Book Review| THE SCARLET VEIL by Shelby Mahurin

 

THE SCARLET VEIL
BY SHELBY MAHURIN | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
HARPERTEEN | GENRE: YOUNG ADULT FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★

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This dark and thrilling vampire romance—set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas!

Célie Tremblay has always been a good girl: kind and beautiful, a daughter of whom every parent would be proud. She surprises the entire kingdom when she defies tradition to become the first huntswoman—including her new captain and fiancé, Jean Luc, who rules the huntsmen with an iron fist. He isn’t the only one concerned for Célie’s safety, however. Though her friends try to protect her from the horrors of her past, mysterious whispers still haunt her, and a new evil is rising in Belterra—leaving bodies in their wake, each one drained of blood.

Determined to prove herself in her new role, Célie tracks the killer to the lair of Les Éternels—ancient creatures only spoken about in nursery rhymes—and catches the attention of their king, a monster who hides his plans for her behind beautiful words and sharp smiles. Now Célie has new reason to fear the dark because the closer he gets, the more tempted she feels to give in to his dark hunger—and her own.

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This is a thrilling read! The Scarlet Veil is a spin-off of Serpent and Dove, but with a new character development and a whodunnit mystery plot. I loved meeting Célie Tremblay, a fierce and determined heroine who wants to prove herself as a Chasseur. She must deal with a lot of challenges, including her overprotective fiancé Jean Luc, her past, and a deadly murder mystery that puts Belterra in danger.

I admit I was a bit confused at the beginning, since I have not read Serpent and Dove, but it got better as I read on. It’s fun having no expectations and being taken by surprise. I loved Celie's character arc, how she defies expectations and shows everyone what she's capable of. The book has it all - action, adventure, slow burn romance, and mystery. It was a thrilling ride and ended with a juicy cliffhanger. I recommend it to fans of Serpent and Dove or anyone who loves a good story with strong characters and a captivating plot.

Book Trailer courtesy of Epic Reads.

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About the Author:

   

Shelby Mahurin is the New York Times bestselling author of the Serpent & Dove trilogy. She grew up on a small farm in rural Indiana, where sticks became wands and cows became dragons. Her rampant imagination didn’t fade with age, so she continues to play make-believe every day—with words now instead of cows. When not writing, Shelby watches The Office and reads voraciously. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband and semiferal children. Visit her online at www.shelbymahurin.com.

*Thanks to HarperCollinsCa / HarperTeen and Netgalley for the egalley
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S GUIDE TO MURDER by C.L. Miller

THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S GUIDE TO MURDER
BY C.L. MILLER | PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 6, 2024
ATRIA | GENRE: MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★★

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In this irresistible and thrilling debut novel, a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous world of tracking stolen artifacts.

What antique would you kill for?

Freya Lockwood is shocked when she learns that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and her estranged mentor, has died under mysterious circumstances. She has spent the last twenty years avoiding her quaint English hometown, but when she receives a letter from Arthur asking her to investigate—sent just days before his death—Freya has no choice but to return to a life she had sworn to leave behind.

Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Freya follows clues and her instincts to an old manor house for an advertised antiques enthusiast’s weekend. But not all is as it seems. It’s clear to Freya that the antiques are all just poor reproductions and her fellow guests are secretive and menacing. What is going on at this estate and how was Arthur involved? More importantly, can Freya and Carole discover the truth before the killer strikes again?

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Are you a fan of whodunnit cozy mysteries with a twist of adventure? Then you might want to read THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S GUIDE TO MURDER by C.L. Miller. It's a new book that introduces Freya Lockwood, a former antique hunter who gets tangled in a deadly mystery.

Twenty years ago, Freya was forced to give up her antique hunting career after a terrible incident, but when her mentor, Arthur Crockleford, who was also her auntie's best friend, passes away, she must pay her respects. When she arrives, Freya finds out that Arthur died under suspicious circumstances, and that he left her a mysterious message: "Freya, it's down to you to finish what I started."

Freya soon discovers that Arthur was working on a secret project. What it was is part of the big mystery. All the clues lead Freya to attend a weekend antique party at Copthorn Manor. And everyone at this weekend event is a suspect, including the housekeeper, and the mysterious gardener. With the help of her eccentric Aunt Carole, Freya must use her hunter’s instinct, follow the clues, and catch Arthur’s killer.

I loved this book. It was well-written, fast-paced, and full of surprises. C.L. Miller does a great job of creating tension and fun. The book is easy to read, with short chapters that keep the story moving at a fast pace. I liked the main character, Freya, who was clever, courageous, and realistic. I also liked the setting, which was both spooky and charming. I look forward to every chapter’s quotes. They were often a clue, but it made reading and guessing more fun. The book was a captivating read that kept me on my toes until the end. I hope there will be a sequel!

