Monday, September 30, 2024

Review: We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

We'll Prescribe You a Cat We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley and the Berkley Besties Program.

This was a cute contemporary fiction with a hint of what I felt was magical realism that follows five different people as they search for a solution to their life's problems.  Through word of mouth they are sent to a strange clinic where the prescription is always a cat, because "Cats can solve most problems."  Each person goes through a soul searching and self-discovery journey during their prescription time with their cat.

This was very heartwarming and really shows the healing power of pets, in this case cats.  I'm a dog person myself, and my pups have always brought joy and happiness to my home.  We got our current dog about a month before the COVID shut down, and about a year before our beloved older dog passed from old age.  He is almost 5 now, and he helped us get through that tough time and completes our family.  This made me think of that as the cats in the book provided each of the humans with something else to focus on and some much needed emotional support.

This book is set in Kyoto, Japan and is translated.  As someone who is not 100% familiar with all of the customs and cultural references, I'm sure I missed some of the references as there is always something lost in translation.  There was some humor that I found a bit dry, which I often find to be the case in translated books.  It has nothing to do with the skill of the author,   Overall I thought this was super cute and cozy.  If you are a cat lover or an animal lover in general you will really appreciate this!

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Sunday, September 29, 2024

Review: Forever Starts Tonight by Karla Sorensen

Forever Starts Tonight Forever Starts Tonight by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

I love the Wilder family so much, and Poppy's book has been long anticipated.  She and Jax have been tiptoeing around each other for years and fans of the Karla's have been begging for their story to be told.  I was not disappointed one bit, and I hope other readers felt the same.

Poppy is the youngest of the Wilders, she has 6 older siblings and at 25 they still treat her like the beloved baby of the family not like the adult she is.  She loves her family, and appreciates their concern, but sometimes she wishes they would give her the credit and grace that she has shown them and they have shown each other as they grew into the people they are today and the mistakes they made along the way.  I loved how she addressed that with them by the way.  Poppy has always had a huge crush on her older brother's best friend Jax.  Everyone knows about it, and thought it was cute and that she would grow out of it.  He is 10 years older than her and she was always off limits.  What no one knows, is that as Poppy grew up Jax started developing feelings for Poppy.  Jax has always been a lone wolf with an adventurous spirit.  Part of that stems from the way he was raised and not learning the real value of relationships.  

Fueled by a bad date and a little liquid courage Poppy decides to confront Jax with her feelings and get him out of her system.  They agree to one night, no strings.  Jax as he does when he gets into his feelings disappears for a pilgrimage to in Spain for several months.  Working for the Wilder construction business, they understand his need to get away every so often and let him go.  Poppy on the other had finds out she is pregnant but doesn't let her family in on who the father is.  When Jax return, he and her family immediately find out but Poppy also has a boyfriend which makes things awkward for everyone.  They both have to confront not only the logistics of co-parenting but their own feelings for each other.

I really loved the development of Jax and Poppy's relationship and all the interactions with the Wilder family.   I'm normally not a fan of pregnancy trope books, but this was really well done and the pregnancy doesn't overtake the book.  Their relationship and interactions are at the forefront which kept me engaged.  There are some angsty parts as we learn about Jax's childhood and why he has such a hard time with relationships.  There are also some sad parts as the Wilder family is still dealing with the loss of their father and husband.  

You can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the other books related.  

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Thursday, September 26, 2024

Review: Bringer of Dust by J.M. Miro

Bringer of Dust Bringer of Dust by J.M. Miro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This picks up shortly after the events of book 1, so I don't recommend reading this as a standalone. You really need to read Ordinary Monsters first to gain a foundation on the characters and what is going on. As a forewarning, this does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I am loving the series so I am anxiously looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.

This follows several different characters that we met in the first book as they recover from the destruction of Cairndale and the loss of Marlowe. We also meet some new characters that play a large role in this installment. We learn more about the origins of the Talents and the drughr and the roles each of our characters is to play in this gothic story.

