Tag: fiction

Book Review: The Lost Dresses of Italy, by M. A. Mclaughlin

Image belongs to Alcove Press.

Title: The Lost Dresses of Italy
Author: M. A. Mclaughlin    
Genre: Historical fiction     
Rating:  4.5 out of 5

Verona, 1947. Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses, once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne’s expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses.

Verona, 1864. Christina Rossetti returns to her family’s homeland in hopes of leaving her unfulfilled personal life and poetry career in England and beginning a new chapter. After a chance encounter with an old family friend, she finds a gift her father once gave a small ornate box with the three Muses carved into the lid. When she stumbles across a secret compartment, Christina finds a letter from her father with an urgent and personal request.

The letter, speaking of a pendant and stolen book that must be returned, connects Marianne and Christina—and leaves them both with more questions than answers. Inspired by the real-life mysteries surrounding poet Christina Rossetti, A Forsaken Vow transports readers to Verona with the enchantment and intrigue of Italian art and fashion.

I was way too engrossed in both timelines of this book! I’d read Goblin Market by Christina Rossett years ago, but knew absolutely nothing about her, so this was a fascinating story to me. So evocative, and so absolutely tragic.

Marianne’s story also enthralled me from the beginning, as she arrived in Italy and then saw the dresses. I loved all the historical details and had trouble putting this book down!

M. A. Mclaughlin is from St. Louis. The Lost Dresses of Italy is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Sundays are for Writing #265

This was an excellent writing week! I wrote four book reviews: The Framed Women of Ardemore House, by Brandy Schillace, When Grumpy Met Sunshine, by Charlotte Stein, One Night In A Thousand Years, by Craig Cunningham, and Why We Read, by Shannon Reed.

I really enjoyed Why We Read and found the author’s voice very appealing—and of course the subject matter was great. One Night in a Thousand Years was a short audio book and a fascinating coming-of-age tale. I thought Grumpy was funny—but it didn’t quite click for me. And Framed Women was a very solid read.

I also got in five fiction-writing sessions, and have come to the realization that this has to be dystopian of sorts, not fantasy, but I’m going to keep writing and not worry about revising the first bit right now.

Happy writing!

Book Review: One Night In A Thousand Years, by Craig Cunningham

Image belongs to BooksGoSocial.

Title: One Night In A Thousand Years (audio)   
Author: Craig Cunningham   
Genre: YA     
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Senior year was supposed to be the time of Colt’s life, but when he meets Lucas Oliver, a college-aged vagabond with a mysterious past, Colt’s life takes an unexpected turn.

Lucas mentors Colt and a group of eleven other senior guys, guiding them through a series of rites of passage over the course of the year. They are challenged by the power of sacred questions, courageous acts, and vulnerable authenticity, but the question remains: can Lucas be trusted with his unorthodox ideas about God, life, and death? Along the way, Colt’s feelings for Noa—a “band dork” he has known for years, deepen as he falls for her bright green eyes and charming honesty.

As Colt and the group of young men explore the wonders, romance, and adventures of their senior year, they are confronted with an event that challenges everything they hold true.

I really enjoyed this audio book! It felt like Dead Poets Society, with its whole coming-of-age vibe, although a teeny bit less sad. I loved how Colt came to realize there was more to life he’d ever imagined—and more that he wanted out of it. The friendships in this book are fantastic and realistic, with the good, the bad, and the ugly. I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much, but I was truly engrossed and listened to it straight through in one day.

Craig Cunningham lives in Waco, Texas. One Night in a Thousand Years is his newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of BooksGoSocial Audio in exchange for an honest review.)

Book Review: When Grumpy Met Sunshine, by Charlotte Stein

Image belongs to St. Martin’s Press.

Title: When Grumpy Met Sunshine   
Author: Charlotte Stein     
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.

And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.

But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend―until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

This made me laugh several times, but there seemed to be an unnecessary amount of profanity in this. And some of Alfie’s impulses/reactions were…completely nonsensical and random. I enjoyed the humor and the snark, and the slow way Alfie warmed up to Mabel, but I did not get the why behind the year-long gap at the end of the novel. Still, this was a fun read.

Charlotte Stein lives in West Yorkshire. When Grumpy Met Sunshine is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Book Review and Blog Tour: The Framed Women of Ardemore House, by Brandy Schillace

Image belongs to Harlequin/Hanover Square Press.