You should read THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S GUIDE TO MURDER. It's coming out on February 6 at your local bookstores and online retailers.

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Aboth the Author:

C. L. Miller started working life as an editorial assistant for her mother, Judith Miller, on The Miller’s Antique Price Guide and other antiquing guides. After she had children, she decided to follow her long-held dream of becoming an author and began concentrating on her writing full-time. She was an Undiscovered Voices 2022 and in the UV 2022 anthology. She lives in a medieval cottage in Dedham Vale, Suffolk, with her family. Photograph © Dan Kennedy

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA / Atria for the printed ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | BINDLE PUNK BRUJA by Desideria Mesa

Bindle Punk Bruja
by Desideria Mesa
Publication: September 13, 2022
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Rating: ★★

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A part-time reporter and club owner takes on crooked city councilmen, mysterious and deadly mobsters, and society's deeply rooted sexism and racism, all while keeping her true identity and magical abilities hidden --inspired by an ancient Mexican folktale.

Yo soy quien soy. I am who I am.

Luna--or depending on who's asking, Rose--is the white-passing daughter of an immigrant mother who has seen what happens to people from her culture. This world is prejudicial, and she must hide her identity in pursuit of owning an illegal jazz club. Using her cunning powers, Rose negotiates with dangerous criminals as she climbs up Kansas City's bootlegging ladder. Luna, however, runs the risk of losing everything if the crooked city councilmen and ruthless mobsters discover her ties to an immigrant boxcar community that secretly houses witches. Last thing she wants is to put her entire family in danger.

But this bruja with ever-growing magical abilities can never resist a good fight. With her new identity, Rose, an unabashed flapper, defies societal expectations all the while struggling to keep her true self and witchcraft in check. However, the harder she tries to avoid scrutiny, the more her efforts eventually capture unwanted attention. Soon, she finds herself surrounded by greed and every brand of bigotry--from local gangsters who want a piece of the action and businessmen who hate her diverse staff to the Ku Klux Klan and Al Capone. Will her earth magic be enough to save her friends and family? As much as she hates to admit it, she may need to learn to have faith in others--and learning to trust may prove to be her biggest ambition yet.

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I was excited to read BINDLE PUNK BRUJA, a book that promised to combine 1920s glamour, gangsters, politics, and magic with a Latina heroine. Unfortunately, the book didn't live up to my expectations to deliver a coherent and engaging story. The book follows Rose/Luna, a bruja who runs a speakeasy in 1920s New York and must deal with racism, sexism, and probably everything else in between.

The premise sounded amazing, but the execution was lacking. The book felt like a mess of different plot threads that never came together or made sense. The pacing was uneven, the characters were underdeveloped, and the magic system was vague and inconsistent. It took me several starts and stops, with weeks apart, to finish the book.

The only thing I liked about the book was the representation of a woman of color in a historical fantasy setting. I enjoyed the historical setting and the atmosphere of the 1920s, with its jazz, speakeasies, and social changes. I appreciated the author's attempt to portray the struggles and challenges that Rose/Luna faced as a biracial woman in a hostile society. I appreciated the representation of her culture and heritage, and how it influenced her choices and actions. I also liked the idea of her having two identities: Rose, the glamorous and successful club owner who passes as white, and Luna, the powerful and rebellious bruja who embraces her heritage. However, I felt that this aspect was not explored enough or explained well. I was confused about how Rose/Luna's magic worked and what it meant for her personality and relationships. I wanted to know more about her family, her culture, and her history.

Overall, I think this book wasted a great opportunity to tell a compelling and original story. It had a lot of potential, but it failed to deliver on its promises.

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About the Author:

Desideria Mesa is often found getting lost in a historical, sci-fi, or high fantasy novel or crafting her own stories, of course. Aside from churning out novels, she enjoys writing songs, poetry, and short stories. Follow @DesideriaMesa on Twitter for writing discussion, slightly inappropriate jokes, and more information on her historical fantasy debut, Bindle Punk Bruja.

*Thanks to Harper Voyager for the printed ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | NORTH WOODS by Daniel Mason

NORTH WOODS
BY DANIEL MASON | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE | GENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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A sweeping novel about a single house in the woods of New England, told through the lives of those who inhabit it across the centuries—a daring, moving tale of memory and fate from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier.