As with the first book this contains a multitude of genres. It is a nice mix of of horror, fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction with wonderful world building and great characters. You won't love all of the characters but you will be invested in all of them and their storylines. The chapters focus on different characters, but at its heart Charlie and Marlowe are at the center of the story and everything that happens. This book is on the long side and there are quite a few characters to keep track of, but the author does a good job managing the pace and the storyline so that you don't forget what is happening and who everyone is. There is plenty of action throughout to keep you on your toes and plenty of expansion of the world and characters to keep you invested. The author describes the setting and the fantastical and horror elements with the perfect amount of detail so you aren't overwhelmed but you can visualize what is going on in your head. This book is dark and has some violent scenes, that was also true with the first book. It leans a little more into the horror aspects than the first book but I would let my 14 or my 16 year old read the series if they wanted. I think it would appeal to readers of any age.

The narrator is wonderful. Ben Onwukwe does different voices for the different characters, and is just a pleasure to listen to. This book clocks in at just under 25 hours, so you are going to spend alot of time with him, so having a good narrator is key. He narrated the first book as well, and I was really happy to see him return for book two, and I expect he will be back for book three.

I love this series and I can't wait for the final installment. If you enjoy epic fantasy novels that marry historical fiction and horror give this a try.

Blog Tour: In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King

 


About the Book





A Goodreads Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Book of Fall 2024

“A sinister romance and hypnotic Gothic fairytale—surreal and luscious with a fascinating twist on the story of Hades and Persephone.” —Jennifer Saint, bestselling author of Ariadne

A woman with no past. A man who seems to know her. And a monstrous garden that could be the border between their worlds…

Italy, 1948

Julia Lombardi is a mystery even to herself. The beautiful model can’t remember where she’s from, where she’s been or how she came to live in Rome. When she receives an offer to accompany celebrated eccentric artist Salvador Dalí to the Sacro Bosco—Italy’s Garden of Monsters—as his muse, she’s strangely compelled to accept. It could be a chance to unlock the truth about her past…

Shrouded in shadow, the garden full of giant statues that sometimes seem alive is far from welcoming. Still, from the moment of their arrival at the palazzo, Julia is inexplicably drawn to their darkly enigmatic host, Ignazio. He’s alluring yet terrifying—and he seems to know her.

Posing for Dalí as the goddess Persephone, Julia finds the work to be perplexing, particularly as Dalí descends deeper into his fanaticism. To him, she is Persephone, and he insists she must eat pomegranate seeds to rejoin her king.

Between Dalí’s fevered persistence, Ignazio’s uncanny familiarity and the agonizing whispered warnings that echo through the garden, Julia is soon on the verge of unraveling. And she begins to wonder if she’s truly the mythical queen of the Underworld…



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Excerpt

Prologue


Bomarzo, Italy, 1547–1560


It took me years to find Giulia Farnese, but no time at all to win her confidence. I did so with an unassuming cherry rose tart. It had been nearly a hundred years since I last looked upon her face, but from the moment she pulled the golden tines of her fork away from her lips and she looked to me, not her husband, I knew my influence had taken hold.

“You truly are a maestro, Aidoneus,” she said, closing her eyes to savor the sweet, floral flavors. “And a welcome addition to our kitchen.”

“Madonna Farnese, you flatter me.” I gave the couple a polite bow, my gesture more fluid than human custom, and turned back to my earthly duties.

“It seems you will eat well when I am gone,” Vicino joked behind my back. “But don’t eat too well, my beauty, or you won’t fit into those lovely dresses.”

Giulia laughed, and my heart warmed. Oh, she would eat well, I vowed. Very well.


* * *

The next day, as Vicino Orsini gave his wife a peck on the cheek and vaulted onto his horse, I watched from the rooftop terrace, my gaze lingering on the horizon where earth met sky—a threshold I knew all too well. Then, with a flick of the reins, he led his men down the road into the valley. They were headed to Venezia to escort the Holy Roman Cardinal, Pietro Bembo, to Rome. Afterward, Vicino would depart for Napoli and Sicilia on business for Papa Pio IV.

