3.7 Stars 

Workaholic Katy Smith is made redundant at the 5-star hotel she managed and achieved great heights. With the industry in a slump, Katy doesn’t find good job opportunities despite her glowing career graph. Drunk and sad, she applies for a job at random to find out that it’s neither a hotel nor an active railway station. But a job is a job, isn’t it? 

Ryan enjoyed success as a chef in Rome before his career ended in a wreck. Back home, he has to deal with the mess of his parents’ broken marriage and his confidence issues. Katy’s arrival seems to have sorted the place but what about his career and future? 

Can the two find a new beginning in the sleepy small town? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Katy and Ryan. 

I quite enjoyed book one in the series and hoped this would deliver on the same level. Fortunately, it almost succeeds. While I did like the first book better, this one is charming in its own way.  

Katy and Ryan are well-defined characters with their own burdens and issues. Bob’s character arc is well done, and I like the change we see by the end (even if it feels a little abrupt, as we don’t get his POV). 

The side characters are often present and add to the small-town atmosphere. Harriet is more confident and happy in this one. Flora and Libby stay true to their characters. The adorable golden retriever, Paddington, also appears more than once. 

My issue is with the info dump in the initial chapters. We get Katy’s life story in her first chapter and Ryan’s in his. Reading their backstories in the first and second chapters of the book feels like an overload. While some information is necessary, the rest isn’t. Furthermore, some details are repeated a few times as the characters converse with others. Removing the repetitions from the beginning would tighten the narration. 

The plotline, as such, is predictable. But that’s why I read small-town romances (this is a clean romance with a few kisses), so no complaints. Moreover, it’s nice to see how Katy’s professional expertise brings better opportunities for the village without destroying its natural beauty. 

The book deals with themes like family, relationships, home, love, friendship, self-confidence, etc. While most of them were handled well, I did wish for a little more depth in Katy’s relationship with her mother towards the end. 

I suspect we’ll have to wait for Ethan’s book to fully sort out the family dynamics and past secrets. While there is a satisfactory resolution here, we also know there are a couple of loose ends. 

I like that there are no third-act breakups or misunderstandings. The book sustains the feel-good vibes throughout. 

To summarize, New Beginnings on Railway Lane is a cute, sweet, and light-hearted romance with strong supporting characters and a charming setting. This works great as a standalone but will be more enjoyable if you read book one. 

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

#NetGalley #NewBeginningsonRailwayLane 

 3.7 Stars 

Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, agrees to help his cousin Lady Delia as she rushes to Rome. This takes him to a quaint little bookshop run by Evie Harlow. However, his first visit leads to a second as the Duke wagers with his friends and needs Evie’s support to win the bet. He will turn her into a belle of the season and help her find a match. With her beauty, how hard could it be? 

Evie has since long given up her dreams to keep the bookshop running. She is infuriated by the Duke’s offer but soon ends up accepting it when a disaster strikes. It’s not easy being among the ton, but Evie enjoys it. 

However, as our lead pair start to fall for each other, they may have to make a lot of decisions and overcome a few scandals to get what they want. Can they do it, though? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Max, Evie, and Rory. 

I love that beautiful cover! The gown in purple is so gorgeous. The premise is just as fun, and my hopes were quite high. 

While the Duke’s chapter starts well, Evie puts her in a not-so-appealing position. For a heroine who’s supposed to be strong, capable, and independent, her opening scene is the weakest. Thankfully, it gets better. 

The writing is easy to read. The story flows well, despite the regular shifts in POVs. Since all of them are in the third person, there’s no confusion anywhere. 

The plot is quite straightforward, with a bit of everything to add to the drama. That keeps the story moving ahead, and the pacing is more than decent. Though most of it is predictable, and we know who the villain is, the story is still enjoyable, with traces of humor. 

Other reviewers compared the book to She’s All That movie. Since I haven’t watched it, I could read this without any comparison or prior assumptions and enjoy it for what it is. 

