mention it once or twice, but not so often that it begins to define everything she does! 

Never mind that she is married, too (even if her hubby is an A-class prick). It shouldn’t make her seem like someone who goes the extra mile only because she has a thing for the guy. How am I supposed to interpret her theory around switching her devotion from Hanuman to Maa Kali? She can worship any god or goddess. Why make it an issue? 

It reminded me of a young maid who embraced Christianity when she was five months pregnant. Apparently, someone did the same and gave birth to a son. The poor gods must have a spreadsheet with multiple access rights to track all this!  

Though I expected an over-explanation of things, it gets a little too distracting. Why would Arnav think of how a person would fill their car’s fuel tank in another country while the employees in the petrol bunk (gas station) do it in India? Makes no sense. The limited third-person POV makes it hard to read minute explanations. People don’t think that way. 

Still, I appreciate that the content related to kids is kept to a minimum, and there isn’t anything graphic. Even the other descriptions are provided only as much as necessary for the plot. 

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

#NetGalley #TheBlueMonsoon 

 3.7 Stars

Jasmine runs away from rural China to New York with the help of snakeheads. She doesn’t have the necessary papers but needs to find a job desperately to pay the money loaned for her move. Jasmine hopes for a fresh start away from her controlling husband. She is in the city to find and reunite with her daughter, the one her husband gave away for adoption due to the One Child Policy. 

Rebecca has it all – a flourishing career as an editor-in-chief of a reputed publishing house, a handsome and successful husband, and an adopted daughter. There’s enough money for luxurious living and designer labels. However, a scandal put Rebecca’s career in jeopardy, and she finds herself on the outer boundary in more ways than one. Soon, Rebecca realizes she needs to make some tough decisions if she wants her career and family. 

What brings Jasmine and Rebecca face-to-face? What will happen when things go beyond their control? 

The story comes in Jasmine's first-person POV and Rebecca's third-person POV. It is divided into four parts (not sure why). 

I’m not sure why this is tagged a mystery/ thriller on NetGalley. While it does have a ‘mystery’, 99% of it is evident and too easy to guess. The book works better as women’s fiction or drama. Luckily, I saw the tag on NG after reading it, so it didn’t affect my experience. 

It’s a short book and a quick read. Not everything is explored in detail. However, this works for me since I’d rather have character arcs do the talking than be hit on the head with the message. Jasmine and Rebecca are the main characters and they indeed carry the book well. 

The book deals with themes like motherhood, immigration, love, family, acceptance, relationships, career, choices or the lack of them, casual racism, privilege, Asian fetish, etc. Even though there’s a lot of tell due to Jasmine’s first-person POV, it doesn’t get overboard anywhere. 

We see the ground-level impact of China’s One Child Policy, and there’s no sugarcoating here (neither is much drama). I remember our social teacher in school creating a discussion around it and how a similar policy in India (Two Child Policy) would work in reality. 

We also get a glimpse into the world of publishing, where appearances and persona matter more than maybe even talent. While I am a bit doubtful about a few things (after all, there are enough books in the market that shouldn’t have even been published), I do know that the stakes are high. 

I’m not sure about Anthony’s track, but I’m not the one to say no to a bit of happiness for my characters. I just wish the ending didn’t take such a big leap, like our daily soaps, and tie up the loose ends. A few more pages would have helped. 

I like Rebecca’s characterization. She represents millions of people in the thought process (even if they don’t have the same financial privilege). Be it white saviorism or inherent racism, it’s a part of society and manifests itself in different ways. 

The bits about the differences in cultural aspects are well done, whether it is the significance of white flowers or the use of chopsticks. I could connect a lot with this since Indians, too, have to deal with similar apathy and appropriation in the West. There have been countless incidents of sellers printing our Gods on doormats, footwear, underwear, etc. Pubs have our gods painted in their bathrooms! 1-2 years ago, we had to write to a fashion brand about why they should not print our gods on their bikini collection. A quick internet search would tell them (that’s where they get the images, too), but nope, they still go ahead. The reason is quite simple – they don’t give a damn. I don’t even want to start talking about what the billion-dollar white yoga industry does. 

The climax is predictable. I see some readers being surprised by Jasmine’s decision, but that’s the only way it would have gone (or maybe I saw too many movies to guess it right). I have a few doubts about certain plot developments (they seem less likely), but I’ll let it be since the overall presentation delivers. 

To summarize, The Leftover Woman is a steady-paced and balanced read dealing with a multitude of themes. It’s not an easy read, but a worthy one. There are a few triggers, though nothing too graphic. 