Jupiter had blessed the region of Lazio with a warm spring, and a week after Vicino left, Giulia asked me if I wanted to take a walk. I suggested we explore the wood in the valley below the palazzo. She readily agreed, which did not surprise me. It was impossible for her to ignore the aphrodisiac qualities of my food, let alone the timbre of my voice, and the brush of my hand against hers. The first time she startled at my warmth— no human runs as hot as I—but she did not ask me to explain. In all the centuries past, she never has. This alone stoked the fire of hope within me.

She led me on a thin path through the verdant tapestry of the forest, where sunlight, diffusing through the emerald canopy, dappled the woodland floor with patches of gold. Beneath our feet, a carpet of fallen leaves, still rich with the scent of earth, crunched softly. We moved through clusters of ancient evergreen oaks, their gnarled limbs reaching out like weathered hands, and past groves of squat pomegranate trees with their ruby-hued fruits catching the sunlight and casting a warm, inviting glow.

Upon reaching a clearing surrounded by several large tufa stones jutting up through the grass and weeds, I was immediately drawn to one of the stones embedded in the hillside. The exposed side was round and flat, and it hummed, a song of the earth, a low vibration that warmed the deepest depths of me.

Giulia could not hear the humming, but she was surely aware of it in some hidden part of her, for she turned to me then.

“I love this wood,” she said, her arms outstretched toward the stone. The early morning light brightened her features, making her blue eyes shine.

“I can see why.”

She twined her hand in mine. “I come here often to bask in the feeling. The moment I arrived in Bomarzo, I felt like I had been called home, to my true home. And this wood, this is why. It re-minds me of a fairy tale, or a place from the ancient, heroic myths.” It was then that I had the idea. The stone—it hummed be-cause the veil to the Underworld was thin there. Perhaps…yes… if the wood was enhanced, and energy from the darkness was better able to pierce the surface into this realm I would no longer have to spend years attuning to Giulia when she reappeared in the world. Instead, she would be drawn closer, and I would find her faster. It would work. I was sure of it.

“Vicino doesn’t like me walking here alone. Too many wolves and bears, he says.”

I could sense a wild boar in the far distance, but no wolves or bears. “I think we’re safe here.” I gestured toward one of the big misshapen rocks. “Sometimes I like to imagine rocks as mythical creatures. Like that one. It could be a dragon poised to fight off danger.”

“Ooo, I can see it. The big open mouth, ready to take on any wolf, or even a lion.” Her enthusiasm was exactly what I had hoped for.

I waved my arm toward the large, round, smooth rock be-hind it. “And that should be a great big orco, with a mouth wide open. And it eats up and spits out secrets.”

“An ogre that spits out secrets?” Giulia laughed.

“Oh yes. This orco would tell all. Ogni pensiero volo.” I made my hands look like a fluttering bird.

She wore a wide grin. “All thoughts fly! How perfect. But if he eats up secrets, there should be a table inside this orco. It could be his tongue.”

As we wandered through the wood, dreaming up new lives for the monstrous rocks left eons ago by a force of nature, I was delighted to see how invested she was in the game.

“There are so many stones,” she said, clapping her hands together. “We could make a whole park of statues. I will write Vicino tonight.”

I did not expect it would be quite so easy. Usually it took a long while to convince Giulia of the merit of my ideas. But the pull of the Underworld was strong here and my influence was far greater than it would have been in Paris, or some backwater hill town in the wilds of Bavaria or Transylvania.

On the walk back, she paused by another enormous stone that jutted out of the ground, the size of a giant. She leaned against it. “Can you keep a secret?” she asked coyly.

“Of course.”

“This secret is only for you.” She leaned forward and grasped the edge of my cloak, pulling me toward her. Our lips met and she melted into me.

In the years following, as Vicino began work on the garden, a change was palpable in the air. Each evening, as the twilight deepened, a subtle energy began to emanate from the heart of the valley. I found contentment not just in the evolving grove, but also in my closeness to Giulia. Our time together, so abundant and intimate, felt different. I had never waited so long to make my attempt, but I nurtured this earthly bond, knowing it was essential for the garden’s growth.

