Reading Right Now! (296)

 I can't believe it's almost May. That seems crazy. Crazy crazy crazy.

So, what I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery #1) by Vivien Chien -- This is the first book in a cozy mystery series. I actually won the seventh book in a goodreads giveaway, so I have a little bit of catching up to do. I'm enjoying this. It's fun. It's just an easy kind of read. I haven't solved the case yet, but I'm looking for clues.

Our main character is Lana Lee. She recently went through a bad breakup and quit her job, so she's now working at her parent's Chinese Restaurant. Lana gets involved in a murder when her parent's property manager drops dead. He had an allergic reaction to some dumplings that just happened to have been delivered to him by Lana!

Lana decides she needs to solve this murder to clear her family's restaurant. There's a good looking detective that always seems to be around too.

That's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: A Plan for Her Future by Lois Richer

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for A Plan for Her Future by Lois Richer. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Love Inspired and Lois Richer for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: A Plan for Her Future

Author: Lois Richer

Published by: Love Inspired

Released: April 27, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: She needs a mother… 

One little girl

could give him a second chance at love.  

Jack Prinz barely knows how to be a grandfather, much less raise a child by himself. But he has the perfect solution—marry his childhood friend to provide his orphaned granddaughter with the mother figure she needs. Now he has to convince Grace Partridge to accept his loveless proposal. If only sticking to his plan were that simple… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a sweet story. I love that it involves a marriage of convenience kind of deal, or at least that's how things start out. I also like how this was a romance of older people. Grace is retired and Jack is a grandfather. We don't normally see older couples finding love.

Although Jack's marriage reasoning is a little sudden, him needing a mother figure for his granddaughter, it's a little sweet.

This is a clean romance, which is perfect for people who aren't a fan of the hot and steam. It's just a very sweet and uplifting story about two people coming together to do the best they can for a little girl.

With more than fifty books and millions of copies in print worldwide, Lois Richer continues to write of characters struggling to find God amid their troubled world. Whether from her small prairie town, while crossing oceans or in the midst of the desert, Lois strives to impart hope as well as encourage readers' hunger to know more about the God of whom she writes. 

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for A Plan for Her Future by Lois Richer. Thanks so much to Love Inspired and Lois Richer for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for a sweet story, I'd say give this a read.

BLOG TOUR: The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson

I am excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Julietta Henderson for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

 

 

 

Title: The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman

Author: Julietta Henderson

Published by: MIRA

Released: April 13, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: A triumphant and touching debut about the unlikeliest superstar you’ll ever meet. 

Twelve-year-old Norman Foreman and his best friend, Jax, are a legendary comedic duo in waiting, with a plan to take their act all the way to the Edinburgh Fringe. But when Jax dies, Norman decides the only fitting tribute is to perform at the festival himself. The problem is, Norman’s not the funny one. Jax was.

There’s also another, far more colossal objective on Norman’s new plan that his single mom, Sadie, wasn’t ready for: he wants to find the father he’s never known. Determined to put a smile back on her boy’s face, Sadie resolves to face up to her own messy past, get Norman to the Fringe and help track down a man whose identity is a mystery, even to her. 

Julietta Henderson’s delightfully charming, tender and uplifting debut takes us on a road trip with a mother and son who will live in the reader’s heart for a long time to come, and teaches us that—no matter the odds—we must always reach for the stars. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a really sweet and heartwarming tale. I really enjoyed it. There were sad parts, happy parts, and uplifting parts. It was a great first novel from Julietta Henderson. 

Norman lost his best friend Jax, which is a real punch for the characters as well as the reader. To be a kid dealing with this kind of grief is tough. Norman wants to do what Jax and him had planned, to take their act to the Edinburgh Fringe. It becomes a way to honor and keep Jax's memory. It also gives Norman something to focus on.

Sadie was such a sweet mother for going along with Norman's plan. She can see he's having a hard time and she just wants to make him happy again. Their roadtrip was a lot of fun and a great bonding time. 

Norman also wants to find his father, who he's never met or known. That's a bit of a complication for Sadie.

There are just some great characters in this story. It was such a moving, sweet, and fun book to read. It deals with grief, but it also deals with life. It's a great debut. I'm happy I got to read it.

Julietta Henderson is a full-time writer and comedy fan who splits her time between her home country of Australia and the UK. The Funny Thing about Norman Foreman is Julietta’s first novel.