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

#TheLeftoverWoman #NetGalley 

 3.25 Stars

Blythe doesn’t like it when a fellow agent records more sales than her. She is determined to be the Real Estate Agent of the Month and, in a desperate attempt, manages to sell a house to Sam Ashton (by hiding certain truths). While Sam loves the house, he doesn’t like Christmas. 

With the house being the center of the village’s Christmas activity (which they take very, very seriously), things get difficult for Sam and Blythe. Holly Cross Village has a chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village if not for Sam. The responsibility falls on Blythe to fix things. Maybe a Christmas Miracle can help her.  

Vicky is a single mother to a five-year-old Eden and Blythe’s best friend. She is trying to manage her boring part-time job and the new business venture. But her happiness is threatened with the news of an ex. Can Christmas bring hope for her? 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Blythe and Vicky. 

Though the official blurb doesn’t mention Vicky anywhere, her story takes up over 30% of the book. She also gets her own POV, which Sam doesn’t. 

The story occurs over seven months, starting at the end of May and ending on Boxing Day (December 26th). While this gives enough time for the lead couple to get to know each other and fall in love, the results are mixed. 

I do love the setting and the enthusiasm they have for Christmas. There’s quite a lot of competitiveness and almost military-style planning to set up the annual event. The stakes are higher this time due to the contest. 

The village has an array of characters to bring enough variety to the setting. They add to the warmth and humor. 

Turpin is the highlight of the book. He is a semi-feral who wipes to take a swipe at anyone or anything he doesn’t like. All scenes with Turpin are my favorite (and he did save the book). 

The premise of Grumpy vs. Sunshine and Grinch vs. Christmas (or something like that) is fun. However, I’m not that convinced by the execution. While Blythe and Sam have a fine banter, I couldn’t feel any chemistry between them for most of the book. 

While I understand Blythe’s character (and how her relationship with her father shaped her life), I didn’t like how she kept pushing Sam despite repeatedly telling her he didn’t like Christmas. TBH, if someone sells me a house without revealing certain info and expects me to jump into the local madness, I will kick them out and lock the door. There’s a thin line between being persuasive and forcing a relative stranger to do something they don’t want (if the roles were reversed, it’d be called harassment). 

In a way, I liked Vicky’s character a little better. She is a single parent with some not-so-good business ideas to make more money for her child. She’s a flawed character but someone who gives good ideas to Blythe. However, her track with Owen is not well-structured. Though it makes some good points, characters cannot move on without acknowledging their past. Important discussions should occur on the page. 

Everything ends well, of course. The mystery around Murray is solved, and we get HEA. The ending is stronger, but the path to it is rocky and not as enjoyable as I expected. Furthermore, the pacing is slow and seems to have substantial filler content. 

To summarize, The Perfect Christmas Village might have a perfect Christmas at the end but doesn’t manage to inspire the same level of feelings. It’s a decent read but not something I would add to my top seasonal reads. 

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

#NetGalley #ThePerfectChristmasVillage 

 2.5 Stars

1901, Dundee, Scotland 

Nicky is missing her husband Allan, who is at war. One day, she is attacked by a stranger and wakes up aboard the Ormen, her father’s whaling ship. Soon, Nicky realizes she is in big trouble, and things aren’t what they seem. 

2023, Skúmaskot, Iceland 

Dominique is an urban explorer. She finally managed to reach Skúmaskot, an old shark fishing village on the northern tip of Iceland, to stay aboard Ormen, which was to be dismantled in the next few weeks. She meets a trio of explorers who may or may not have hidden intentions. 

What is the connection between the two timelines? Where will the stories intersect, and what happens next? 

The past timeline comes in the third-person POV of Nicky, and the present timeline is in the first-person POV of Dominique. 

After enjoying the previous two books by the author, I was excited to read this one. As always, the setting is atmospheric and has touches of magic realism. The book starts slowly but picks up pace, which turns out to be a blessing. 

The book tries to deal with issues like past trauma, grief, closure, etc. It does get a few things right, especially Nicky’s life with Allan, her father’s business, her dysfunctional family, etc. 

The third-person narration for Nicky’s timeline is a relief, given the content. While some readers may find it too distant, I prefer it that way. Makes it easier to continue reading at a stretch. 

First, this one is a dark read. I was expecting it, so that wasn’t an issue (please check the triggers at the end of the review) for me. However, as the book progressed, it felt more like misery porn (most of Nicky’s track is a torture) rather than having the characters do something to change the situation. When it does happen, it feels a little too late. 