When a pair of young lovers abscond from a Puritan colony, little do they know that their humble cabin in the woods will become home to an extraordinary succession of inhabitants . An English soldier, destined for glory, abandons the battlefields of the New World to devote himself to apples. A pair of spinster twins survive war and famine, only to succumb to envy and desire. A crime reporter unearths a mass grave, but finds the ancient trees refuse to give up their secrets. A lovelorn painter, a conman, a stalking panther, a lusty as each one confronts the mysteries of the north woods, they come to realize that the dark, raucous, beautiful past is very much alive.

Traversing cycles of history, nature, and even literature, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment and to one another, across time, language and space. Written along with the seasons and divided into the twelve months of the year, it is an unforgettable novel about secrets and fates that asks the timeless how do we live on, even after we’re gone? - PRH

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NORTH WOODS is not your typical historical fiction, but rather a brilliant collection of interrelated stories that take place in the same patch of land in Massachusetts, from centuries ago to the present day. Each story introduces a new set of characters, each with their own voice and perspective, and each facing their own challenges and dilemmas. Some stories are told in prose, some in verse, some in dialogue, some in reportage. Some stories are realistic, some are fantastical, some are mysterious, some are tragic. But they all share a common thread: the presence and influence of the North Woods, a place that seems to have a life and a will of its own.

Mason is a master storyteller who can switch from one style and tone to another with ease and skill. He creates memorable characters that you can empathize with, even if you only spend a few pages with them. He also weaves subtle connections and clues between the stories, making you want to go back and reread them to find the hidden links. He explores themes such as love, death, freedom, justice, faith, and nature, showing how they change and endure over time. And he does it all with beautiful language and imagery that transport you to the different eras and atmospheres of the North Woods.

NORTH WOODS is a novel that will make you think and feel deeply about the human condition and our relationship with the natural world. It's a novel that may surprise you, perhaps. It's a novel that deserves to be read.

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About the Author:

Daniel Mason was born and raised in Northern California. He studied biology at Harvard, and medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. His first novel, The Piano Tuner, published in 2002, was a national bestseller and has since been published in 27 countries. His other works include A Far Country, The Winter Soldier, and A Registry of My Passage Upon Earth, and his writing has appeared in Harper's Magazine and Lapham's Quarterly. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

*Thanks to Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE BREAKAWAY by Jennifer Weiner

The Breakaway
by Jennifer Weiner
Publication: August 29, 2023
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Romance
Rating: ★★★★

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes a warmhearted and empowering new novel about love, family, friendship, secrets, and a life-changing journey.

Thirty-three-year-old Abby Stern has made it to a happy place. True, she still has gig jobs instead of a career, and the apartment where she’s lived since college still looks like she’s just moved in. But she’s got good friends, her bike, and her bicycling club in Philadelphia. She’s at peace with her plus-size body—at least, most of the time—and she’s on track to marry Mark Medoff, her childhood sweetheart, a man she met at the weight-loss camp that her perpetually dieting mother forced her to attend. Fifteen years after her final summer at Camp Golden Hills, when Abby reconnects with a half-his-size Mark, it feels like the happy ending she’s always wanted.

Yet Abby can’t escape the feeling that something isn’t right...or the memories of one thrilling night she spent with a man named Sebastian two years previously. When Abby gets a last-minute invitation to lead a cycling trip from NYC to Niagara Falls, she’s happy to have time away from Mark, a chance to reflect and make up her mind.

But things get complicated fast. First, Abby spots a familiar face in the group—Sebastian, the one-night stand she thought she’d never see again. Sebastian is a serial dater who lives a hundred miles away. In spite of their undeniable chemistry, Abby is determined to keep her distance. Then there’s a surprise last-minute addition to the trip: her mother, Eileen, the woman Abby blames for a lifetime of body shaming and insecurities she’s still trying to undo.

Over two weeks and more than seven hundred miles, strangers become friends, hidden truths come to light, a teenage girl with a secret unites the riders in unexpected ways...and Abby is forced to reconsider everything she believes about herself, her mother, and the nature of love.

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I read my first book by Jennifer Weiner, The Breakaway, and I have to say I am not disappointed.

Weiner has a knack for writing engaging and realistic characters. The Breakaway is about a woman who leads a group bike trip from New York City to Niagara Falls, and has to deal with some unexpected guests along the way: her mother, who has always criticized her weight, and her former one-night stand, who might be more than just a fling.

Abby Stern credits cycling for helping her overcome her childhood trauma of being sent to weight-loss camp every summer by her mother, who never accepted her as she was. Now, as an adult, Abby is in a stable relationship with Mark, a fellow former camper who has lost half his weight and supports Abby unconditionally. He seemed set on spending forever with Abby, but she feels something is missing in their relationship. Maybe it's the fact that he won't touch sugar or learn to ride a bike with her. Maybe it's the fact that she still struggles with her self-esteem and body image.

