4.5 Stars

Holly Holiday loves Christmas, especially the tree. When she sees that her family throws out the dead tree after Christmas, she decides to change things. Why not use a live tree instead? And this leads to a forest of Christmas trees over the years. 

The book is simple, sweet, and adorable. There are one or two lines of text on each page. These are more than enough to continue the story. The illustrations are computer-styled but vibrant and eye-catchy. Each page has a Xmas-y vibe. 

My favorite part is the recipe for choco chip cookies at the end, followed by detailed instructions for planting a tree. A good touch, I say! 

To summarize, Holly Holiday and the Christmas Forest shares an important lesson in a handful of words accompanied by cute illustrations. Sometimes, less is more. ;) 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group Press and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

 4.5 Stars 

Felix always carries his toy rat Hank and his Feelings Formula book everywhere. He uses the formulae he created to deal with issues like anger, sadness, pain, doubt, fear, bullying, excitement, etc. The book shows his day at school and how the feelings formulas help him deal with anxiety and uncertainties.  

The book is for kiddos and adults who feel overwhelmed with daily life and activities. We know how stressful things can be when the schedule changes at random or things don’t go as planned. 

Feelings Formula book is all about telling yourself to take a deep breath and calm down to deal with the issue in your own style. It also shows the importance of having a grown-up person help kids when things feel beyond their control and push them into a panic attack. 

The illustrations are the highlight of the book. Each page is so lively, vibrant, and colorful! The detailing is in the expressions of the toy rat and pages of Felix’s book. The kids have such wonderful hair, and I can’t help but envy them, lol. The best part is the unsaid diversity and inclusivity in the book. Why spell things out when you can use a story and illustrations! I love how beautifully the book portrays Mila. 

To summarize, Felix and the Feelings Formulas is a lovely book for anyone who wishes to have more control over their anxiety and overwhelming emotions and channel them the right way. There are affirmations and notes at the end to help you. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley, National Center for Youth Issues, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

Hannah joins Emily’s troupe as a statuesque in an attempt to climb the social ladder and achieve her dreams. Emily guarantees a perfect match for her troupe members, which leads Hannah into dark waters. Emily’s socialite status gives Hannah a luxurious life. But what does it cost her? Can she have a life of her own and get what she wants? 

The story comes from a limited third-person POV of Hannah. 

It’s rare for books to have a lead character that makes a living as a live statue. The scenes where Hannah describes her preparation and process to play her role (rather, not ‘play’) were the best part of the book. 

The narration gains pace over time, though it doesn’t help much by then. Freddie is adorable, and Xe does what he was meant to do (it does feel like an overused trope, but it still works). 

Hannah’s POV makes her sound like an immature girl with her head in the clouds. Since I think that’s what the author was aiming for, this point stays here. If it’s not, I’ll have to move it to the next section. 

The foreshadowing was too much. I still don’t see the need for it, and as much as I like the concept, I don’t want to be hit in the face with a brick in every chapter. 

Emily was the farthest thing from a 'subtle' manipulator. She was blatantly obvious. Hannah’s lack of common sense cannot be portrayed as Emily’s success at manipulating her. 

I knew what would happen (a certain gruesome incident) halfway through the book. It was so obvious that I only had to wait for the climax to arrive. 

The excessive foreshadowing made me imagine a dark story and increased my expectations. What I got was a watered-down version with the supposedly important character having almost no role to play. 

I was looking for something intense (not to be confused with ‘hyper’, which is what I got at the end), given the introduction and the first chapter, but man, that was the most disappointing part of the book. Why create a character so magnetic when they don’t have a solid role in the story? 

The other twist was super easy to guess. All thanks to excessive clues and foreshadowing again. This concept doesn’t work for all plots and overdoing it will ruin the story for the reader. 

The ending was (a little too) easy, but I was glad that the book would be over when I saw the remaining page count. There weren’t enough to continue the drama. 

To summarize, Statuesque as a plot had great potential, but much of it was wasted (unless the book was never meant to be dark, in which case, the foreshadowing and hints of sensuality were misleading the reader). 

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

#NetGalley #Stauesque 

***** 

P.S: I read The Condemned Oak Tree by the author and loved it. This one could have been so much better but ended up diluted. 

** 

P.P.S: I read my friend’s review after writing mine and saw that the book is a retelling of a classic. Since I had to ask her about it, my review stays the same. 

** 

TW:

Animal cruelty and murder

 3.7 Stars

One Liner: Fun but slow 

Retired DCI Dan Armstrong isn’t a writer but has no choice but to attend the two-week writing workshop in Villa Volpone in Tuscany. He is not happy about it, though the setting gives him hope. Maybe he can decide what to do with his life. 