Second, I confess to having little to no idea about ships and the whaling industry. However, it does seem that the Ormen spent a long time on the sea, that too, with the men more interested in r*ping the MC rather than catching whales (there is just one instance of capturing a whale). 

Third, the present timeline seemed quite well until the end. Then, it made almost no sense. The author’s note explains the intentions behind the concept, but TBH, it’s badly done. I wish I could say otherwise. I don’t want to reveal spoilers, but the ‘truth’ nullifies a majority of the timeline, which is not how one handles a plot. I have too many questions with no answers. I knew there would be weak points (the previous books had them), but this one gets too much. 

Fourth, if the book has magic realism, it should be more than a decorative piece. The Selkie stuff was interesting until it wasn’t. It takes way too much time to see it in action. Even then, it’s just a glimpse. For a book based on revenge, this one doesn’t even show the actual bits. That’s the most disappointing part. If you make me read so much tragedy and tell me multiple times that someone got their revenge on the actual bad guys, have the courtesy to show me at least a scene or two. 

Fifth, I don’t like the representation of the Inuit tribe. It may or may not have been based on truth, and I will not take a non-native’s version as ultimate. 

Sixth, there are third and fourth timelines, which are vague and try to add to the atmosphere but don’t really work. They only cause more confusion and add to the questions. Just because a book has supernatural elements doesn’t mean it cannot make sense. It still needs to stand on its own and provide satisfactory answers. 

To summarize, A Haunting in the Arctic starts great but spirals into a neverending tragedy and an unappealing reveal/ twist. I wish I loved this, but I don’t. 

I’m an outliner (until now), so please read other reviews before you decide. 

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

#NetGalley #AHauntingintheArctic 

 3.7 Stars

Grandma Jessie finds a way to bring together the estranged sisters, her granddaughters, Caitlin and Isla. She leaves them a puzzle to solve after her death. 

Caitlin and her stepdaughter Maisie come to Heaven’s Cove to settle the property issues (aka Rose Cottage) and go back to London. 

Isla lives in the house, caring for her grandma when Caitlin left around fifteen years ago. Over the years, the gap between the sisters widens to a point where neither knows what to do. 

Can the two find a way to sort out their personal issues and rekindle their relationship? Did Grandma Jessie succeed in her plan of uniting the sisters? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Isla, Caitlin, and Maisie. 

We are back in Heaven’s Cove for another installment. Since the books are standalone, you can read them without reading the others. Though previous characters make brief appearances, only Rose has a slightly longer role (that is, she gets to speak in 3 short scenes). The setting, as always, makes its presence felt. 

 The book focuses on estranged sisters Caitlin and Isla and their lives. As expected, both are dealing with different kinds of mess. Caitlin is aware of how things stand, while Isla is happy in her denial state. 

The three-POV narration works well for the plot. We get a deeper insight into the characters, which helps us understand them better. Maisie begins as a surly and annoying teen (15yo), but soon, I can see her vulnerability. Her POV turned out to be a favorite by the end. 

Caitlin and Isla are different, which highlights their roles and their past. Halfway through, we can see what shaped their current personalities, though Isla turned out to be a least favorite (unexpected since I thought I’d empathize the most with her). 

The riddle and ancestry tracing part is interesting and the highlight of the book. I like how all three find clues (even if Maisie is uninterested) and piece everything together. 

While the blurb mentions Ben and his potential romance with Isla, it is not as much as I expected. In fact, for the majority of the story, Isla is in a relationship with her arse of a boyfriend. Everyone could see he was a jerk except our darling girl. And by the time she did, I just wanted to be done with it. I was more invested in Caitlin and Maisie’s story. 

I did like the exploration of different relationships and their impact on people. Be it Caitlin’s suffocation of becoming a caretaker at a young age or Isla’s dependence on her sister and transition into a caretaker for their gran, which leaves her open to emotional manipulation. 

I’d have loved it more if things got better a little sooner instead of everything happening in the last quarter of the book. This would have given readers more time to see Isla stand up for herself and mend her relationship with Caitlin, which is the core premise. 

We have an epilogue with HFN and projected HEA. This works for the plot, though I wish Isla’s track was better handled (as you can see, my major complaint is only with that part). Despite being on an emotional and heavy side, the book manages to be a heartwarming read. 

To summarize, The Sisters at the Last House Before the Sea is a tale of family, relationships, second chances, sacrifice, and love. It’s not the best in the series but a good addition, nevertheless. 

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

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