When Abby gets the opportunity to lead a 12-day bike tour through New York, she jumps at it. It's a chance to do what she loves most, and to clear her head away from Mark. But she doesn't expect two surprise riders to join her: Sebastian, a charming and handsome man she had a one-night stand with before meeting Mark, and Eileen, her mother, who claims she wants to reconnect with Abby after years of estrangement. As Abby and Sebastian get closer on the road, Abby starts to question her feelings for Mark and wonder if Sebastian is the one for her. But can she trust him, especially after learning that he became famous on TikTok for sleeping around Brooklyn? And can she forgive her mother, who still triggers Abby's insecurities?

This is a delightful and heartwarming novel that explores themes of body acceptance, self-love, family, friendship, and romance. Abby is a relatable and likable protagonist, who grows as a person throughout the story. Weiner does a great job of portraying the complexities of Abby's relationship with her mother, as well as the chemistry between Abby and Sebastian. The secondary characters are also well-developed and add humor and depth to the story. Weiner also switches perspectives occasionally to give us a glimpse into their thoughts and feelings.

THE BREAKAWAY is a perfect book for anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy with a dose of realism and social commentary.

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About The Author:

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books, including The Summer Place, That Summer, Big Summer, Mrs. Everything, In Her Shoes, Good in Bed, and a memoir in essays, Hungry Heart. She has appeared on many national television programs, including Today and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com. Photo by Andrea Cipriani Mecchi

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | TIME OUT by Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Carlyn Greenwald

TIME OUT
by Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Carlyn Greenwald
Publication: May 30, 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Teen Fiction / Coming-of-Age
Rating: ★★★★

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Heartstopper meets Friday Night Lights in this “seamless, engrossing” (Publishers Weekly) coming-of-age story about a teen hometown hero who must find out who he is outside of basketball when his coming out as gay costs him his popularity and place on the team.

In his small Georgia town, Barclay Elliot is basically a legend. Here basketball is all that matters, and no one has a bigger spotlight than Barclay. Until he decides to use the biggest pep rally in the town’s history to come out to his school. And things change. Quickly.

Barclay is faced with hostility he never expected. Suddenly he is at odds with his own team, and he doesn’t even have his grandfather to turn to the way he used to. But who is Barclay if he doesn’t have basketball?

His best friend, Amy, thinks she knows. She drags him to her voting rights group, believing Barclay can find a bigger purpose. And he does, but he also finds Christopher. Aggravating, fearless, undeniably handsome Christopher. He and Barclay have never been each other’s biggest fans, but as Barclay starts to explore parts of himself he’s been hiding away, they find they might have much more in common than they originally thought.

As sparks turn into something more, though, Barclay has to decide if he’s ready to confront the privilege and popularity that have shielded him his entire life. Can he take a real shot at the love he was fighting for in the first place? -Simon & Schuster

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I was pleasantly surprised by Time Out, a YA novel about a gay basketball star who faces homophobia and corruption in his small town. I was even more delighted when I learned that one of the authors is Sean Hayes, the actor who played Jack in Will & Grace. He and his co-authors did a great job of creating a realistic and engaging story that tackles some serious issues.

Time Out grabs your attention from the first page, when Barclay comes out as gay in front of his whole school. This sets the stage for a story full of drama, romance, and activism. I loved how Barclay's character grew throughout the book, as he faced the challenges of being out in a homophobic town. He made some mistakes, he struggles with his own ego and insecurities, which lead him to make some bad decisions that hurt the people who care about him. Along the way, he learned to be more confident and supportive of his friends and family. He had a great arc that made me root for him.

The book also did a great job of creating a realistic small-town vibe, with Barclay knowing everyone and everything that was going on. The plot was fast-paced and engaging, with short chapters that made me want to keep reading. The romance between Barclay and Christopher was slow but sweet, and I enjoyed seeing them get closer over time. They had a lot of chemistry and cute moments. I also enjoyed the friendship between Barclay, Amy, and Christopher, who form a loyal and fun trio. The book had a strong political theme, as Barclay and his friends campaigned for their town's elections and encouraged people to vote. I liked how the book showed the importance of civic engagement and standing up for what you believe in.

TIME OUT is a book that balances humor, heart, and hope. It is a book that celebrates diversity, courage, and acceptance. It shows the importance of being true to yourself and standing up for what is right. It also shows that being gay does not define you or limit you in any way. It's a great read for anyone who likes books with diverse characters, social justice, and adorable love stories.

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About the Authors:

Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes is an Emmy Award–winning actor, best known for his role as Jack McFarland on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace. He is also a writer, comedian, and producer. In addition to his credits in television and film, he has also found success on Broadway. He lives with his husband, Scott Icenogle, in Los Angeles. Sean is the author of picture book Plum and young adult novel Time Out. 