The last thing Dan expected was a murder, that too of Jonah Moore, the famous writer who hosted the workshop. With eleven suspects and buried secrets surrounding him, Dan knows he has to get back on duty, albeit unofficially. 

Can Dan and Italian Commissario Virgilio Pisano (who is happy to have some help) solve the crime before there’s another murder? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Dan Armstrong. 

The setting becomes a part of the story with ease. The descriptions are detailed but not overly so. The book does justice to the title and shows Tuscany to the readers. 

DCI Dan Armstrong is a good man. He is smart, but many mistakes. He grumbles but knows to take things in stride. He shows his soft side and isn’t afraid to be emotional. 

Oscar is an adorable black lab. I like that he is a constant part of the book and will be a part of the other books too. You can’t help but love a dog like him. 

The mystery is well done, and the subplot progresses along with it. In fact, there are instances when the subplot has more progress than the case, but that’s expected in a cozy mystery series. 

There’s loads of food in the book. Though I’m a vegetarian, I enjoyed the scenes with food. And who can resist macaroons, velvety ice creams, tiramisu… yum. ;) 

As a writer, this one tickled me.

The writing workshop is for erotic writing, and among the attendees were two elderly women, Agatha and Elaine. Elaine is small, frail, and comes from a little UK town. She authors under a pen name and writes BDSM. How cool is this! What’s more, the ladies go about describing what they wrote in graphic detail with casual ease while Dan is the one squirming in his seat. Of course, he gets used to the idea and reads their books. The scenes were such fun to read.

Oh, by the way, the book is squeaky clean (except for the murder, which is not graphic either). 

The pacing is real slow. I understand why it was necessary for the first quarter, but the story refused to pick up the pace even in the latter half. It’s either that or the page count is off by 100. It definitely feels like a 330+ book instead of 260 pages. 

The chapters are too long. They were separated based on the days. But with a linear narration, this doesn't really matter. Shorter chapters would have been the same, maybe even easier to read.   

There’s quite a bit of repetition that further slowed down my reading. Some of it was necessary, but the rest only weighed down the narration. 

To summarize, A Murder in Tuscany is a decent start to a new cozy mystery with a retired DCI and his adopted doggy. It’s a clean read but has a few triggers (mentions). 

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

#NetGalley #AMurderinTuscany 

TW:

Mention of abuse, infidelity, sexual assault, drugged rape, and a couple of suicides.

 

 4.5 Stars

Pleasure boat Princess Alice collides with an iron-hulled collier, Bywell Castle, in the Thames. Princess Alice is torn apart, and 600 passengers are in the waters. With only 130 of them surviving, the case is one of the biggest accidents on the river. 

However, the problem is that the collision may not be an accident. It appears that the Irish Republican Brotherhood planned the incident as a way to demand the restoration of the Irish Home Role. 

Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan is on the case. His Irish roots and connection could help him solve the case or put his life at risk. The increasing violence in Whitechapel adds to his troubles. Colin, the youngest Doyle, seems to be in the middle of it. Corrovan has no choice but to save the Doyle family, whether Colin likes it or not. After all, they are his family, albeit adopted. 

But can Inspector Corrovan get to the heart of the matter before it’s too late? The life of the Irish in London is horrible as it is. Will his investigation make it worse? What will it do to him? 

The book works very well as a standalone (I read book one though I confess I don’t remember much, which isn’t uncommon). 

Corrovan’s character arc is getting better and better. I love that he has issues but does justice to his job as a policeman. 

The side characters are just as important and do their bit to keep the story going. They aren’t mere cardboard pieces but are growing similar to the main character (except for a couple, maybe). 

What I love in the book is the theme. It deals with the Britishers’ hatred for the Irish and how this causes long-lasting repercussions on the poor and innocent. The writing is hard-hitting and straight to the point. 

The themes of politics, gang wars, racism, personal prejudice, deliberate misinformation (some things don’t change), etc., are handed with a deft hand. The book is darker than the previous one, but nowhere does it get hyper, dramatic, or preachy. 

There’s quite a bit of philosophical introspection (which reduces the pace), but it is a part of character development. I see how this might led to crucial revelations and developments in book three. 

What could have been better are the pacing and the blurb. I didn’t read the blurb until I finished the book (I requested a copy when I saw the series title) and noticed that it reveals a little too much information. A tighter blurb will make the book more intriguing and effective. And maybe Belinda could have had more space. 

To summarize, Under a Veiled Moon is an excellent and strong continuation of the series. Pick it up when you want something thought-provoking and slow-paced. 

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

 4.3 Stars

The Forest Keeper is the true story of Jadav Molai Payeng, the man who single-handedly planted a forest on a wasteland in Assam. He was determined to prevent the Brahmaputra floods from affecting the villages by planting trees to hold the soil and minimize the risk of flooding. 