There isn’t much angst, intense drama, or excessive miscommunication. This is quite a relief, as I’m bored of these tropes anyway. The banter between the characters is fun to read. They do have some chemistry, which makes things better. 

Of course, a few doubts remain, and some suspension of belief is necessary towards the end, but this is the first book in the series. So even if the next ones have other main characters, Evie and Max are likely to play minor roles and fill the gaps. Still, I wish there was an epilogue. 

To summarize, Bookshop Cinderella is a lighthearted entertainer and a great pick between heavy reads. The lovely gowns and food are a bonus. The book has 2.5ish steam (one scene). 

I’ll be sure to pick book two in the series when it’s available. 

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

#NetGalley #BookshopCinderella 

 4.5 Stars

Poison has been declared as a woman’s weapon of choice for murder. But is it really true? We know about some famous women who poisoned several people (for various reasons). Do we know why? How did poisoning become such a convenient way to get rid of someone? Which plants are toxic, and why do they also heal when taken in the right quantities? 

This book discusses the answers to these questions and more. Whether you are a mystery lover, history buff, or true crime fan, The League of Lady Poisoners is sure to give you some interesting insights. 

The book starts with a foreword and introduction. I love how the author explores the theme while pointing out many stereotypical issues that have become ‘facts’. Misogyny, gender restrictions, social constraints, oppression, witch hunts, media and historian bias, etc., play a role in how women ended up becoming famous for using poison to murder. 

The author mentions that the book mainly deals with white women as she couldn’t find records for a more diverse and inclusive collection. After a brief timeline about poisons, we read about different poisonous plants around us (my favorite section), followed by venomous animals, and poisonous elements (with lots of data about arsenic, the most famous poison of all time).  

There are bits and pieces about how these minerals were in wallpapers, cosmetics, gowns, etc., leading to millions of deaths over time. Then, we finally get to the core theme of the book- lady poisoners from history and glimpses into their lives. The list is categorized into sections based on what could be the possible motive for the murders. 

The list starts with Locusta from Rome, the lady assassin with a vast knowledge of plants. She was a healer and a killer. The ladies mostly come from humble backgrounds with little o no means to survive and had to find ways to make a living. 

The famous Vishakanyas from India are also on the list. This trope is still famous in our daily soaps (sigh!). Of course, Chanakya’s role has to be discussed (and how he fed small amounts of poison to Chandragupta Maurya to promote natural resistance in his body against poisonous attacks from enemies). 

Then there’s Sally from the Caribbean, who took matters into her hands in Bermuda to fight slavery. Since she was a mixed-race woman, there isn’t enough about her earlier days, but we do know how she was sentenced to death by a jury of white men. The government of Bermuda has erected a 10-foot statue in 2008 to honor her. 

We also find Cleopatra, Marie Lafarge, Mary Ann Cotton, Viva Murano, Lucrezia Borgia, Wu Zetian (the only woman ruler in China), Queen Ranavalona (the first female monarch in Madagascar who also fought French colonizers and Christian missionaries), Tillie Klimek, Frances Howard Carr, Christiana Edmunds, etc. 

I love the bibliography at the end. It’s extensive but also neatly structured with headings and references, making it easy to look up more information for individual segments and people. 

How can I end my review without talking about the illustrations? The art is exotic, dark, and bold, tinged with humor. It elevates the content and perfectly aligns with the writing style (which has good doses of dry and sarcastic one-liners). And why not? The author is also an award-winning illustrator, and it shows in her artwork. 

To summarize, The League of Lady Poisoners is a comprehensive collection of all thing poison, with a major focus on women branded as lady poisoners. This book is best enjoyed in smaller doses. ;)  

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

#NetGalley #TheLeagueofLadyPoisoners 

 4.5 Stars

Well, it’s costume day at school, and Kevin decides he wants to be a princess. With a pink ball gown, some high heels, a tiara, and with a touch of lipstick, he is off to school. Not everyone likes his princess costume, and no knight wants to partner with him. Silly, right? That’s what Kevin thinks too! 