Todd Milliner
Todd Milliner is an Emmy Award–winning producer and writer who cofounded Hazy Mills Productions with Sean Hayes in 2004. He has produced over 400 episodes of television, including hit NBC drama Grimm and the TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland. He lives with his husband, Michael Matthews, in Los Angeles. 

Carlyn Greenwald
Carlyn Greenwald writes romantic and thrilling page-turners for teens and adults. A film school graduate and former Hollywood lackey, she now works in publishing. She resides in Los Angeles, mourning the loss of ArcLight Cinemas and soaking in the sun with her dogs. Find her online on X (previously known as Twitter) @CarlynGreenwald and Instagram @Carlyn_Gee.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | LISTENING STILL by Anne Griffin

LISTENING STILL
by Anne Griffin
Publication: 01 Mar 2022
Publisher: St. Martin Press
Genre: General Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★

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Jeanie Masterson has a gift: she can hear the last words of the dead.

Passed down from generation to generation, this gift means she is able to make wrongs right, to give voice to unspoken love and dying regrets. She and her father have worked happily alongside each other for years, but now he's unexpectedly announced that he wants to retire early and leave the business to her and her life is called into question.

Does she really want to be married to the embalmer, or does she want to be with her childhood sweetheart, off in London? Does she want to have children, and pass this gift on to them? And does she want to be stuck in this small town, or is there more of the world she wants to see - like the South of France, where she's discovered a woman who shares her gift?

Tied to her home by this unusual talent, she begins to question: what if what she's always thought of as a gift is a curse?

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If you are looking for a captivating and emotional read that explores the power of words, secrets and family, you might want to check out Listening Still by Anne Griffin. This is her second novel, after the acclaimed When All is Said, and it follows the journey of Jeanie Masterson, a young woman who inherits her father's funeral home and his unusual ability to hear the last words of the dead.

Jeanie has always helped her family with the business, listening to the final confessions, regrets and wishes of the departed and passing them on to their loved ones. But when her parents retired unexpectedly, she finds herself alone with this burden and a business to run. She also must deal with her own life, dreams, and regrets.

LISTENING STILL is a beautifully written and engaging novel that transports the reader to the rural Ireland. It is not only a compelling story of one woman's quest for happiness and fulfillment, but also a celebration of the Irish culture, history and tradition. The setting is richly described and full of life.

Anne Griffin has a gift for creating vivid and authentic characters that you care about and root for. She also tackles some of life’s big questions, while blending humor and heartache, realism and magic, in a way that makes you feel both enchanted and enlightened.

Listening Still is a novel that will make you laugh, cry, think and feel. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a novel that will make you want to listen more closely to the voices around you, and to your own voice within.

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About the Author:

Anne Griffin is the author of the Irish No. 1 bestseller ‘When All Is Said’. Winner of the Newcomer of the Year Irish Book Awards 2019 and longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award 2021. Her second novel, ‘Listening Still’ was published in 2022 and her third, ‘The Island Of Longing’ will be published on May 4th, 2023.

Anne’s books have been translated into several languages and recorded as e-audiobooks.

*Digital ARC provided by St. Martin Press and Netgalley in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE THEORY OF (NOT QUITE) EVERYTHING by Kara Gnodde

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything
by Kara Gnodde
Publication: March 7, 2023
Publisher: HARPER
Genre: General Fiction
Rating: ★★★★

With the offbeat charm of The Rosie Project and generous warmth of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, a wry, moving debut novel about a pair of unforgettable siblings and a love triangle of sorts—one with math as its beating heart. One of Cosmopolitan's Best Books of 2023 Meet Art and Mimi Brotherton. Devoted siblings and housemates, they’re bound together by the tragic death of their parents. Mathematical genius Art relies on logic, while Mimi prefers to follow her heart. When Mimi decides she needs more from life than dutifully tending to her brilliant brother, she asks for his help to find love. Art agrees, but on one that she find her soulmate using a strict mathematical principle. Things seem promising, until Mimi meets a romantic, spontaneous stargazer who’s also a mathematician. Despite Mimi’s obvious affection for the quirky Frank, Art is wary of him from their very first encounter. As Art's mistrust of Frank grows, so do Mimi's feelings, and the siblings' relationship is brought to a breaking point. Something about Frank doesn't quite add up, and only Art can see it . . . The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a tender, intelligent and uplifting novel about brothers and sisters, true love in all its forms, and how the answers to life’s biggest questions follow a logic of their own.

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I would like to apologize to Ms. Gnodde and HarperCollins for the delay in writing this review. I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I did, I was moved by its emotional depth. I didn't expect it.