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson. Thanks so much to MIRA and Julietta Henderson for including me on the tour. If you're looking for something fun to read, I'd definitely say give this one a try.

SPOTLIGHT: Up in Smoke (Hotshots #4) by Annabeth Albert

 I'm excited to provide a Spotlight for Up in Smoke (Hotshots #4) by Annabeth Albert. I received an electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Carina Press and Annabeth Albert for letting me be a part of the fun!

Title: Up in Smoke (Hotshots #4)

Author: Annabeth Albert

Published by: Carina Press

Released: April 27, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy provided by Publisher

Goodreads      Amazon

 

Synopsis: Three Men and a Baby meets Backdraft with explosive chemistry and heartfelt feels. 

Freewheeling smoke jumper Brandt Wilder thrives on adrenaline. He’s never met a parachute he can’t repair or a dangerous situation he couldn’t wrangle his way out of. He’s popular and fun-loving and not at all looking to settle down or form lasting relationships. It’s a lifestyle that’s served him well…right up until the day he finds a baby on his doorstep.

Shane Travis is used to putting his country music career—and his own happiness—on hold after his sister rolls through his life. Like last spring when she convinced him to try skydiving for his birthday—and she walked away with the hot parachute instructor.

Now he gets to deliver the piece of news that will upend Brandt’s carefree life: he very well might be a dad.

Shane’s niece is safe in Brandt’s strong, capable hands, but too many questions remain unanswered. Co-parenting while they sort it out leads to late-night talks, and soul-bearing confessions lead to a most inconvenient attraction. Still, Shane can’t leave this makeshift family behind—even if it means playing house with the one man he can’t resist. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a Pacific Northwest romance writer of many critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ  romance series.  To find out more, check out: www.annabethalbert.com. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content.

Thank you for checking out my Spotlight Post for Up in Smoke by Annabeth Albert. If this book sounds like something you'd love, give it a read. It is out today! Thanks again to Carina Press and Annabeth Albert for letting me be a part of the tour.

BLOG TOUR: Cinderella's Night in Venice by Clare Connelly

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Cinderella's Night in Venice by Clare Connelly. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Harlequin Presents and Clare Connelly for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Cinderella's Night in Venice

Author: Clare Connelly

Published by: Harlequin Presents

Released: April 27, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: This shy Cinderella will go to the ball…but will she end the night in the billionaire’s arms? Harlequin Presents author Clare Connelly enchants with this passionate and uplifting romance. 

The most infuriating man she’s ever met.
The only man she’s ever wanted…  

When Ares Lykaios insists that Bea Jones accompany him to a gala, she wants to refuse—if just to put the arrogant Greek in his place. Yet Ares is as gorgeous as he is commanding, and she can hardly say no to her PR firm’s biggest client. 

Bea is shy, awkward…and breathtaking in a ball gown. And one kiss proves her desire matches Ares’s own. So after the opportunity arises to finish what they started in Venice, resisting becomes the ultimate test of his strict self-control! (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I'm always a sucker for Cinderella, so that pulled me in right away. This had some of the Cinderella-esque moments. The ball, the beautiful gown, the handsome man. I won't say it had full Cinderella vibes though.

I definitely enjoyed this one. It was romantic and emotional. I liked both of our characters, Ares and Bea. It was a fun thing to read.

The romance was pretty good. I was on their team the whole time. If you're looking for something romantic with a little bit of fairytale sprinkled in, I'd definitely say give this one a read.

Clare Connelly writes romance that sets your soul on fire: unapologetically passionate and angst-filled stories with powerful, dynamic heroes and the women who bring them to their knees. The author of more than 80 full length titles, Clare is a devoted reader and writer of romance, and lives in a small bungalow by the sea with her lovely husband, two small children and a hard-working team of MacBooks.

Sign up at https://clareconnelly.co.uk/sign-up for more information, and follow Clare on social media @Clarewriteslove

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Cinderella's Night in Venice by Clare Connelly. Thanks so much to Harlequin Presents and Clare Connelly for letting me be a part of this tour. If you like Cinderella stuff, definitely give this one a read when it comes out on April 27, 2021.

BLOG TOUR: The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz. I was sent a free copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to Algonquin Young Readers and Sarah Jean Horwitz for letting me read this fun book.