The day finally arrived when Vicino ushered Giulia into the heart of the Sacro Bosco—the Sacred Wood—the name he had fondly bestowed upon the garden. As she crossed the threshold, I sensed it—a strengthening of our connection, more profound than ever before. It was time.

That night, the chicken with pomegranate sauce I prepared was met with Giulia’s usual lavish praise, although I knew she took in the single pomegranate seed garnishing the dish as a courtesy, not a desire for the fruit. As she savored each bite, I felt a loosening in the ethereal shackles binding her heart. A vivid, red-hued hope blossomed within me.

Post dinner, I retreated to the palazzo’s highest balcony, my gaze drawn to a nascent light in the wood below. The light, though barely perceptible, was imbued with a power that seemed to bridge the realms of mortal and divine. A faint green luminescence that whispered of unwanted things to come. It pulsed like a languid heartbeat, beckoning to something—or someone.

I was immediately compelled to find Giulia. Amidst the soft murmur of the salon where she played with her children, I enveloped her in my senses and the flower of hope within me withered. Her heartbeat, steady and unsuspecting, echoed the rhythm of the garden’s glow.


Excerpted from In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King © 2024 by Crystal King. Used with permission from MIRA/HarperCollins.


Review

In the Garden of Monsters: A NovelIn the Garden of Monsters: A Novel by Crystal King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, all opinions are my own.

This follows Julia, a model and artist, who has been selected as a muse for Salvador Dalí's latest set of paintings inspired by the goddess Proserpina. She is whisked off to the Sacro Bosco, also known as the Garden of Monsters, where she feels a connection unlike anything she has known before. You see Julia cannot remember her past or how she came to be in Rome. Once they arrive at the Garden, Julia is not only drawn to the place but their host Ignazio and his dark and alluring presence. Her stay at the palazzo is filled with strange encounters and dreams that she can't explain. Dalí insists she act the part of Proserpina for her entire stay and eat pomegranate seeds at each meal, yet something is trying tell her not to. The conditions prove difficult but Julia needs the money she is promised for the job, and something is compelling her to stay. She is determined to unlock her memories and the mysteries of the garden before she loses her sanity.

This was a really interesting retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone or in this case it steers more to the Roman version of Pluto and Proserpina. You can tell that the author put her time and care into the research of this book when it came to the Garden. She weaves actual events from its creation by Vicini for his wife into the story as well as Dalí's visit in the late 40s into the story while creating a unique retelling. I think she did a wonderful job describing the Garden, the palazzo, and the food which played a large part in the book. I love a well researched book and really appreciate that she paid homage to Dalí's love of food and tried to stay true to what Dalí and Gala's personalities and relationship were like while telling Julia's story.

I did find this to be a bit slow paced for my personal taste, however I did switch over to the audiobook on release day and that really helped me with the pacing issue. I don't think it was an issue with the plot, the book is very detailed and descriptive which sometimes slows things down for me in print. The narrator is wonderful and does different accents for all of the characters. I highly recommend the audio.

If you like Greek/Roman mythology retellings, this has an unexpected twist with great world building and some very interesting characters. The real world historical elements mixed with the fantastical made for a compelling read. I've added the Garden of Monsters to my list of places I want to go visit one day.

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About the Author


Crystal King is the author of In The Garden of MonstersThe Chef’s Secret and Feast of Sorrow, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize and was a Must Read for the MassBook Awards. She is an author, culinary enthusiast, and marketing expert, and has taught at multiple universities including Harvard Extension and Boston University. She resides in Boston. You can find her at crystalking.com.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Blog Tour: The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak


About the Book




For fans of Elin Hilderbrand, a riveting exploration of family, sisterhood, and the transformative power of literature. When two sisters, one a free spirit at the helm of a rebellious book club, the other a conventional woman locked in the clutches of an unhappy marriage are forced into a reluctant reunion by their mother's illness, they must confront past ghosts that rock the entire community.