The book tells the story of Mimi and Art Brotherton, adult siblings who live together. Art is a neurodivergent mathematical genius who is working on solving the greatest mathematical enigma and saving the world. Mimi is his devoted sister who has sacrificed her own life to take care of him after their parents' death. Art's eccentricities make every day a challenge for Mimi, especially when it comes to finding love. And although Art has a mathematical solution for that too, Mimi manages to meet Frank on her own. Mimi falls head over heels for Frank, but, Frank doesn't quite fit Art's equation. Facts and Truth are always big variables for Art and Mimi.

THE THEORY OF (NOT QUITE) EVERYTHING is a novel that explores the complex relationship between siblings, the nature of love and grief in many forms, but what struck me the most was the trauma of abandonment and the monopoly of truth and how people cope with them. Having lost both of my parents, especially my mom whom I lost just recently, I felt for Mimi and Art, and their struggles.

Despite the heavy themes, it’s a story that will make you laugh, cry and think. The words are exquisite and beautiful. The characters are realistic and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and surprises. This book made me want to send warm hugs to both my parents in heaven and to my siblings far away.

Readers need not be big fans of math to enjoy this read. If you're looking for a book that is quirky, heartwarming and intelligent, you should give this one a try.

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About the Author:

Photo credit to the source.

Kara Gnodde was born in Johannesburg and raised on a diet of Dr. Seuss and no TV. After graduating from the University of Cape Town, she joined Saatchi & Saatchi in London as a strategic planner -- work that required head and heart, her favorite kind. She lived in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore before settling back in the UK with her husband and three children. A discussion on the radio about a math problem that could change the world, or perhaps just help keep her desk tidy, gave her a place to start The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything, her debut novel. - HarperCollins.ca

*Printed ARC provided by HarperCollins Canada in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | YOURS CHEERFULLY by A.J. Pearce

YOURS CHEERFULLY
by A.J. Pearce
Publication: July 5, 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster CA
Genre: Women's Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★

From the author of the “jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People) and international bestseller Dear Mrs. Bird comes a charming and uplifting novel set in London during World War II about a plucky young journalist and her adventures as wartime advice columnist.

London, November 1941. Following the departure of the formidable Henrietta Bird from Woman’s Friend magazine, things are looking up for Emmeline Lake as she takes on the new challenges as a wartime advice columnist. Her relationship with boyfriend Charles is blossoming, while Emmy’s best friend Bunty, still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, is bravely looking to the future. Together, the friends are determined to Make a Go of It.

When the Ministry of Information calls on Britain’s women’s magazines to help recruit female workers to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled to step up and help. But when she and Bunty meet a young mother who shows them the very real challenges that women war workers face, Emmy must confront a dilemma between doing her duty and standing by her friends. -Publisher

Set in London during World War II, YOURS CHEERFULLY is a heartwarming and engaging novel that celebrates the resilience and strength of women in times of adversity. The story centers around Emmy Lake, a young woman who dreams of becoming a journalist. When she lands her dream job as a columnist, she quickly discovers that there's more to it than just responding to readers' letters addressed to a women's magazine.

The novel is filled with wit, humor, and heart, and Pearce's writing is charming and delightful. She skillfully weaves together the stories of Emmy and the other women, creating a rich and engaging portrait of life in London during the war. The characters are vividly drawn, and readers will find themselves rooting for Emmy and her friends as they navigate the challenges of war, love, and loss.

One of the novel's strengths is its portrayal of the experiences of women during the war, including those who took on jobs in factories to support the war effort. Through the character of Anne, a young woman who takes on a factory job, readers are given a glimpse into the struggles and sacrifices that women faced as they tried to balance work, family, and the war effort.

Anne's story is a poignant one. She is a young woman who wants to do her part for the war effort, but she also has young children to care for. Like many women of the time, Anne struggles to find reliable and affordable childcare, and she worries about leaving her children behind as she goes off to work in the factory. At the same time, she faces discrimination and harassment at work, as male coworkers belittle and bully her for being a woman.

Pearce does an excellent job of showing the challenges that women faced as they entered the workforce and the ways in which they fought back against discrimination and injustice. Through Anne's story, readers see the strength and resilience of women during this period, as well as their determination to contribute to the war effort and support their families.

Overall, Yours Cheerfully is a delightful and uplifting novel that celebrates the power of friendship, the importance of hope, and the resilience of the human spirit in times of war and adversity.

