The Potting Shed Murder by Paula Sutton

The Potting Shed Murder by Paula Sutton - I first heard about this book as I follow the author's "Hill House Vintage" Instagram account and enjoy the style and gardening. The book seemed to borrow heavily from the author's life. Unfortunately, I found this book to be a slog. I was simply not invested in the characters or story, and would often feel like I had spent a long time reading without getting very far. I liked the premise and the sense of place, but most of the characters were bored miserable rich people and their darling children. The descriptions felt repetitive and the story dragged on.  Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

The Love Haters by Katherine Center - The meet cute is as usual, a little too convenient, but I was able to roll with it. I enjoyed the description of the bright colors of the Florida Keys and appreciated as more of the nuance and backstory unfolded for the main characters. I laughed out loud quite a bit. I was telling myself "oh this is so predictable" and yet I stayed up late to read the last 60% of the book, so I guess we can call it propulsive! I think that Katherine Center is officially my favorite romance writer. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. 

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 16: New Books to Make Your Heart Race by Cathy Pegau, Mariah Fredericks, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Ragnar Jónasson

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 16: New Books to Make Your Heart Race by
Cathy Pegau, Mariah Fredericks, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Ragnar Jónasson - Another fun sampler collection to get a taste of some upcoming releases. There were some formatting issues where chapters appeared in the wrong section (within a different book's sample!) which created some confusion for this reader. The four stories contained a range of characters, settings, and time periods. The two I enjoyed the most took place in early 20th century America. Historical fiction + mystery is a favorite genre combo of mine. I will be most interested to read Cathy Pegau's "A Murderous Business." Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe

Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe - This book started out a bit slow for me, but as the author weaved her story, it became richer and more engaging. I enjoyed her blend of historical fiction and ecology with the focus on strong Southern women that I've found in Monroe's other works. This book is not billed as a series, but the author's note suggested that the matriarch would continue with her story in a second book. I knew the timeline wasn't keeping up with how much was left in the book, but it was a bit surprising for the book to not be more clearly described that way up front. The story was largely unresolved at the end, but it did make me want to continue to the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Cozy Case Files, Volume 24: A Cozy Minotaur Sampler

Cozy Case Files, Volume 24: A Cozy Minotaur Sampler - This was a fun and quick (under 200 page) sampler that introduced me to some new authors in addition to sharing previews of new releases from familiar authors. I enjoyed the range of storylines and settings. I am most excited about the new "Ravensea Castle Series" by author Elizabeth Penney, which starts with Bodies and Battlements. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd

Murder at Gulls Nest (Nora Breen Investigates #1) by Jess Kidd - I really like mystery and historical fiction as a combined genre, but this book was a lot slower paced than I prefer. I couldn't tell if that was deliberate or if it just needed some stronger editing. It created a strong sense of place but the exposition dragged on for me. The story had Gothic vibes which I was not expected, and is generally not my preference. But I enjoyed the writing enough to keep going and can see why this would make sense to become a series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto - Vera Wong strikes again. I overall enjoyed this book and even cried a little at the end. The challenges were that the books tries to retain all the characters from the last book while adding several new characters, so it becomes a bit confusing to remember who is who. There are also the same mannerisms that are sometimes cute, sometimes cringey. However, the key themes around found family, being honest and accepting yourself in order to move forward, and caring deeply for others are what make this a satisfying read. The author's note at the end is also worth reading to learn about some of the inspiration for the themes in this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

We Need Your Art by Amie McNee

 

We Need Your Art by Amie McNee - I am still working on claiming the title of artist for myself as it's something I enjoyed in high school, put aside for 20 years, and have just started returning to in the past couple years. So there were pieces of this book that I didn't feel applied to my current level of engagement. However, many many sections really did speak to me around the fears and hesitations and resistance. I was highlighting sections. Reading this book helped me pick up my watercolor painting for the first time in several months - something I had been eyeing but was avoiding. I think that reading this book helping me return to an almost-daily art practice is about the highest praise I can give. Thank you Amie. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Widows’ Guide to Murder by Amanda Ashby

The Widows’ Guide to Murder by Amanda Ashby (NetGalley ARC pub 3/4) ⭐⭐⭐💫 I enjoyed this book but didn’t love it. Perhaps I was just tired this week, but I had trouble sticking with it and it took me longer to finish than I expected. Maybe this just happens with the first book in a cozy series but the pacing felt a little slow. I enjoyed the small town setting, the library, and the characters. I will definitely consider reading the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Back After This by Linda Holmes

Back After This by Linda Holmes - This book started off a little slow for me - perhaps because I am not into podcasts, so some of the inside baseball didn't do much for me. About a third of the way in, I started to get into it - and I stayed up late to finish the last third of the book! I've enjoyed Holmes' other books which delve into some interesting themes but are also sprinkled with plenty of laugh-out-loud humor. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. 