Of course, over the day, he realizes that being a princess may not be as easy as it sounds. After all, those high heels are dangerous. But he still has enough fun and decides he’ll pick a simpler costume the next time. 

This book is one of those where you take things as they are. The curtains are pink because they are pink. There’s no hidden meaning or intent or something to unearth and analyze. You are free to do so, but that may not be effective. 

Here, we have a boy who wants to be a princess on a costume day. He likes the idea of it and implements it. He is also okay with others not liking it (though he can’t help but resent their actions a little). Maybe he takes it out on his bestie Chloe, but soon realizes his mistake and apologizes. 

I like that Kevin is not a perfect model child. He isn't willing to deal with the side effects of being a princess. So, naturally, he sulks and decides he’s had enough. That’s quite realistic, IMO. 

The illustrations are quirky, funny, and super cute. Those upturned noses have to be the highlight, lol. Messy hair, wide mouths, diverse skin tones, etc., make the book quite endearing. 

To summarize, Princess Kevin is a cute little story with a straightforward plot. It is inclusive, albeit in a different manner. 

I received an ARC from Edelweiss+ and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

 

Woo… another wonderful book from my favorite kiddo publishers. This one deals with how the trees in a forest are connected through their root system and communicate with each other. The trees share resources, support, and help each other all through their lives (which spans decades). 

Here, we have a little Douglas fir struggling to grow in a dense forest. Without enough rainwater or sunlight, the little one has to make do with what it has. However, when it cries for help, the message is spread across the forest, and the paper birch sends help. Later, when the time comes, the little tree returns the favor. 

The book explains the symbiotic relationship between different trees and other elements in nature (fungi, etc.) It presents the Wood Wide Web (fungal network) underneath the earth using a cute and inspiring story of talking trees. I love the presentation and the approach to the topic. I also love how the content is easy for kids to understand. The text is tiny but readable. 

The illustrations are vibrant and bold. Personally, I love the sweeping shades and hues in multiple colors. The underground network looks really fab with a dark background. What I love the most is the expressions on the trees. Every tree has eyes, a nose, and a mouth (a simple line). So cute, right? 

The book ends with a little glossary and more information about how the Wood Wide Web. This is my favorite quote: 

To summarize, Little Tree and the Wood Wide Web is a wonderful book to teach children about the marvels of nature and help them better appreciate the lessons about co-existing with each other and helping one another. The way to safeguard the environment is to learn how to live with nature. Take but make sure you give back too! 

This book is printed on planet-friendly recycled paper. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids Eco and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

#LittleTreeandtheWoodWideWeb #NetGalley 

5 Stars 

I moment I saw the book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it. As the title suggests, the book details 21 things a child can do with a tree. The list starts with choosing a tree and ends with looking after it. The rest of it covers different ways to understand a tree and spend quality time in nature (with and without friends). 

The entire content is thoughtful and comes with enough safety instructions (with some repetitions) so that kids don’t end up hurting themselves. The rest of it provides information about trees in general. From different parts of a tree to types of leaves, animals & birds living in the trees, seasonal growth, etc., the information is crisp and to the point. 

There are enough bits of humor to keep kids entertained as they learn about the importance of trees. It also promotes fun activities with friends and family.  

The text is tiny, though. One page has a different design to fit the layout (which won’t be a problem for physical copies). However, I love that the publishers print their books on recycled paper to keep them planet-friendly. 

The illustrations are perfect for the book. They seem like crayons (or maybe mixed with some watercolor). The pastel background with soft shades of greens, browns, and reds makes this gentle on the eyes. Diversity and inclusivity are seamlessly presented in the illustrations. 

