Thistlemarsh
by Moorea Corrigan
Different (3/5/2026)
Thistlemarsh was a slower read for me. I enjoyed the story, but found I had to keep putting it down and coming back it after a break. Many characters, mixed storylines, magic, war and destruction, trust and betrayal, lies and truths - a lot of elements are mixed into this book that both kept me interested and required time away to absorb the plot. The romance between the main characters was managed without being overly romantic which was a plus for me. Strong and clever female characters were well-developed. I enjoyed the layers between the human and faerie worlds and how the manor was both restored, subsequently destroyed and then a new home rebuilt.
Stay for a Spell
by Amy Coombe
Lots of Books and Curses! (2/15/2026)
The story was light, entertaining and fun to read. While there were a few areas I think could be improved, it was also a quick and easy read. The story features Princess Tanadelle (Tandy) who spends most of her time representing her family and travelling to fulfill royal obligations. She is considered overly nice and accommodating to everyone and fulfills her duties without much thought about herself. After she is cursed, she must uncover her true heart's desire in order to be free again. I totally liked the trapped in a bookstore aspect and all that Tandy did to make changes along with her assistant, Sasha. Sasha was so helpful in making those changes and provides interesting input throughout the book as a teenage character with clever ideas. Sebastian (Bash) a cursed pirate is the love interest. While the love interest part was predictable, the fact that he too is cursed was a different take and I liked his character. The Bluecaps were a clever way to find items and their soft blue light seemed soothing. Tandy comes to realize what she truly wants and makes some life changing decisions in the end. All of the Royal Princes arriving to kiss her one by one was amusing and that they stayed around after failing to break the curse was funny as they continued to compete with each other and/or assist Tandy. As to the improvement side - with books that have many 'creatures' as characters and words that are created for the story, I wish there was a page or notations explaining what kind of creature they were and definitions for the created words. I would recommend the book to people that enjoy light fantasy reads.
Fireflies in Winter
by Eleanor Shearer
Strong Female Characters in a Harsh and Haunting Environment (2/15/2026)
I liked her first book - River Sing Me Home and was very happy to receive and read this one. This book features strong women often faced with 'no perfect choices' and how they make lives for themselves amidst the harsh environment - both with the people around them and the land they have to make a life in. The 'no perfect choices' theme throughout the book applies to much of life in general, but within this story is so descriptive. Lies, violence, secrets, limited choices, and the harsh environment are all integrated really well into the story. The development of the love between the two main characters was a beautiful part of the story - their need for and eventually reliance upon each other was crafted well. The description of surviving in winter - bitter cold, limited shelter, fear of being preyed upon, finding food and fear of becoming sick or hurt were especially descriptive.
It almost felt like I could see their breath and feel their shivering. Winter descriptions contrasted well with the softer descriptions of spring/summer. I was sad about Patience the dog and also the impact choices/changes had upon the child Ben. I do think deeper explanation of the Maroons and how/why they were relocated to Nova Scotia would benefit the story although maybe it was because the details were scattered throughout instead of grouped together. The ending felt a bit abrupt to me and I wanted to know more about who stayed, who left and what that meant for the two main characters. I will recommend this book.
When We Were Brilliant
by Lynn Cullen
Very Engaging (12/12/2025)
This is a very engaging, well written book that is very easy to read because the author did a splendid job of really drawing you into the story and making you feel like you 'almost' know Eve and Marilyn. It's fiction, but provides insight into a relationship that was important to both women and how their connection helped manage both of their careers. Marilyn struggling to be taken seriously and Eve struggling to succeed as a female photographer in a male dominated field. Thoroughly enjoyable.
The Magic of Untamed Hearts: Wild Magic #3
by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Enjoyed Overall (12/1/2025)
Overall I enjoyed the story. I haven't read the first two in the series and wasn't familiar with the sisters which might have helped understand the family elements more (missed that this was a series.) Sometimes wasn't sure what the main theme was - magic or relationships or ghosts although I do think the story worked. Might look for the first two books.
Next Time Will Be Our Turn
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Easy Read With Some Anomalies (9/21/2025)
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the writing. Easy to read, kept me mostly interested in the storyline, characters, culture, etc. However, there were a few things that bugged me. First, the timeline seems off related to the ages of the grandmother / granddaughter. Second, the details shared by Magnolia with her granddaughter, seemed very intimate for a single conversation. I would have found it more credible if the conversations had happened over a period of time. It was easy to forget it was a single conversation during reading though. Her story/details weren't offensive, just seemed odd to divulge everything at once. I will look for other books by this author.
The Sister's Curse
by Nicola Solvinic
Very Engaging (6/29/2025)
This book mixes a lot of elements including a bit of horror, serial killers, witches, religious fanatics, legends/curses and environmental poisoning along with a murder mystery/cold case. Even though that seems like (and is) a lot and could be overwhelming, it all worked very well together and captured my attention from the first few pages. It's a quick read with interesting characters and the storyline worked well from beginning to end. The main character has an interesting backstory and conflicts. Really enjoyed this book and have already added her other book to my 'to read' list.
Making Friends Can Be Murder
by Kathleen West
A Little Bit of Everything (3/22/2025)
This was an easy read with a a bit of everything that makes a good overall story. A group of women all with the same common name was made clever by using age/numbers to ensure characters were kept straight. There's a mystery to solve and plenty of characters to suspect and eliminate. I like this type of light, easy to read book as a nice break between heavier subject reads.