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About the Author:

Credit: Jenny Smith

AJ Pearce grew up in Hampshire, England. She studied at the University of Sussex and Northwestern University. A chance discovery of a 1939 women’s magazine became the inspiration for her series The Emmy Lake Chronicles, which includes Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully, and Mrs. Porter Calling. She lives in the south of England. Credit: Jenny Smith

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for the egalley in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS by Kristin Harmel

THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS
by Kristin Harmel
Publication: 06 Jul 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Canada
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ★★★★

The New York Times bestselling author of the “heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism” (People) The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.

After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.

Inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds, and suffused with the journey-from-the-wilderness elements that made Where the Crawdads Sing a worldwide phenomenon, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author whose writing has been hailed as “sweeping and magnificent” (Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author), “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), and “gripping” (Tampa Bay Times). -Publisher

THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS is a poignant and deeply moving story that explores the complexities of identity, family, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. At the heart of the novel is Yona, a young girl who is kidnapped from her wealthy Nazi parents by an elderly woman named Jerusza and raised in the forest. As Yona grows older, she becomes increasingly aware of her unique position as both an outsider and an insider to the world around her, and she grapples with questions of identity and belonging that will shape the course of her life.

One of the central themes of the book is the idea of choosing between one's moral compass and biological family. Yona's journey is marked by a series of difficult choices, as she must decide whether to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Jewish refugees she encounters in the forest or to seek out the truth about her past and her biological family. Along the way, Yona confronts the traumas of her childhood and comes to understand the power of human connection in the face of tragedy.

Harmel's writing is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty and brutality of life in the forest with equal skill. Her characters are complex and fully realized, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. Throughout the novel, the reader is drawn into Yona's world, experiencing her triumphs and setbacks, her joys and sorrows.

Overall, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a stunning work of historical fiction that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful reminder of the importance of choosing love and compassion over hate and fear.

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About the Author:

  

Photograph by Phil Art Studio,
Reims, France

Kristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels including The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Room on Rue Amélie, and The Sweetness of Forgetting. She is published in more than thirty languages and is the cofounder and cohost of the popular web series, Friends & Fiction. She lives in Orlando, Florida.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for the egalley in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | LIES WE SING TO THE SEA by Sarah Underwood

LIES WE SING TO THE SEA
by Sarah Underwood
Publication: March 7, 2023
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: YA Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★

A legendary YA debut. This dazzling sapphic fantasy inspired by Greek mythology will captivate fans of Circe and The Song of Achilles.

Each spring, Ithaca condemns twelve maidens to the noose. This is the price vengeful Poseidon demands for the lives of Queen Penelope’s twelve maids, hanged and cast into the depths centuries ago.

But when that fate comes for Leto, death is not what she thought it would be. Instead, she wakes on a mysterious island and meets a girl with green eyes and the power to command the sea. A girl named Melantho, who says one more death can stop a thousand.

The prince of Ithaca must die—or the tides of fate will drown them all.

Sarah Underwood weaves an epic tapestry of lies, love, and tragedy, perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Alexandra Bracken, and Renée Ahdieh. -Publisher

Ithaca is cursed. Twelve maidens are condemned to the noose and swept into the sea as offering to Poseidon every year. There is no exception from this god's mark -a princess, an oracle, the young, or the old. But fate united two maids, centuries apart, to seek the truth and break the curse. 

A spin-off from Odyssey, exploring the fate of Penelope's hanged maids and form them into relatable characters. 

Some readers say that the first line of a book could be an indication of a good story ahead. LIES WE SING TO THE SEA surely nailed that one. I enjoyed every bit of this book, from the first line up to the last, the story fluidly rolled out. Told in simple prose, with wit, mystery, and romance, indulging this reader to keep on turning the pages. If I could be so bold, I'd say this book is a protraction from Margaret Atwood's adaptation, The Penelopiad. While Underwood received a lot of criticism for admitting that she never finished Homer’s Odyssey, her dedication to give these forgotten women from Greek mythology their own spotlight is intriguing. Each character has their own story to share. And I think she did a great job topping it off with a bittersweet ending. 

Richly imagined and achingly beautiful. I do recommend this book.

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About the Author:

Jamie Drew

Sarah Underwood grew up by the sea in Devon, England. She is currently studying for her postgraduate degree in epidemiology at the University of Cambridge. Find her on Twitter and Instagram. 

*Thanks to HarperCollins for the printed ARC in exchange for this unbiased review. #ad

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Book Review | A LETTER TO THREE WITCHES by Elizabeth Bass

A LETTER TO THREE WITCHES
by Elizabeth Bass
Publication: January 2022
Publisher: Kensington
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: ★★★★

Nearly a century ago, Gwen Engel’s great-great-grandfather cast a spell with catastrophic side-effects. As a result, the Grand Council of Witches forbade his descendants from practicing witchcraft. The Council even planted anonymous snitches called Watchers in the community to report any errant spellcasting…

Yet magic may still be alive and not so well in Zenobia. Gwen and her cousins, Trudy and Milo, receive a letter from Gwen’s adopted sister, Tannith, informing them that she’s bewitched one of their partners and will run away with him at the end of the week. While Gwen frets about whether to trust her scientist boyfriend, currently out of town on a beetle-studying trip, she’s worried that local grad student Jeremy is secretly a Watcher doing his own research.