To summarize, 21 Things to Do With a Tree is a book every family should have in their home. Read it with your little ones and not-so-little ones. In fact, even you can do the same things with them. Imagine how much fun that would be! 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Kids Eco and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

#21ThingstoDoWithaTree #NetGalley 

 3.25 Stars

Kitty Hart loves all things cat and works as a kitty whisperer, training unruly cats and caring for them. She is determined to prove that cats can be trained. 

Miles Thorn is a dog person and pretty much hates cats. However, he has to take care of his mother’s cat when she’s at the hospital. His new job is just as stressful. Not knowing what to do, Miles hires Kitty to care for Prince Francis (the cat). 

Kitty and Miles start on the wrong foot but soon realize they have a lot in common. However, they need to deal with a few issues before claiming the HEA. 

The story comes from the first-person POV of Miles and Katty. 

I like cats and lighthearted reads, so this book seemed a great choice. Also, it’s not common to have the MC take care of cats as a profession. 

While I love cats and humor, I also prefer things to not go overboard. Kitty Hart is a cat whisperer. Yep, good. She wears leopard and cheetah prints. Well, fine. She uses weird language and terms. Erm… maybe not. The cat puns get a bit too much. I mean, she can speak normal language even though she loves cats. 

Despite the weird stuff, the book deals with important topics like losing a parent/ sibling, dementia, living in the past, etc. Some of it is well done. These discussions are the best parts of the book. 

I like awkward characters. They make stories more endearing. However, the MCs don’t really make things cute here. Some of it is, but most of it is not. But yeah, I do like that both have eyeglasses. 

Guess my issue is more with the FMC. She calls herself socially inept. Sure, she is missing a few filters, but that seems to be the case only with the MMC. Her interactions with others are quite decent, so her saying silly things felt more artificial/ forced than an integral part of her characterization. 

She is also a social media influencer, and this didn’t seem like a major deal. I was glad that we don’t all get influencer thingy. Then, for the conflict in the last section, we have exclusively social media stuff and the toxicity that comes with it. If this was the plan, I’d have preferred more references to the FMC actively posting on SM instead of others commenting about it. 

The book starts with Miles’ first-person POV. I admit it took me time to get used to his voice. Though I knew it was the POV of a male, I kept imagining the voice as that of a female. The tone just didn’t sound like a man. Throughout the book, I kept checking the chapter heads to make sure whose POV I was reading.  

Of course, I’m relieved there are no third-act breakups, misunderstandings, and dramatic reunions. There’s an epilogue too, which ties up the loose ends. 

To summarize, A Love Catastrophe is a lighthearted romcom that deals with some serious topics. Check it out if you are willing to ignore the cat puns and some strange language. I heard good things about the author’s works (this is my first), so maybe this is an odd one out. 

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

#NetGalley #ALoveCatastrophe 

 3.5 Stars (for the recipes at the back) 

Mallory Monroe’s Cookie Shop is a bustling place in Wingate, Connecticut. She had purchased it from her late aunt (who inspired her passion to bake cookies) and revamped the interiors and menu. Life should be going good for her, but alas! 

Mallory finds her boyfriend cheating on her. The next day, she ends up having a faceoff with Beatrice Wright, aka Queen Bea (the local food blogger), about a cookie recipe. When Mallory finds Beatrice dead (murdered) in her home that night, she becomes a primary suspect. 

People cancel orders and seem more interested in gossip. Mallory decides she needs to clear her name to save her beloved Cookie Shop. However, Beatrice ruffled many feathers, and the suspect list is long. Can Mallory prove herself innocent and catch the killer? 

The story comes in Mallory’s limited third-person POV. 

I love food cozy mysteries as they combine delicious food and murder. This one is no different and has loads of cookies, a dead body, and several suspects. The cover is super cute with a cookie bouquet, which features multiple times in the book. 

All the scenes involving cookie baking and decorating are my favorite. Unfortunately, I’m not good at both (sigh!), but I sure enjoy reading about the process.  