 

 

Title: The Dark Lord Clementine

Author: Sarah Jean Horwitz

Published by: Algonquin Young Readers

Released: October 1, 2019

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: The new face of big evil is a little . . . small.
  Dastardly deeds aren’t exactly the first things that come to mind when one hears the name “Clementine,” but as the sole heir of the infamous Dark Lord Elithor, twelve-year-old Clementine Morcerous has been groomed since birth to be the best (worst?) Evil Overlord she can be. But everything changes the day the Dark Lord Elithor is cursed by a mysterious rival.

Now, Clementine must not only search for a way to break the curse, but also take on the full responsibilities of the Dark Lord. As Clementine forms her first friendships, discovers more about her own magic than she ever dared to explore, and is called upon to break her father’s code of good and evil, she starts to question the very life she’s been fighting for. What if the Dark Lord Clementine doesn’t want to be dark after all? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was so fun. Tons of fun. All the fun! I really enjoyed it, obviously. Clementine is destined to be a Dark Lord, and boy is it a enjoyable journey watching her become one.

This book is full of humor and heart. I loved seeing what Clementine was going to do next. She really grew into herself as the novel progressed too.

This book is definitely a good time. I loved the world that was presented. It was everything I wanted it to be.

If you want a book that will make you laugh while also being sweet, I'd definitely recommend this one.

 

SARAH JEAN HORWITZ grew up next door to a cemetery and down the street from an abandoned fairy-tale theme park, which probably explains a lot. She currently lives near Boston, MA. Find her on Twitter, @sunshineJHwitz, or at sarahjeanhorwitz.com.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz. Thanks so much to Algonquin Young Readers and Sarah Jean Horwitz for letting me be a part of the tour. Go give this one a read!

SPOTLIGHT: The Hate Project by Kris Ripper

 I'm excited to share a Spotlight post today for The Hate Project by Kris Ripper. I received a free copy of this for honest review. Thanks so much to Carina Adores and Kris Ripper for letting me be a part of the tour. Look out for it on April 27, 2021.

Title: The Hate Project (The Love Study #2)

Author: Kris Ripper

Published by: Carina Adores

Released: April 27, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: This arrangement is either exactly what they need--or a total disaster
Oscar is a grouch. 

That’s a well-established fact among his tight-knit friend group, and they love him anyway. 

Jack is an ass. 

Jack, who’s always ready with a sly insult, who can’t have a conversation without arguing, and who Oscar may or may not have hooked up with on a strict no-commitment, one-time-only basis. Even if it was extremely hot. 

Together, they’re a bickering, combative mess. 

When Oscar is fired (answering phones is not for the anxiety-ridden), he somehow ends up working for Jack. Maybe while cleaning out Jack’s grandmother’s house they can stop fighting long enough to turn a one-night stand into a frenemies-with-benefits situation.

The house is an archaeological dig of love and dysfunction, and while Oscar thought he was prepared, he wasn’t. It’s impossible to delve so deeply into someone’s past without coming to understand them at least a little, but Oscar has boundaries for a reason—even if sometimes Jack makes him want to break them all down.

After all, hating Jack is less of a risk than loving him… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

 

 

 

 

Kris Ripper lives in the great state of California and zir pronouns are ze/zir. Kris shares a converted garage with a kid, can do two pull-ups in a row, and can write backwards. (No, really.) Ze has been writing fiction since ze learned how to write, and boring zir stuffed animals with stories long before that. 

 

 

 Thanks for checking out my Spotlight Post for The Hate Project by Kris Ripper. Thanks to Carina Adores and Kris Ripper for letting me be a part of it.

BLOG TOUR: Hot Stew by Fiona Mozley

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Hot Stew by Fiona Mozley! I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Fiona Mozley for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: Hot Stew

Author: Fiona Mozley

Published by: Algonquin Books

Released: April 20, 2021

Source: Review Copy from the Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: London has changed a lot over the years. The Soho that Precious and Tabitha live and work in is barely recognisable anymore. And now, the building they call their home is under threat; its billionaire-owner Agatha wants to kick the women out to build expensive restaurants and luxury flats. Men like Robert, who visit the brothel, will have to go elsewhere. The collection of vagabonds and strays in the basement will have to find somewhere else to live. But the women are not going to go quietly. They have plans to make things difficult for Agatha but she isn't taking no for an answer.