Title: The Framed Women of Ardemore House
Author:  Brandy Schillace  
Genre: Mystery   
Rating:  4 out of 5

Jo Jones has always had a little trouble fitting in. As a neurodivergent, hyperlexic book editor and divorced New Yorker transplanted into the English countryside, Jo doesn’t know what stands out more: her Americanisms or her autism.

After losing her job, her mother, and her marriage all in one year, she couldn’t be happier to take possession of a possibly haunted (and clearly unwanted) family estate in North Yorkshire. But when the body of the moody town groundskeeper turns up on her rug with three bullets in his back, Jo finds herself in potential danger—and she’s also a potential suspect. At the same time, a peculiar family portrait vanishes from a secret room in the manor, bearing a strange connection to both the dead body and Jo’s mysterious family history.

With the aid of a Welsh antiques dealer, the morose local detective, and the Irish innkeeper’s wife, Jo embarks on a mission to clear herself of blame and find the missing painting, unearthing a slew of secrets about the town—and herself—along the way. And she’ll have to do it all before the killer strikes again…

I liked Jo from the beginning. The author handled Jo’s differences very well and made them believable and relatable. I loved how she randomly decided to run away to Scotland for the day on an impulse—that made me a teensy bit jealous. I loved the secondary characters in this, especially the innkeeper’s wife. I ended up binge-reading this in a singe session.

Brandy Schillace is an author and historian. The Framed Women of Ardemore House is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Sundays are for Writing #264

This has been a great writing week! I wrote two book reviews: The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West, by Sara Ackerman and The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck, by Kylie Scott. Olivia was a great read. Both timelines engrossed me (and made me want to visit Hawaii). I’ve enjoyed all of Sarah Ackerman’s books I’ve read, and this was no exception. Lilah Goodluck had me laughing out loud several times, and I almost hurt myself snorting. Seriously, if you need a fun weekend read, pick this up.

I also got in five fiction-writing sessions this week. This was a bit of a struggle, because things are in such a state of flux at work, and I had two squeeze in two writing sessions on Thursday to make it work, but I did! The WIP is slowly starting to sort itself out—and I think it’s morphing from a fantasy to a bit of a dystopian. Who knew?

Happy writing!

Book Review and Blog Tour: The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck, by Kylie Scott

Image belongs to Harlequin/Graydon House.

Title:  The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck      
Author: Kylie Scott  
Genre: Romance   
Rating:  4.5 out of 5

“Be quiet and listen: He is cheating on you. The name of your soulmate is Alistair George Arthur Lennox. You will be passed over for the promotion. The winning numbers are 5-8-12-24-39-43. And I’m very sorry to tell you this, but you will die next Sunday.”

When Lilah Goodluck saves the life of Good Witch Willow as they’re crossing a busy L.A. street, the last thing she expects is five unwanted predictions as a reward. Who gives someone the winning lotto numbers then tells them they’ve only got a week to live? And who believes in that nonsense anyway?

But when the first three predictions come true within twenty-four hours, Lilah’s disbelief turns to mild panic. She’s further horrified when she nearly runs a car off the road that belongs to Alistair Lennox, who just happens to be the illegitimate son of the British king.

While Alistair is intrigued by her preposterous story, Lilah is adamant about resisting the heat between her and the playboy prince. If she denies he’s her soulmate, then the last prediction can’t come true, right? As the days count down, they become maybe friends…and then maybe more. But between the relentless paparazzi and some disapproving royals, finding time for love isn’t easy, especially when her days may be numbered.

The snark is real in this read! I have no idea how many times I snorted with laughter while reading this. Lilah and Alistair are both such memorable characters, and I enjoyed both of them very much. This really is like a modern-day fairy tale—but with attitude. If you’re looking for a fun weekend read, you’ve found it.

Kylie Scott is a bestselling author. The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Graydon House in exchange for an honest review.)

Book Review and Blog Tour: The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West, by Sara Ackerman

Image belongs to Harlequin/MIRA.

Title: The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West    
Author: Sara Ackerman     
Genre: Historical fiction     
Rating:  4.5 out of 5

1927. Olivia “Livy” West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies. When she learns of the Dole Air Race––a high-stakes contest to be the first to make the 2,400 mile Pacific crossing from the West Coast to Hawai’i—she sets her sights on qualifying. But it soon becomes clear that only men will make the cut. In a last-ditch effort to take part, Livy manages to be picked as a navigator for one of the pilots, before setting out on a harrowing journey that some will not survive.