For decades he worked alone, planting seeds, tending to the saplings, taking care of the trees, etc. The wasteland became a forest brimming with animals, birds, and insects. He had to face countless difficulties but overcame each of them. The forest is named after him. He is called the Forest Man of India. 

The book gives us his story in simple words (suitable for kids). The watercolor illustrations are dramatic and a wee bit blurry (seems intentional). Though it gives enough information, parents and teachers can get kids to search the internet for more. Books like this are important to show kids that they can achieve what they want with persistence and hard work. And most importantly, how nature will give back multifold if you give her a teeny seed. 

It’s amazing how one man's determination can change an entire region. Jadav is a tribesman for Majuli in Assam. Another example of how indigenous people are connected to the land. He still lives in the forest with his family. Together, they take care of it and its inhabitants. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

 4.3 Stars

Grace Makutsi's husband has a furniture business, which is in trouble. An international is selling furniture for cheaper prices. While Phuti Radiphuti is particular about quality and comfort, the new competitor is intent on sales and profits. 

Grace and Mma Ramotswe meet Grace’s childhood friend Patience, who appears to be dealing with her own issues. Mma Ramotswe comes up with ideas that might solve both issues and provide a happy solution for all of them. 

But are things as easy as the plan? How will Grace Makutsi and Mma Ramotswe handle the latest complexities? 

The story comes in the third person POV. It alters between limited third-person (of both the leading ladies) and omnipresent narration. 

The last time I read a book from the series was about a decade ago. I picked it up at random from the library and wasn’t impressed by the lack of dead bodies in a cozy mystery (blame it on my bloodlust). Comparing it to Agatha Christie’s book didn’t help. Still, I was compelled enough to finish the book before turning to a murder mystery. 

Now I see why the series is successful and much loved. The book doesn’t really fit any genre. The mysteries are not ‘mysteries’, but aspects of one’s life- things we see in society, issues someone has to deal with, and decisions people need to make. 

The narration is relaxed and takes time to gather momentum. Even then, it is languid and lingers here and there before coming to the main point. The writing has a semi-stream-of-consciousness style (an incident happens/ new info is revealed, and one of the leading ladies thinks about something relevant from the past). Once I got used to this, I could sync my reading style with the narration. 

The book has a good dose of social commentary but doesn’t overdo it at any point. Mma Ramotswe’s calm acceptance of whatever life throws at her helps ground the narration. 

Coming to the main issues in the story, things don’t take off until the second half. The first half gathers information in bits and pieces, while the ‘solving process’ begins in the latter part. Of course, we know what and why already. It’s how that matters. One solution is simple, and the other is well… elaborate and dramatic. The teeny twist at the end adds a cheeky charm to the book. 

To summarize, A Song of Comfortable Chairs is the kind of book you want to sit with on cold noon and warm your heart. It isn’t a typical cozy mystery or drama. It’s a comfort read that’ll make you think and smile at the same time. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Knopf Canada, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

*****

 

P.S: The book works as standalone but reading at least one book in the series might be better. 

 2.8 Stars

Something happens twenty years ago that changed the lives of the sisters Aisling, Mauve, and Naula. Nalua’s death and the subsequent events continue to impact everyone related to the sisters. 

Iris goes to Ireland after the death of her mother, Aisling. There is much she doesn’t know, and staying at Swan Hall (her mother’s family home) with her aunt Mauve leaves her with more questions than answers. 

Things come to light when Iris discovers Naula’s diary. However, her own life takes a drastic turn when history repeats itself. Can Iris come to terms with the past and her present? Where does it take her? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Iris and Aisling and the first-person POV of Naula. 

The setting, especially Ireland, is a tangible part of the story. It blends with the narrative to intensify the atmosphere. 

Naula’s POV in the first person is done so well that she comes alive in those chapters. The writing style suits the character’s personality. I couldn’t help but feel her sense of urgency and get involved in her drama. 

The story picks up pace in the latter half. Though none of the characters were likable, I wanted to read till the end. 

I don’t mind books with unlikable characters, but this one made it hard to sympathize with the main character, Iris. There’s only one word to describe her- stupid. The plot depended on her being stupid. It might have worked better for me if this wasn’t the case. 

The book deals with many dark themes like

catholic policies when dealing with unmarried pregnant girls, abortion rights, homosexuality, dysfunctional families, alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, misogyny, postpartum depression, parental death, complex sibling relationship, single mother troubles, Irish politics (something to do with IRA), emotional instability, et al.

 

This overload of themes makes the book heavy and tiring. Furthermore, the issues relevant in the current scenario are overemphasized. It felt like being knocked on the head with a hammer. 