Hot Stew is an insightful and ambitious novel about property, ownership, wealth and inheritance. It is about the place we occupy in society, especially women, and the importance placed on class and money. It doesn't shy away from asking difficult questions but does so with humour and intelligence. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was not exactly the book I was expecting, but in all honesty, I didn't know what to expect. Hot Stew took me on quite a ride. It also explored quite a few topics in a very interesting way.

It really did look at how important a place can be, whether that's a place you live in or your place in the world. The people determined to fight Agatha are the people we tend to ignore, forget, and look away from. Agatha wants to take the building and make it something desirable, but that means kicking out the people who bring it down. It was definitely a book that made me think and it was also entertaining.

I enjoyed Hot Stew. It's not a smart idea to mess with Precious and Tabitha.

 

 

Fiona Mozley was born in East London and raised in York, in the North of England. She studied history at Cambridge and then lived in Buenos Aires and London, working at a literary agency and at a travel center. Her first novel, Elmet, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2017. She lives in Edinburgh with her partner and their dog. Mozley's second novel, Hot Stew, will be published by Algonquin Books on April 20, 2021.

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Hot Stew by Fiona Mozley. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Fiona Mozley for letting me be a part of the tour and giving me the opportunity to read an early copy. If this book sounds like something you'd like, I'd definitely say go give it a read. It's out!!

BLOG TOUR: The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert, which is out TODAY! I received a free, electronic review copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to Berkley and Amy E. Reichert for letting me be a part of the Blog Blitz Tour.

Title: The Kindred Spirits Supper Club

Author: Amy E. Reichert

Published by: Berkley

Released: April 20, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Jobless and forced home to Wisconsin, journalist Sabrina Monroe can tolerate reunions with frenemies and kisses from old boyfriends, but not the literal ghosts that greet her in this heartwarming tale of the power of love and connection from acclaimed author Amy E. Reichert.

 For Sabrina Monroe, moving back home to the Wisconsin Dells–the self-described Waterpark Capital of the World–means returning to the Monroe family curse: the women in her family can see spirits who come to them for help with unfinished business. But Sabrina’s always redirected the needy spirits to her mom, who’s much better suited for the job. The one exception has always been Molly, a bubbly rom-com loving ghost, who stuck by Sabrina’s side all through her lonely childhood.

Her personal life starts looking up when Ray, the new local restaurateur, invites Sabrina to his supper club, where he flirts with her over his famous Brandy Old-Fashioneds. He’s charming and handsome, but Sabrina tells herself she doesn’t have time for romance–she needs to focus on finding a job. Except the longer she’s in the Dells, the harder it is to resist her feelings for Ray. Who can turn down a cute guy with a fondness for rescue dogs and an obsession with perfecting his fried cheese curds recipe? 

When the Dells starts to feel like home for the first time and with Ray in her corner, Sabrina begins to realize that she can make a difference and help others wherever she is. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was fun and I'm glad I got to read it. I really liked this paranormal rom-com. It was cute, it was fun, and it was just what I needed. It's one of those books that I look forward to picking up. It put a smile on my face and I just couldn't stop reading.

I love a story with a paranormal twist, so I was so excited to learn that Sabrina can see dead people. She's supposed to help them with their unfinished business, it's a family curse. Sabrina is really not the most gung-ho when it comes to ghosts. Why does she want to solve their problems when she's got her own life to deal with.

I also liked the setting for the story of Wisconsin, or more specifically, the Wisconsin Dells. It's a fun place. It seems crazy that it is the Waterpark Capital of the World. I just think of cold and winter when it comes to Wisconsin, but I know they have summer. Anyway, it was just a fun place to be in. It was its own character in the story.

The romance was super cute and I liked it. It does start off pretty insta-lovey, but it was cute, so I can forgive that. I like that Ray loves food, cooks food, and is trying his best to win Sabrina over. I just liked following the romantic journey.

This story was very cute and I had a great time reading it. I'd definitely recommend this. Bring some happiness to your life. 

Amy Reichert earned her MA in Literature from Marquette University, and honed her writing and editing skills as a technical writer (which is exactly as exciting as it sounds). As a newly minted member of the local library board, she loves helping readers find new books to love. She’s a life-long Wisconsin resident with (allegedly) a very noticeable accent, a patient husband, and two too-smart-for-their-own-good kids. When time allows, she loves to read, collect more cookbooks than she could possibly use, and test the limits of her DVR.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert. Thanks so much to Berkley and Amy E. Reichert for giving me the opportunity to read this fun book and for letting me be a part of the tour. It's fun! Add it to your TBR. It's out TODAY!