Gia Rossi was considered a bit of a rebel in her small hometown of Wakefield, Iowa ever since she challenged the gaggle of well-meaning but misguided women from the PTA who’d insisted the high school English department, drop a number of "controversial" titles from the reading list. Gia had expected her favorite teacher to stand up for the books she loved by explaining why they were so important. Instead, just to avoid a fight, he’d caved in immediately, which was what had incited her to start The Banned Books Club.

That was the first time Mr. Hart had let her down, but it wouldn’t be the last. Because of him she left her hometown when she turned eighteen and graduated. But now, with her sister begging her to return home due to their mother's failing health, Gia will come face to face with the beloved teacher who was fired after she reported him for sexual misconduct. Gia's return has the town divided between those who believe her and those who believe she ruined Mr. Hart's life. Even members of her beloved book club--who've continued to meet virtually over the years--aren't sure who to believe.

Gia's homecoming dredges up a lot of pain from her past. Her relationship with her sister has always been strained but there's no denying that Margot has taken on the burden of caring for their mother and now it's Gia's turn to help. She's grateful to have the time with her mother and to come to terms with what happened to her in high school. What she doesn't expect is for her sister to use Gia's arrival as the opportunity to pack up her kids and leave town to escape her emotionally abusive husband. With the support of an unlikely ally, Gia is able to prove that Mr. Hart really was to blame for his own downfall, supports her mother and her sister when they need her most and finds love and a future in the town she thought rejected her.

Buy Links:
HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-banned-books-club-brenda-novak
BookShop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-banned-books-club-original-brenda-novak/20991020
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-banned-books-club-brenda-novak/1144493947?ean=2940190812299
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Banned-Books-Club-Novel/dp/0778387321

Excerpt

“Wait…you’re not still running that book club you started in high school, are you?”

Gia Rossi had been shopping at her local grocer when her sister called. “I’ve never really stopped. Not completely.” She switched her phone to her other ear, so she could use her more dexterous left hand to steer her empty shopping cart across the parking lot to the reclamation point.

“Most of the members weren’t your friends. They were just people who blindly followed you no matter what you did,” her sister pointed out drily.

Was there a hint of jealousy in that response? Margaret, who’d been known as Maggie when they were kids but now called herself a more distinguished Margot, was only thirteen months younger than Gia, so just one year behind her in school. Margot hadn’t been nearly as popular—but it was because she’d never done anything exciting. She’d been part of the academic group, too busy excelling to be going out having fun.

“A few of them were close friends,” Gia insisted. “Ruth, Sammie and a handful of others are still in the book club with me, and we rotate picking a read.”

“Seriously? It’s been seventeen years since you graduated. I thought you left them and everything else behind when you dropped out of college and took off for Alaska.”

Her sister never would’ve done something that reckless, that impulsive—or that ill-advised. Gia had walked away from a volleyball scholarship at the University of Iowa, which was part of the reason her family had freaked out. But she was glad she’d made that decision. She treasured the memories of freewheeling her way through life in her twenties, learning everything she could while working on crabbing and fishing boats and for various sightseeing companies. She wouldn’t have the business she owned now, with a partner, if not for that experience. “No. We fell off for a bit, then we went back to it, then we fell off again, and now we meet on Zoom to discuss the book we’re reading on the fourth Thursday of every month.” She lowered her voice for emphasis. “And, of course, we make sure it’s the most scandalous book we can find.”

Margot had never approved of the book group or anything else Gia did—and that hadn’t changed over the years, which was why Gia couldn’t resist needling her.

“I’m sure you do,” Margot said, but she didn’t react beyond a slightly sour tone. She’d grown adept at avoiding the kind of arguments that used to flare up between them, despite Gia sometimes baiting her. “So seven or eight out of what…about sixty are active again?”

“For one month out of the year, the ratio’s quite a bit better than that,” she said as the shopping cart clanged home, making her feel secure enough to walk away from it. “The rest of the group gets together for an online Christmas party in December.”