The mystery has an intriguing premise, with a cookie recipe as the possible cause of rift and murder. However… 

My biggest issue is with the main character, Mallory. No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t connect to her or even feel sad for her. Since the story comes from her POV (in the third person), it’s hard to enjoy her sleuthing. Never mind that she manages to antagonize almost every person she meets in the process. I know amateur sleuths are clumsy, but she takes it to the next level. Many of her interactions make me wonder how she worked in the advertising industry for so long before a shift in careers. 

As someone who enjoys this genre, I go into the first book in the series with fewer expectations. That’s because these books mostly focus on establishing the setting and characters and tend to have weaker mysteries. 

Here, there are quite a few issues with execution and character development. Except for Kip and Aspen, the rest feel artificial and one-dimensional (too many characters too). The only difference is that K & A manage to create interest despite the lack of depth. 

The chosen POV did not help. Mallory doesn’t make it easy to empathize with her. I don’t mind flawed MCs, but she isn’t engaging enough to carry the book on her shoulders. She should have been with her love for mysteries and a cat named Agatha, but nope. 

The mystery is actually well done. The red herrings are justified, and the reveal makes sense. It could have been better if the pacing was consistent instead of being clunky. 

The ending is rather cute and is immediately followed by three recipes for the most mentioned cookies in the book. Now, that’s enough for me to add 0.5 to the rating. ;) 

To summarize, How the Murder Crumbles is a fairly decent cozy mystery but could have been better with a different POV and better execution. I’ll read book two to see if things get better (I hope they do). 

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

#NetGalley #HowtheMurderCrumbles 

 3.7 Stars

Isadora Bentley is socially awkward, reclusive, and an anxiety-driven thirty-year-old academic researcher. She deals better with data than people and wants nothing to do with anything remotely human or (even an animal). 

However, on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora makes an impulsive purchase. She buys a magazine with an article, ‘Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy’, intending to prove it wrong. Soon, her experiment opens her world to new friends and adventures Isadora wouldn’t have considered otherwise. She even meets Dr. Cal Baxter, a handsome professor (and psychologist), and helps with his research.  

As the days go on, Isadora wonders if there is indeed something about the happiness concept and maybe she can be happy if she can relax and let go of things. 

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

The cover is a real cutie. The artwork perfectly represents the MC. 

While the premise is intriguing, it took me time to get into the story. The MC rambles a lot and has too many internal conversations with others. I talk to myself for sure, but the MC has a Ph.D. in it. 

I am an introvert and tend to miss filters at times. But even I got annoyed by some of her actions. It seems more like an issue with execution (writing) than the characterization. 

The found family trope is well done. I love how it talks about the MC not actually hating people but that she just hasn’t found those who understand her. Finding your tribe is so very important in today’s world. 

Marty, Darby, and Delilah are my favorite characters. They are strong supporting characters and have substantial roles in the book. Delilah is an absolute darling. I like more with her than the MC (of course, Delilah is ten, so it does make her my priority). 

The MC’s backstory explains her behavior a lot. Her parents, ugh! No wonder she feels so horrible and has -100 self-esteem. However, the repetition of Alex feels a little too much. Stretching the reveal isn’t necessary. The track is easy enough to guess. 

Cal is a great character, even if he seems a bit too perfect. Wouldn’t hurt to have a book boyfriend like him, though. He complements Isadora in many ways. 

Romance is not the central theme of the book. Though Isadora finds Cal very attractive (and has a lot to say about him), the actual focus is more on her finding herself and regaining her self-confidence (and unlearning a lot of assumptions). 

However, the last section has been stretched quite a bit. The MC’s reactions made me groan and say not again! Not sure if having others tell her she’s being childish and selfish helped. I started to lose interest in the plot (not a good sign). The part with Cal also drags. Some of it is necessary, yes. But not all of it! 