BLOG TOUR: These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy. When I saw this book, I jumped at the chance to read it. I received an electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Alexandra Overy for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: These Feathered Flames (#1)

Author: Alexandra Overy

Published by: Inkyard Press

Released: April 20, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: A queer retelling of “The Firebird,” a Russian folktale 

When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.

But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.

As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.  (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I was so excited to read this and it didn't let me down. It's a retelling of a Russian folktale called "The Firebird," which I've never heard of. It's very refreshing to discover myths and tales from other parts of the world.

This was such a cool story. It had so much going on in it. There was magic and danger. A complicated sister relationship. A neat magic system. My eyes were on a journey as they were scrolling down the page.

I really enjoyed the writing style and thought it was great for a debut book.

I just had a good time with this one. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel. I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your list. I'm glad I got to read it.

 

Alexandra grew up in London and moved to Los Angeles to complete her MFA in screenwriting, and stuck around for the weather and great ice cream. She loves writing in all formats, from novels to screenplays to graphic novels, always centring on fierce women and morally grey characters, often with a bit of magic and murder. When she’s not writing, she can be found baking, fangirling over her favourite books, or cuddling her cats. These Feathered Flames is her debut novel.

Thank you so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and Alexandra for letting me be a part of the tour. There's still a couple of days until this one comes out, but I definitely think you should add it to your TBR.

March Wrap Up and April Deck of TBR 2021

 I really thought that March was going to be when I blew it out of the water and just read all kinds of books. That didn't happen. I read 5 books. Five books is not a bad number, it's just not how I thought I was going to do. Comparing 2021 to 2020, I am behind where I was last year. We'll see if I can be a super reader this month.

 

 

Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams -- This one was weird, and not in a way that I was a fan off. This is a very religious story, which came as a bit of a surprise for me. I knew it was about a cult, but I thought Agnes would just run away and leave, and then be stuck in the world where a weird pandemic was raging. Some of that did happen, yes, but it was all very B plotline. There are miraculous gifts in here, people think that they are actually prophets with gifts bestowed by the Creator. And at the end of this story, I don't feel like anything was really learned. It just seemed like everything Agnes hated and ran away from was just starting again in another cycle, except with someone else at the helm. It was just a strange book. It was really easy to read and get through, but some of the subject matter just left a bad taste in my mouth. BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire -- Meh. I don't know if I'm always the biggest fan of the novella format. World building probably took up over half of this story. When the plot and action finally kicked in, it was over right when it was really starting. It just wasn't satisfying. The world was interesting enough. It had ghosts and witches and they had unique ways of coexisting, but it just is over when it really starts getting good. BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.4/5

The Beast of Beswick (#1) by Amalie Howard -- Historical romance with a scarred hero and a marriage of convenience. Also, Beauty and the Beast vibes. I liked this. A lot of steamy bits. Maybe too much she doesn't love me wallowing, but he eventually got there. BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Hello Girls by Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry -- No. These girls just annoyed me. I don't feel like they thought things through. They had no real plans. They were just meandering along. I didn't like them. There are some triggers for parental abuse, and reading those scenes really did make me uncomfortable. And then the end was just kind of depressing. I did not have a good time with this book, it wasn't fun. BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust -- A really interesting, fairy tale vibe read. I enjoyed this one. I liked the Persian inspiration this had. It was a slower paced read. BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Deck of TBR: April 2021

 

 

BLOG TOUR: The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

 I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Hanover Square Press and Madeline Martin for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

 

Title: The Last Bookshop in London

Author: Madeline Martin

Published by: Hanover Square Press

Released: April 6, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Inspired by the true World War II history of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz, The Last Bookshop in London is a timeless story of wartime loss, love and the enduring power of literature. 

August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and blackout curtains that she finds on her arrival were not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she’d wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London.

Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a great book. It highlighted a really hard time in history with a very moving and uplifting story. I really liked our main character of Grace, how she helped in any way she could with what was going on in London, and of course because of her love of reading. I also love books about bookstores, and it was so interesting reading about a shop that survived the Blitz.