“How many people come to that?”

Margot sounded as if she felt left out, but she’d never shown any interest in the book group. “Probably fifteen or twenty, but it’s not always the same fifteen or twenty.” She opened the door to her red Tesla Model 3, which signaled the computer to start the heater—something she was grateful for since she hadn’t worn a heavy enough coat for the brisk October morning. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, didn’t usually turn this cold until November or December.

The car’s Bluetooth picked up the call as Margot asked, “Why haven’t you ever mentioned it?”

Now that they lived thirteen hundred miles apart, there were a lot of things she didn’t tell her sister. It wasn’t until she’d left her hometown behind that she’d felt she could live a truly authentic life—one without the constant unfavorable comparisons to her “perfect” sibling.

But that wasn’t why she hadn’t mentioned the book group. She’d assumed her sister wouldn’t want to hear about it. Margot had been mortified when Gia challenged the gaggle of well-meaning but misguided women from the PTA who’d descended on Room 23 on Back-to-School Night, insisting Mr. Hart, head of the English department, drop The Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders and The Handmaid’s Tale from the Honors English reading list. Gia had expected her favorite teacher to stand up for the books she loved by explaining why they were so important. She’d known how much he’d loved those books, too. Instead, just to avoid a fight, he’d caved in immediately, which was what had incited her to start a club that championed the books they’d targeted—as well as others.

That was the first time Mr. Hart had let her down, but it wouldn’t be the last. “If you’d ever joined the club, you’d be on the email list,” she said as she backed out of the parking space.

“I would’ve, but you know me. I don’t really read.”

Her sister would not have joined. The Banned Books Club was far too controversial for Margot. It would’ve required a bit of rebellion—something she seemed incapable of. And maybe she didn’t read much fiction, but Gia knew her to consume the occasional self-help tome. That was probably how she reassured herself she was still the best person she knew, because if there was anyone who didn’t need a self-help book, it was Margot. Their parents’ expectations were more than enough to create her boundaries.

“You should try reading along with us now and then. It might broaden your horizons.” As good as Margot was, she had a mind like a steel trap—one that was always closed, especially when faced with any information that challenged what she already believed. She lived inside a bubble of confirmation bias; the only facts and ideas that could permeate it were those that supported her world view.

“I’m happy with my horizons being right where they are, thank you.”

“You don’t see the limitations?”

“Are you trying to offend me?” she asked.

Gia bit back a sigh. That was the difference between them. Margot would sacrifice anything to maintain her position as their parents’ favorite child, to gain the approval of others, especially her husband, and be admired by the community at large. Growing up, she’d kept her room tidy, gotten straight As and played the piano in church. And these days, she was a stay-at-home mom with two children, someone who made a “hot dish”—what most people outside the Midwest would call a casserole—for any neighbor, friend or acquaintance who might be having surgery or suffering some kind of setback.

Her conventionalism was—in certain ways—something to be admired. As the black sheep of the family, Gia knew better than to try to compete with Margot. That wasn’t possible for someone who couldn’t take anything at face value. She had to question rules, challenge authority and play devil’s advocate at almost every opportunity, which was why she was surprised that her sister had been trying, for the past two weeks, to convince her to come home for the winter. Their mother’s health had been declining since she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was at stage four before they discovered it, and the doctors had done what they could, but Ida hadn’t responded to treatment. Margot claimed their mother wasn’t going to last much longer, that Gia should spend a few months with her before it was too late. But Gia was surprised Margot would risk the peace and contentment they all seemed to enjoy without her.

Gia wasn’t sure she could go back to the same family dynamic she found so damaging, regardless. She and her business partner ran a helicopter sightseeing company for tourists and flew hunters and fishermen in and out of the remote wilderness—but Backcountry Adventures was closed during the coldest months, from November to February. She would soon have the time off, so getting away from work wouldn’t be a problem. It was more that when she was in Wakefield, the walls seemed to close in around her. It simply got too damn hard to breathe. “Fine,” she grumbled. “Don’t answer that question. But speaking of limitations, how’s Sheldon?”