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens - This was a hard read but I think important to learn about some of the wars in the 1990s that were only lightly covered. This was much more of a thriller than it was mystery or historical fiction. Despite the dark topic, I mostly enjoyed reading it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Murder at the Opera House by Dawn Brookes

Murder at the Opera House by Dawn Brookes - I didn't love the characters but I found them entertaining and it was a fairly snappy read. I also liked the unique setting of Romania. I'd guess that as the characters develop more depth as the series progresses, they will become more enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 13 New Books to Make Your Heart Race by Julia Spiro; John McMahon; Melissa Larsen; Sandie Jones; Jenny Elder Moke; Daisy Pearce; Andrew Ludington

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 13
New Books to Make Your Heart Race

by Julia Spiro; John McMahon; Melissa Larsen; Sandie Jones; Jenny Elder Moke; Daisy Pearce; Andrew Ludington

I was worried these might be too creepy/thriller for me but most were actually just great mysteries based on the samples I read! There was great range in the stories I read, and I especially liked The Lost House, She Doesn't Have a Clue, Head Cases, and Splinter Effect. The last two are the first in a series so I will be excited to read the full books and perhaps continue with those stories. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Beautiful Butterflies and Flowers: 20 Step-by-Step No-Sketch Projects on Watercolor Paper by Chithra Shaan

The section on butterfly and flower anatomy provides a helpful foundation. The supplies are not overwhelming and the color recipes are clear. Some of the flowers are more complicated with as many as 15 steps. I think this book may be a bit intimidating for a total beginner. It is laid out nicely, has clear instructions, and builds up to a lovely bouquet of flowers and butterflies at the end. I was also excited to learn about how to integrate metallic paints into these watercolors. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Cozy Case Files, Volume 23: A Cozy Mystery Sampler

Cozy Case Files, Volume 23: A Cozy Mystery Sampler What a great way to sample multiple cozy mystery writers. One thread that ran throughout most of the stories was a strong sense of place. Most of these authors are new to me, and I am adding several to my TBR list. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Sketchbook Joy by Katie Moody

Sketchbook Joy by Katie Moody - It was great to read this encouragement for keeping a sketchbook which is something I'm just on the verge of starting. I loved the idea of commonplacing with drawings not just writing and ideas for incorporating pastels which I haven't tried yet. This book is a great reference for all the possibilities you could include in a sketchbook. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

An Excellent Thing in a Woman (A Sparks and Bainbridge Mystery, #7) by Allison Montclair

An Excellent Thing in a Woman (A Sparks and Bainbridge Mystery, #7) by Allison Montclair - I was really excited to read the next installment of Sparks and Bainbridge and actually wanted the book to be longer so I could spend more time with them! The book starts off quickly with some major developments but then felt a little slow in the middle. This felt like a bit of a transition book with less complexity than some of the other books, but I loved it all the same. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji

Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji - This was a beautifully written book but also hard to read much of the time given the tragedy experienced by the family and the community. I found myself sometimes not wanting to grapple with the heartache in this book but also growing attached to the characters and returning to see how their lives unfolded. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Limelight by Emily Organ

Limelight by Emily Organ - This was a fun read and I look forward to reading more of the series. I don't typically enjoy books that take place prior to the 20th century but I enjoyed the way that this book was written (specific to the time period but with a bit of a modern perspective). I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the way the mystery unfolded to keep me engaged until the end. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times

Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Father Gregory Boyle At first I worried this book might be a little more religious than what I was comfortable with. But the book quickly settled into Fr. Boyle's signature homie anecdotes showing warmhearted love and affection for all humans. This book touched on some recent political events and characters, but really stuck to the theme that everyone must belong to us and we must belong to them. Just like with his other books, there were parts that brought me to tears and parts that made me laugh. It felt like a balm to read during this election season. “People change when they are cherished.” Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Death Comes at Christmas by multiple authors

Death Comes at Christmas (short story collection, multiple authors, publication date 10/28/24) This was a fun mix of holiday themed murder mysteries. I was not familiar with most of the authors so it was also a great opportunity to sample their work. Some leaned a bit more toward the cozy mystery side while several had dark twists. The stories also provided quite a few laughs along the way. I do not like horror or anything that leans too much into thriller/suspense or really dark, and these stories walked right up to that line but didn't cross it for me. (I even used this as bedtime reading)! I enjoyed this collection and finished it in a few days. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews

Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was a sweet short story - a typical book plot but significantly condensed. Initially I found the female main character a bit annoying and highly implausible, but once the story progressed and the two main characters started interacting it was much more enjoyable. No shocking twists or surprises here, but a cozy and cute story with a tidy ending!