History is strange. I can't imagine living in such a dark time as WWII, especially in a place like London that was getting bombed and destroyed. The strength of those residents who are trying to live their lives while also dealing with such darkness. It's a crazy time to imagine, but then, I never imagined living through a history making worldwide pandemic. I don't think I could be as strong as the people in this story, but maybe they didn't think they could be that strong either.

The Last Bookshop in London was a win for me. It was a story of strength, resilience, and books. I really enjoyed the characters. I really enjoyed the writing. I just really enjoyed the whole reading experience. If historical fiction is something you like, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

 

Madeline Martin is a USA TODAY Bestselling author of historical romance and historical fiction.

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), one incredibly spoiled cat and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while giggling over cat videos. She also loves to travel and attributes her love of history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany. 

Sign up for her exclusive newsletter and receive your FREE download of The Highlander's Challenge: http://hyperurl.co/MMNLBF

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin. Thank you to Hanover Square Press and Madeline Martin for giving me the opportunity to read an early copy and for having me on the tour. I'd definitely look out for this one and give it a read.

Review: The Lost Village by Camilla Sten

 

Title: The Lost Village

Author: Camilla Sten

Published by: Minotaur Books

Released: March 23, 2021

Source: Review Copy provided by Publisher

 

Synopsis: The Blair Witch Project meets Midsommar in this brilliantly disturbing thriller from Camilla Sten, an electrifying new voice in suspense. 

Documentary filmmaker Alice Lindstedt has been obsessed with the vanishing residents of the old mining town, dubbed “The Lost Village,” since she was a little girl. In 1959, her grandmother’s entire family disappeared in this mysterious tragedy, and ever since, the unanswered questions surrounding the only two people who were left—a woman stoned to death in the town center and an abandoned newborn—have plagued her. She’s gathered a small crew of friends in the remote village to make a film about what really happened.

But there will be no turning back.

Not long after they’ve set up camp, mysterious things begin to happen. Equipment is destroyed. People go missing. As doubt breeds fear and their very minds begin to crack, one thing becomes startlingly clear to Alice:

They are not alone.

They’re looking for the truth…
But what if it finds them first?

 

My Thoughts: Thanks so much to Minotaur Books for providing me with a free copy for honest review. I was so excited to have The Lost Village in my hands and have the opportunity to read it early.

There were so many things about The Lost Village that were my jam. Things that I just love in books.

My favorite thing about The Lost Village was the atmosphere and setting. I love an abandoned place. I love that feeling of stepping into a place that has been left to be reclaimed by nature. The houses and buildings have just been left like their owners have just stepped out for a minute, but they never returned. It's a delicious setting, made even better by the fact that this town is out in the middle of nowhere and hasn't really been disturbed for 60 years. I loved it. It made for such a creepy and sad setting that had such a visual feel. I could see Silvertjarn in my mind so clearly.

The mystery was a super enjoyable aspect of this book too. I was so intrigued to see where it was going to go. I think the book did a great job of slipping in reveals and twists. It had a really good pace. I was curious throughout the whole thing to see where it was going to go, why all these people just disappeared, and what was going to happen.

I liked the characters. I don't know if there were any standouts, but I felt like they made a good team that did have some tension sprinkled throughout.

I wish there had been a little more documentary film in this. Our crew is scouting so they can work on a trailer, but there really wasn't any filming or mixed media aspect except for the very beginning.

I also really enjoyed the glimpses of the past that were sprinkled throughout the story. We got to see Silvertjarn in the months leading up to the disappearance from Alice's great-grandmother point of view. I was always excited to read another snippet of what was happening in the village in real time. Those chapters were a welcome addition to the story.

I didn't necessarily love who turned out to be (one of) the big bads. It's just a villain type I've seen many, many times in stories, and I was hoping for something different in The Lost Village. I wanted an explanation that I hadn't seen before, that would surprise me. There definitely were some surprising aspects of the story, things I wasn't expecting, but the villain just didn't do it for me.

I also found myself still having questions by the end of the book, and those questions directly related to that villain. It didn't give me enough reasons to buy into what happened and why it happened.

This book was a ride that I really enjoyed. It had an A+ setting and a mystery that kept me reading until the very end. It would make a great movie. I'm glad I got to read it.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

The Atmosphere, Perfection!