Cousin Trudy is so stressed that she accidentally enchants her cupcakes, creating havoc among her bakery customers—and in her marriage. Perhaps it’s time the family took back control and figured out how to harness their powers. How else can Gwen decide whether her growing feelings for Jeremy are real—or the result of too many of Trudy’s cupcakes?

A LETTER TO THREE WITCHES turned out to be a quick and funny read, with varied characters that were brilliantly put together.

Cousins Gwen, Milo, and Trudy received a letter from Tannith, informing them that she is moving to New York and has apparently hexed one of their partners to move with her. Cousin Tannith's moving out news is intriguing enough, but hexing one's partner in the process is enough to spin anyone around, given their family background. Gwen and her whole clan was forbidden to practice magic after a catastrophic event a century ago. And although Gwen is not too keen on magic herself, recent magical accidents and anomalies pushed her to reconsider.

I enjoyed the cast's chemistry. And I don't mean just in front of the cauldron. I can easily imagine them. and how each scene is playing out. The story is straightforward, but there's never a boring page. I also like the idea of a café with charmed cupcakes that can transform people's mood, or usher them into a better day. No wonder why this book was Goodreads Hottest Romance of January 2022. And I am already eager for Book #2.

I recommend this if you're looking for a magically entertaining read and some romance.

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About the Author:

Elizabeth Bass lives with her husband in Montreal, where she writes and astounds the locals with her makeshift French. An elderly cat or dog can typically be found in her apartment, and during the busiest day, Elizabeth usually finds time to sneak in an old movie. She is the author of many smartly written works of romance and women's fiction, including Summer Days, Life is Sweet, and Wherever Grace is Needed. She loves to hear from readers and can be found on Facebook, Twitter (@ElizabethBass), or at elizabeth-bass.com. -PRH Ca

*Thanks to Kensington and PRH Canada for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE WINNERS by Fredrik Backman

THE WINNERS
by Fredrik Backman
Publication: September 27, 2022
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Fiction / Literary
Rating: ★★★★★

     It starts with a storm. A death. A birth. And two funerals on the same day.

   One person's life is being celebrated by the entire town. Another person's life has been forgotten by the entire town.

  Over the next week, the age-old rivalry between Beartown and neighboring town Hed, dormant for the last two years, is reignited. Unlikely alliances are formed, enemies work together to try to save the hockey club, and a new player arrives who shakes up the team.

   The epic final installment of Fredrik Backman's magnificent trilogy, THE WINNERS is a powerful, suspenseful, and deeply loving conclusion to the story of this small hockey town and the bighearted people who call it home.

...

Obviously, I am a huge Fredrik Backman fan. I like how his books talk about  groups of people and how their lives intertwine, whether circumstances or coincidence brought them together. And the idea of an old man, a cleaner, an orphan, or a burglar can turn peoples’ lives around is both clever and insightful.

The Beartown Trilogy is probably the most profound and complex community life Backman has created. Neighbors, Beartown and Hed, are hockey towns in every sense. Their lives literally revolve around this sport. It brings out the best and worst in them. And in the concluding novel, THE WINNERS, Backman draws tragedy, rivalry, friendship, politics, and the sense of belongingness into a map. There’s no inch, in either towns, that is not impacted by the sweeping events. Some tried to move away, only to find out that hockey cannot simply be shed. Some people who moved in, believed they are apart from it, found themselves at the midst of the game. However, for most players, it is the very air they breathe. It is life itself. There are resentments, conflicts, and intrigue, but, compassion, compromise, and accountability were present as well. And that is how Beartown raised a child, with ice beneath her feet and the limitless sky above her.

My anticipation for pain was in max throughout the book, and the bittersweet feeling never left me after reading either. Although, in my head I can still hear a puck hitting a wall, a guitar playing softly, and a beautiful boy is sitting up a tree facing the wind. I know life continues in that forest town.

Last Sunday, I asked the clerk at Indigo if I could stand at the entry way and offer each entering customer a copy of this book. That’s how much I recommend this book… this trilogy.

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About the Author:

Photograph © Linnéa Jonasson
Bernholm/Appendix fotografi

Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, and Anxious People, as well as two novellas and one work of nonfiction. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter @BackmanLand and on Instagram @Backmansk.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the printed ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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