Meditations for Mortals Oliver Burkeman

Meditations for Mortals Oliver Burkeman (NetGalley ARC pub date 10/8) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I read this on and off, aiming at first for one chapter a day as suggested but then missing chunks and reading chunks. I am considering purchasing a hard copy as there are sections I’d like to underline or annotate. Despite it being based on some previously published newsletters (to which I subscribe), it was well put together and felt fresh and relevant. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This started off fine, then got weirder and weirder. I considered bailing but stuck through a sagging middle and enjoyed the last third which felt more signature Haig. Four stars rounded up since it felt so uneven.

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This took me a little to settle into but I really enjoyed it and found it a good comfort read. I found myself revisiting the characters in my mind and may consider picking up some of the books that are referenced in the novel. I'll also look into the author's other works.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

The Wedding People by Alison Espach ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I thought this would be light and funny, but a summary did say it had a dark premise and is grim in parts. At 14% in, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading. I gave it one more try and finished it. I think the author lays it on too thick at the start but then smooths it out. I felt frustrated by the caricature-like nature of some of the characters and it felt longer in places than needed, but overall appreciated how it came together. I enjoyed what it was saying about being human and how many of us share the same fears and doubts.

The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness

The Black Bird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 This had a great combo of magical cozy autumn vibes while taking place over the summer. I felt like it dragged in a few spots and could have been shorter than 464 pages, but overall I really enjoyed the new characters and setting that were introduced.

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This started a bit slow and the characters sometimes annoyed me, but it was propulsive and I sped up my reading once I hit about the halfway mark. I will continue reading the series.

Time’s Convert (All Souls #4) by Deborah Harkness

Time’s Convert (All Souls #4) by Deborah Harkness ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had low expectations based on reviews, and it did seem 100-150 pages longer than it needed to be, but it was still fairly enjoyable and I like the backstory on Marcus more than the part featuring Phoebe's transformation. Excited for the next book.

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ There were some serious themes mixed into this fantasy novella, along with illustrations which were fun. I appreciated the postscript regarding the experiences of women in Korea.

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg

Second Tide’s the Charm by Chandra Blumberg ⭐⭐ Science nerds, ocean settings, second chance romance. I loved the premise but the execution was not there for me. Unfortunately, the formatting errors and lack of editing for the ARC I received didn't help but I found the writing stilted and just not a very interesting plotline. It felt repetitive and lacking in dramatic tension. Maybe this would have been a better fit as YA novel but it just felt like alternating long-winded inner monologues of two emotionally immature people with a beautiful backdrop and setting. I really wanted to and tried to like this but it did not hold my interest. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore ⭐⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed this and liked the ending, but overall the tone of the book was really quite dark and sad. The frequent shifting of character perspective and timeline was often jolting and hard to follow, I think it would have been smoother with less shifts and it also dragged at times as a result.

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was fun with lots of little easter eggs and bringing in characters from past books. I still have a few books from her backlist so I didn’t feel super final. I enjoyed all the pickleball references. It was a nice summer treat.

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed this with all its nuances, art references, and character development.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 This was enjoyable and uplifting, but I found Rom-Commers funnier. Fun to catch the character tie-in even though I read the two books in the wrong order. Looking forward to MMD author talk.

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin

Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness by Pooja Lakshmin ⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed a podcast with the author, but I don’t know that the book added much for me. The problems women face are largely structural, don't waste all your time on faux self-care, don't turn wellness into more productivity/achievements, set boundaries and take pauses. This book was heavy on the mini-anecdotes of clients, but it started to feel repetitive quickly and I skimmed a lot.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sometimes, a book that makes you feel good is just the thing. For me, this was reminiscent of Beach Read and Nora Goes Off Script. The story was a little silly but I enjoyed it anyway. This was my first book by her so I'll definitely check out her backlist.

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This went in directions I did not expect. It engaged me pretty early on (although I think it could have been tighter/shorter). The ending was all a little too tidy, but it was overall a pretty fun read. The cover made it seem like a lighter, beachier read than it was.