“Seriously, Gia? I’m going to assume you didn’t mean to ask about him in that way,” her sister stated flatly.

There was no love lost between Gia and her brother-in-law. She hated the way he controlled Margot, how he could spend money on hunting or fishing or buying a new camper, but her sister had to scrape and bow for a new pair of jeans. Margot explained it was because he earned all the money, that he was trying to be a good “manager” by giving her such a tight budget so the business would be successful and they’d have money to retire in old age, but to Gia, it seemed that Margot was making all the sacrifices. Stingy was stingy, and yet he was the one who wanted Margot at home, waiting for him with a hot meal at the end of the day. Their boys, Matthew and Greydon, were eight and six, both in school. Margot could work part-time, at least, establish something of her own, if Sheldon wasn’t calling all the shots.

“It was a joke.” Gia really didn’t want to cause problems in her sister’s marriage. Margot insisted she was happy, although if that were her life, Gia probably would’ve grabbed her kids and stormed out of the house—for good—long ago.

“He’s doing great. He’s been busy.”

“It’s deer hunting season. I assume he’s going.”

“Next week.”

And what will you do—stay home and take care of the kids and the house while he’s gone? Gia wanted to ask, but this time she managed to bite her tongue. “He’s going to Utah again?”

“Yeah. They go there every year. One of his buddies grew up in Moab.”

“Last winter, Sheldon’s business slowed down a bit, so I’m surprised to hear you say he’s been busy.”

“That was the economy in general. All trucking companies took a hit. I don’t think the same thing’s going to happen this year, though. He just bought two new semis and is hiring more drivers.”

“He’s quite the businessman.” Gia rolled her eyes at her own words. He hadn’t built the trucking business; he’d inherited it from his parents, who remained heavily involved, which was probably what saved it from ruin. But thankfully, Margot seemed to take her words at face value.

“I’m proud of him.”

He was proud of himself, could never stop talking about his company, his toys, his prowess at hunting or four-wheeling or any other “manly” pursuit. Gia was willing to bet she could out-hunt him if she really wanted to, but the only kind of shots she was willing to take were with her camera.

Still, she was glad, in a way, that her sister could buy into the delusion that Sheldon was a prize catch. “That’s what matters,” she said as she pulled into the drive of her two-bedroom condo overlooking Mill River. The conversation was winding down. She’d already asked about the boys while she was in the grocery store—they were healthy and happy. She was going to have to ask about Ida before the conversation ended, so she figured she might as well get it over with. “And how are Mom and Dad?”

Her sister’s voice dropped an octave, at least. “That’s actually why I called…”

Gia couldn’t help but tense; it felt like acid was eating a hole in her stomach. “Mom’s taken a turn for the worse?”

“She’s getting weaker every day, G. I—I really think you should come home.”

Closing her eyes, Gia allowed her head to fall back against the seat. Margot couldn’t understand why Gia would resist. But she’d never been able to see anything from Gia’s perspective.

“G?” her sister prompted.

Gia drew a deep breath. She could leave Idaho a few weeks before they closed the business. Eric would cover for her. She’d worked two entire months for him when his daughter was born. She had the money, too. There was no good excuse not to return and support her family as much as possible—and if this was the end, say goodbye to her mother. But Gia knew that would mean dealing with everything she’d left behind.

“You still there?”

Gathering her resolve, Gia climbed out of the car. “Sorry. My Bluetooth cut out.”

“Did you hear me? Is there any chance you’d consider coming home, if only for a few weeks?”

Gia didn’t see that she had any choice. She’d never forgive herself if her mother died and she hadn’t done all she could to put things right between them. She wished she could continue procrastinating her visit. But the cancer made it impossible. “Of course. Just…just as soon as I finish up a few things around here.”

“How long will that take you?”

“Only a day or two.”

“Thank God,” her sister said with enough relief that Gia knew she couldn’t back out now.