The last chapter is the epilogue and rounds off the plot well. It ties up the loose ends and provides the necessary details to close the book with a smile. I particularly like how the parents continue to stay in the background throughout. 

To summarize, The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a warm feel-good women’s fiction about self-discovery and finding her tribe to realize happiness is within her reach. 

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

#NetGalley #TheHappyLifeofIsadoraBentley 

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P.S.: I’m not sure why the book is even marketed (tagged) as Christian fiction (there’s no need for it). It’s regular women’s fiction with the found family trope and a dash of romance. Some readers are disappointed by the lack of certain elements expected in that genre. 

 4 Stars

1812, England 

Lady Augusta Colebrook (Gus) and Lady Julia, her twin, are forty-two-year-old twins living in their family home. Gus is unmarried and couldn’t care less for people who think she should be demure and drab. Lady Julia is mourning her husband but shares her twin’s opinion to an extent. 

The duo takes up a task to help their beloved friend, Lady Charlotte, which leads to another rescue mission. Gus and Julia have to rescue Caroline from her violent husband. The journey puts them on a highway robber’s path, who happens to be none other than Lord Evans Belford. The man was sent to the colonies for killing a person in a duel some twenty years ago. 

As life brings more changes and developments, the twins decide to help women who get little or no support from others. Of course, they also have to deal with their own issues on the way. 

The story comes in Lady Augusta’s first-person POV. 

Despite the lighthearted cover and blurb, the book deals with some heavy themes almost throughout. Some detailed descriptions of events may not suit every reader (check trigger warnings at the end). 

Not many books from the Regency era have a 40+ FMC, and I was immediately intrigued by this. Of course, it’s also clear that Gus doesn’t act her age in many instances (the book wouldn’t be fun if she did). 

The book has not one but three different cases divided into four sections. All cases are serious and involve great danger. Gus isn’t someone who makes a perfect plan but rather likes to wing it. This means she relies a lot on luck (and Lord Evans) to come to her rescue when things go out of control. It makes sense in a way because, despite her attitude, she is still governed by societal ideas of men and women. 

Lady Julia is relatively better with caution but can be a little too annoying at times. However, she’s got a good head and knows how to use it. Together, the twins make an interesting pair. Their love for each other shines throughout the book. Other characters like Weatherly (the butler), Tilly (Gus’ lady’s maid), and Mr. Kent are impressive. 

The setting and social conditions of the period were very well done. I couldn’t help but feel enraged about so many injustices that were brushed aside by men and the ton. I sure would have loved it if Duffy (the younger brother of the twins and their family head) got shot by a highwayman. 

Themes like social classes, mistreatment of women, health problems & the cure (or the lack of it), religion (God) and belief, social restrictions, impositions, etc., form a major part of the book. The cases take us through ballrooms, parks, brothels, and madhouses, and Gus’ commentary on the conditions works well for the plot. 

There are a few lighthearted scenes, too, which prevent the content from getting too heavy. The book is entertaining in many ways but isn’t humorous or a fluffy cozy mystery. Some of it is decidedly dark and can be uncomfortable to read. Though I see the need for them, some descriptions could have been shorter. 

The author’s note is informative and gave me more insights about the book. Apparently, a couple of characters are real people. I like how she incorporated them into the plot. 

The book ends on a cliffhanger (gasp!) after 464 pages. But at least the three cases are solved. The main track will continue and hopefully be solved in the next book. I should be annoyed (and I am indeed a little miffed). But I’m also glad that the sisters get a series of their own. They sure have the potential for it. 

To summarize, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is darker than what the cover and blurb suggest but is a great start to a new series. It will make you laugh but also inspire strong emotions for the injustices women face. 

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

#BenevolentSocietyOfIllmanneredLadies #NetGalley 

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P.S.: I would have enjoyed the book more if the ARC’s formatting was so horrible. The PDF file with so many headers and footers messed up the content big time. Argh! I had to rant about this.