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland ⭐⭐⭐ I struggled with finding the characters frustrating, and I think the story is spread too thin shifting perspective between the four siblings and a bit the dad as well. I appreciated that the characters showed growth, but not as much as I’d have liked and their evolutions felt really thin. There were some parts where I chuckled so it was pleasant enough, but I had enough of this family when the book was done.

100 Afternoon Sweets by Sarah Kieffer

100 Afternoon Sweets by Sarah Kieffer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ How silly of me reviewing this ARC when now I want a print copy to bake with! Gorgeous photos and clear descriptions. I particularly have my eye on Cranberry Caramel Upside-Down Cake, Toasted Sesame Blondies, Lemon Cake Squares, Pecan Espresso Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, Passion Fruit S'mores Pie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, Coffee Blondies, Cherry Pie Bars, Caramel Rhubarb Shortbread Bars. The section on buttercreams will definitely up my cake game. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 This was a fun romp with loveable characters, themes of found family and defying expectations, and a lot of humor. I enjoyed the portrayal of people at different stages of life coming together and being kind of ridiculous. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (NetGalley ARC 7/2) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐This initially reminded me a bit of My Brilliant Friend. This is a story fundamentally about women’s friendship and a great way to learn about Iran’s history through a beautiful story. There were also luscious descriptions of food along the way and my heart aches for the experiences of the women of Iran but also of women everywhere during this time period of backsliding when it comes to women’s rights. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Unwedding by Ally Condie

The Unwedding by Ally Condie ⭐⭐⭐💫 3.5 stars. I had mixed feelings. It was a page-turner, great setting, intriguing premise. It was a borderline thriller but not so scary that I put it aside (I generally avoid thrillers but like mysteries). It did feel like it started to drag around halfway through and for me that's when the suspense starts to get tedious. I did not care for the main character. I think there were too many side characters so they were underdeveloped. I stayed up late to finish it and was excited to get to the end, but then felt a bit underwhelmed by the time I got there. Also - why didn't she ever tell us Ravi's backstory?

 

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan (NetGalley ARC 7/2) ⭐⭐⭐ This book was compelling and especially the last third I was eager to read quickly. However, it really dragged in sections where it became more recitation of facts than storytelling, and the jumps in storyline were sometimes jarring. It's also very hard to stay with the unlikeable main character. It felt like there was a compelling story within this book, but it needed sharper editing and a bit more focus and it still could have tied together in a satisfying way. It felt like it only had one foot in historical fiction and while I'm glad I finished, it took some effort. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella

Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (NetGalley ARC 7/2) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed this novel. At first I just liked the writing and found it a bit meandering, but then the story continued to unfold and deepen. It drew me in so much that I read more than half of it in one day to finish. Warm themes of found family and small town community. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

 

System Collapse by Martha Wells

System Collapse by Martha Wells ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I didn't want this to end as there are no more books out in the series currently (I read that more are coming?) This continued the storyline from Network Effect which I also loved.

Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell

 

Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Late 19th century historical fiction/mystery. It was pretty fun and I liked it enough to consider continuing the series, although I guessed the murderer pretty early.

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan ⭐⭐⭐⭐ elements of the Emmy Lake Chronicles as it’s set in London during the blitz. Found family and how books bring people together. It had three perspectives which I think made it longer than necessary and it wrapped very tidily.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett ⭐⭐⭐⭐ This took me a few tries until I finally got into it 😁 It definitely had magic and found family vibes. I’ll be interested in picking up the 2nd book but won’t rush to it like I might for other series.

A View from the Stars by Cixin Liu

A View from the Stars by Cixin Liu ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Huge fan of 3 Body Problem series so I was eager to check this out. A collection of short stories, essays, and interviews from the author of 3 Body Problem reflecting on writing and sci-fi. I probably enjoyed the short stories the most which showcased his trademark sense of humor and out of the box thinking.

The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars) I enjoyed most of the writing and story, but it should have been 100 pages shorter. The story was slow, I knew where it was headed, and it just felt like it was dragging its feet to reach the ending.

Murder at the White Palace by Allison Montclair

Murder at the White Palace by Allison Montclair (Sparks & Bainbridge #6) NetGalley ARC ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I can't tell if the writing is better with each book, or it's simply that I love the characters more and more. I tried to not gulp the book down too quickly, but I liked it so much it was hard not to read it fast. I was eager to get my hands on this book and so happy that I got to read it early. A great combo of historical fiction and mystery with a storyline deeply connected to the beloved characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Well it's been about 10 years since I started posting my cooking adventures on Instagram and abandoned this little blogspot but guess what - I am back and posting book reviews now instead!