Those pro-choice already know the ground reality. Those against it aren’t going to change their minds by reading a heavy-handed fictional drama. Speeches in fiction are not my favorite. When the similarities are clear as daylight, trust readers to connect the issues and think about them. That’ll be more impactful instead of forcing the issue. 

The blurb and the story’s core focus don’t align. I went into the book expecting family drama (which I got). But I also got a lot of social commentary. Now, if I knew what to expect, I’d take it in stride and go with the flow. Imagine Iris flipping over in the last part of the book when she’s been nothing but annoying until that point. 

There’s a happy ending of sorts, which also did nothing to make me happy. Iris finding out the truth about her parent didn’t even create the impact it should have because it wasn’t the focal point. 

And finally, Iris wanted to be a writer. I was startled by her confession. Not being judgmental, but I didn’t associate her with writing based on the character arc. It was a shocker. 

To summarize, The Last Summer in Ireland is a dark read dealing with many themes and a current hot topic. It’s a mixed bag that could have been better with a restrained execution. 

I enjoyed The Boatman’s Wife by the author, but this wasn’t to be.  

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

 4 Stars

Bertie Carroll is a successful playwright in the 1930s. He is in Brighton to watch the performance of one of his plays (the not-so-successful one) in the Palace Pier Theatre. Bertie meets an old friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman, and they attend the event together. 

A former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, is shot on the stage as per the play. But they soon realize that a murder took place right in front of their eyes. Hugh asks Bertie to solve the case as his partner. After all, why can’t a playwright who specializes in murder mysteries solve a real crime? 

Things get complicated as more information comes to light. It’s up to Bertie and High to find the killer and the reason for the crime. 

The story comes in the third-person POV. 

The writing is easy to read and enjoyable. The pacing is steady almost throughout, though it dips a little in the last third. 

Bertie is a likable character, and so is Hugh. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series. The other characters are pretty much two-dimensional but do the job. 

Gertrude reminded me of Miss Lemon, except that she is more relaxed and cheerful. In fact, the book has quite a few touches of Agatha Christie’s storytelling. The final reveal is another example of this. 

I could guess the killer even before the murder happened. Of course, that didn’t diminish my reading experience as I wanted to see if I was right and find out how the crime was committed. 

The main character belongs to the LGBT community. Yet, this aspect wasn’t used as a banner on his head. I liked how it’s just who he is. There’s some discussion in a veiled manner (which will probably be revealed in the next books). Bertie and Hugh’s past seem like a potential subplot to connect the series. 

The theatre is another character in the story. The detailing shows the author’s experience in the field. But… (continued in the next section) 

The beginning has a detailed description of the Palace Pier Theatre. While it helped visualize the place (after all, that’s where the murder occurs), it felt a bit too stretched. I enjoy descriptions, but this went a bit too long, IMO. 

The book is dialogue-heavy. This isn’t an issue per se, but I found it tiring at a couple of places. 

A little more character development would have been great (we might see it in the coming books). 

To summarize, Death on the Pier is a good start to a historical mystery series, with a playwright as an amateur sleuth. It’s a light read. Pick it up when you want something to relax with.  

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

The book starts with a note mentioning that it is printed on recycled paper (I hope the ink they use is nature-friendly too). The author’s note explains the reason behind the book and that there are only a handful of stories in this one. 

The limited collection makes it a great introductory book for kids. There is no information overload. The events are presented as little stories. I have to admit that I’m surprised by how well the prose poetry form worked in this one. 

The book shares real-life stories about The Children’s Forest Project, saving humpback whales, hatching baby turtles, saving red kites, tigers, eco-farming, etc. The last page has tips for readers to get started with their new journey. I like to think that the publishers use reader feedback because the font size is actually good. I didn’t have to tinker much with the settings or zoom in to read the text. Thank you for this, Quarto! 

The content comes in full spread (double spread, or whatever you call it), where the illustrations flow and spread across from left to right. And as always, the illustrations are earthy, adorable, and wonderful. The touch of native rawness blends perfectly with the content. After all, many stories show how things got worse when the indigenous tribes were removed from the land and their traditions disrespected. 

I wish a few more events were mentioned at the end (not in detail) so that kids can look up more information and learn from other sources. I wouldn’t have minded a couple of references, either. 

To summarize, Happy Stories for Nature Lovers is a short and informative book, a starting point for kids and adults to become eco-conscious and do their bit to co-exist with nature. 

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

*****
 

P.S: This seems like the right time to mention that Cheetahs were reintroduced in India after they went extinct due to hunting and random killing. Let’s hope the Cheetahs make India their new home and grow in large numbers.