1987. Wren Summers is down to her last dime when she learns she has inherited a remote piece of land on the Big Island with nothing on it but a dilapidated barn and an overgrown mac nut grove. She plans on selling it and using the money to live on, but she is drawn in by the mysterious objects kept in the barn by her late great-uncle––clues to a tragic piece of aviation history lost to time. Determined to find out what really happened all those years ago, Wren enlists the help of residents at a nearby retirement home to uncover Olivia’s story piece by piece. What she discovers is more earth-shattering, and closer to home, than she could have ever imagined.

I enjoyed this so much! The air race itself was terrifying to me—I’m claustrophobic and afraid of heights—but the story was fantastic. I loved Olivia’s sheer determination and guts, and I loved Wren’s adventurous spirit. The two of them were woven together so well, and I was eager to get to each chapter and find out what was going to happen. Loved the adventures, the secondary characters, and the romances, too. Highly recommend this read!

Sara Ackerman is a bestselling author. The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/MIRA in exchange for an honest review.)

The Best Books I Read in January (2024)

In January, I read 14 books towards my goal of 225 books for the year. Most of them were decent reads, but several of them really stood out.

I enjoyed my re-read of Matched, by Ally Condie quite a bit, although the idea of such a tightly controlled society isn’t quite so far-fetched these days.

All Rhodes Lead Here, by Mariana Zapata. I enjoyed this so, so much! The voice is phenomenal and it was so much fun to read. Aurora’s mental stream-of-consciousness was hysterical to me, and I laughed out loud several times. Such a great contrast to the taciturn Rhodes.

South of the Buttonwood Tree, by Heather Webber (audio). This was a fantastic Southern fiction read! Both the main characters were engrossing and I was totally enmeshed in their stories—even the secondary characters in this book were fascinating, and so well done.

What I Read in January (2024)

Books Read in January: 14
Books Read for the Year:  14/215

Topical Books/Monthly Goal Books:

The Omnivore’ s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan (re-read): Interesting re-read, but a bit dry.
Down to Earth, by Tom Hughes (TBR): Solid read.
South of the Buttonwood Tree, by Heather Webber (TBR, audio): I loved this so much! Such a great Southern fiction read with vibrant characters.
The Iron Prince, by Julie Kagawa (re-read): Still loving this series.
Stray, by Rachel Vincent (re-read): Thankfully, I enjoyed this re-read.
Matched, by Ally Condie (re-read): How did I manage to forget that this book gave me a love for Dylan Thomas’s poetry, especially Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, which is tattooed on my wrist?
Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic, by Meghan Ciana Doidge (re-read): Still enj oying re-reading this series.

For Review:

Somewhere in the Deep, by Tanvi Berwah. I really enjoyed the first book set in this world, but this one felt very jumbled and chaotic. I loved the two main characters and their chemistry, but the rest of the chaos was a huge distraction.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherland, by Heather Fawcett. I enjoyed this just as much as the first one! I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the world in general. Even the background characters are quirky enough to feel like real people, and just the set-up itself is a lot of fun.

A Body at the Séance, by Marty Wingate. I actually enjoyed this more than the first book in this series. I had not idea who the killer was, but the secondary characters were all interesting possibilities.

The Missing Witness, by Allison Brennan. I’ve enjoyed this entire series, but this one was especially good because of Quinn’s character growth.

It Takes a Rake, by Anna Bennett. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the other books in this series, because some of the MC’s decisions seemed a bit arbitrary and nonsensical.

All Rhodes Lead Here, by Mariana Zapata. I loved this so much! I laughed throughout the entire novel at Aurora’s escapades, and I loved how her relationship with Rhodes grew and changed.

The Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson Bennett (review forthcoming). This was a very odd read. I enjoyed the characters a lot—especially their Holmes and Watson vibe—but the worldbuilding itself felt like a club upside my head.

Left Unfinished:
Holmes, Marple & Poe, by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. I stopped reading Patterson close to two decades ago for multiple reasons, but this one sounded intriguing enough that I thought I’d give it another shot. My mistake. It felt like a jumbled, jagged, chaotic mess.

City of Stardust, by Georgia Summers. I wanted so much to like this, and I did like it. The writing was so lyrical and lovely, and I enjoyed the bits about the city…but the story felt a bit superficial, like I was just getting a few high-level details, but nothing to fully flesh out the story or the characters. I stopped reading because I felt like the details of the story itself were hidden behind a cloud.