Jane and Dan at the End of the World
by Colleen Oakley
Fast Paced Easy Read (12/27/2024)
This is a fun, fast-paced, easy to read book that kept me interested in the characters and the storyline. Although I found the storyline just a bit far-fetched, I read it for the 'fun' of it and feel the author pulled it all together to create an amusing, hard to put down story. Twists and turns galore including marital issues, a pretentious restaurant and a hostage situation that resembles the plot of the book written by the main character. I will look for other books by this author.
Happy Land
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Really Good! (12/21/2024)
The story is engaging, has well-developed characters and is based upon a real community that has been forgotten over time. I like historical fiction and really enjoyed reading this book and learning about a community I wasn't aware of. Family dynamics, love, misplaced trust, loss and survival add to the depth of the storyline. This is an easy, flowing read that kept me interested from beginning to end. I'll be recommending this one.
I haven't read other books by Dolen Perkins-Valdez but will definitely add them to my reading list.
Beast of the North Woods: Monster Hunter Mysteries #3
by Annelise Ryan
Different Type of Mystery (12/8/2024)
I haven't read the other books in the series so wasn't familiar with the main characters. Seemed okay as a standalone though. Loved Newt the dog, he's definitely a good boy. The main female character was a mix of cautious/clever and foolish/gullible at the same time. She was able to figure things out, but then allowed herself to be drawn into situations that put her in serious danger. Totally seemed like she should have known better. In general, I liked the book as it was an easy read. I kept thinking a bit more depth would make a better story.
In the Garden of Monsters: A Novel
by Crystal King
Just Too ... Something (9/2/2024)
I did not enjoy reading this book. I kept picking it up, reading a few pages and then setting it down to find something else to do. I just could not connect with any of the characters - maybe there was too much mythology for me or it was too surreal. I don't often struggle to finish a book but this one was a chore for me. I'm glad to see there are others who thoroughly enjoyed it though.
The Funeral Cryer: A Novel
by Wenyan Lu
Strange But True? (2/15/2024)
Overall this left me feeling like the story was unfinished. The book is filled with nameless characters who live repressed, unhappy, internal lives with little communication. The main village and surrounding places are named, but the names include land features that don't exist. The husband is awful and the wife basically ignores him. He doesn't work, they've let their fields go to waste instead of farming and she is shunned because of her job as a funeral cryer who helps loved ones of the deceased express their grief. Family members she cries/sings for often confess secrets to her to unburden themselves. She does start to make changes towards the end of the book, but the ending doesn't provide direction about her decisions. The pace feels awkward and stilted, the ending is rather abrupt with a lot of plot lines that felt unfinished, but I am glad I finished reading the book. It was very different.
Digging Stars: A Novel
by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma
Open to Exploration (8/6/2023)
The author is a good writer and outlined her characters and their lives/interests well. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It put astronomy and certain college programs in a different 'food for thought' light for me. The father/daughter relationship was a bit sad with both physical and emotional distance between them during periods of their lives. Not sure if this will make sense, but at times I found the book both interesting and boring. Descriptions would seem interesting at first and then my interest would wane a bit amidst the details. I do plan to share the title with friends and will watch for other titles by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma.
Sisters of the Lost Nation
by Nick Medina
Meaningful Content / Tough to Follow (4/28/2023)
This books covers some delicate / tough content in a meaningful way. However, I found the timeline difficult to follow. I wondered how much was fiction vs. fictionalized actual events the author is familiar with. Women missing without a trace is and should be an uncomfortable topic to read. Overall, I liked the book even though it took me longer than usual to finish.
The All-American: A Novel
by Joe Milan Jr.
Long Strange Trip (4/28/2023)
Well written, engaging storyline with a wide variety of characters (not all of whom are likeable) and plot lines. The parts about a simple act led to a so much red-tape, bureaucracy, and deportation that could not be stopped were especially thought provoking. The feeling of not belonging anywhere and being in a state of limbo between countries was disconcerting to me. Overall, I enjoyed this book and think it would be interesting for a book club discussion.
The Critic's Daughter: A Memoir
by Priscilla Gilman
Father / Daughter - Love and Drama (3/1/2023)
This is a very well-written, thoughtful memoir and homage to a father/daughter relationship from child through adult. That she loved her father very much but is still able to share his imperfections comes through so clearly in her writing. It was a pleasure to read this book that describes people, theatre, writers, critics, etc. that surrounded her as a child. She makes you feel like you are there with her meeting and watching all of the people and places. Reading through this book you journey with her as she grows from child to adult, becomes more aware of personalities and all of the complications that family and relationships bring to life. Highly recommend this book.
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Fun, Easy Read (11/6/2022)
Fun read with interesting characters and a storyline that keeps your interest. Better than some other generational gap connection books I've read. A bit predictable in parts but overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend.
River Sing Me Home
by Eleanor Shearer
Excellent Read (9/26/2022)
Really enjoyed this book. The writing is lyrical, the characters are full and the story evokes empathy, anger and great imagery. A few parts in the second half seemed a bit slow, but not enough to detract from the overall story. I did notice what seemed like some inconsistencies in speech patterns in a few places. I would recommend this book to friends and book groups.
Fruiting Bodies: Stories
by Kathryn Harlan
Interesting and Unique (6/12/2022)
Well written, thought provoking stories that are very unique in style. The stories are easy to visualize while reading. Enjoyed reading and would recommend to friends.
Power Reviewer