What was going on? Why would having her in Wakefield matter so much to Margot?

“I’ll pick you up from the airport,” her sister continued. “Just tell me when you get in.”

“I’ll get back to you as soon as I’ve made the arrangements.”

Excerpted from THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB by Brenda Novak. Copyright © 2024 by Brenda Novak. Published by MIRA Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.



Review

The Banned Books ClubThe Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, all opinions are my own.

This is a tough read as it deals with several different topics. I will put trigger warnings below, so you can make an educated decision as to read this book or not.  

Trigger warnings: sexual assault (attempted), molestation of a minor, domestic abuse (verbal), cancer, death of a parent (epilogue)

This follows two sisters as they navigate two very different life situations as well as their mother's cancer diagnosis.  Their mother isn't doing well, and Margot has been taking care of her as well as her own family in their small town for quite some time.  Gia left town after high school and doesn't come back very often, she has a valid reason, but Margot has asked her to come home to visit with their mom while she still has time and to give her a much needed break.  Gia is hesitant, but she doesn't want to miss out on spending time with her mother before she loses her battle with cancer.    

Gia hasn't kept in touch with many people from home, but she has kept up her Banned Books Club that she started in high school via Zoom, and now that she is back in person, she and her closest friends have decided to have a reunion of sorts.  There are some who have not let the past go, and they are none to happy about Gia's return to town and they are determined to get Gia to retract her allegations from high school that ruined a beloved teacher's career and impacted his family.  The last person she expects to come to her defense is his son as she deals with the fallout.

As Gia deals with people questioning her testimony and integrity, Margot is planning her escape from town just like Gia did all those years ago.  No one really knows what is going on with Margot, she never asks for help and always says things are just fine.  We come to learn that things are not fine with Margot, and now that she has a plan nothing is going to stop her from protecting herself or her children. 

As for the actually banned books club, it doesn't appear much in the book.  It is mentioned in a few scenes here and there but it isn't a central focal point of the book.  I expected that books and book discussions would be more present with such a title, but banned books and the club itself are a minimal part of the book.  

I thought this was really good until the romance entered the picture.  I would have preferred this not have a romantic element personally.  I'm not a fan of the way Gia chose to deal with Sheldon, it felt really irresponsible and dangerous to indicate that is how a situation with a person like her brother in law should be dealt with.  While I didn't agree with some of the choices and directions the author took the plot in,  I did enjoy the story.  I would have liked more book talk though :)

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About the Author

Brenda Novak, a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, has penned over sixty novels. She is a five-time nominee for the RITA Award and has won the National Reader's Choice, the Bookseller's Best, the Bookbuyer's Best, and many other awards. She also runs Brenda Novak for the Cure, a charity to raise money for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised $2.5 million. For more about Brenda, please visit www.brendanovak.com.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Review: The Haunting of Moscow House by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

The Haunting of Moscow House The Haunting of Moscow House by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley and the Berkley Besties program, all opinions are my own.

This was a very interesting gothic historical tale with romantic and paranormal elements to keep the reader interested.  This follows two sisters, whos family has fallen from the aristocracy in post revolutionary Russia.  Their family and ancient mansion referred to as Moscow House keeps many secrets, and Irina and Lili have to uncover the most devastating of the secrets known only by their beloved uncle who passed several years ago and their strange aunt who currently lives with them in order to save what is left of their family.  Lili uncovers her uncle's diaries and learns some of those secrets and how to fight some of the strange and terrible things that have been happening in their home.

In the meantime both Lili and Irina have taken jobs with the American Relief Administration in an attempt to feed the remaining members of their family.  They are barely surviving, but their new jobs may be seen as treason by the current regime, especially the men who have taken over their house.  Both girls must carefully navigate tricky family and political situations while also developing romantic relationships.  

I thought this was entertaining enough, but it didn't have enough paranormal elements for a haunted house story in my opinion.  This was more character driven and centered around the familial relationships and relationships the sisters had with the people around them.   The research that went into the time period and the setting was excellent! 

Overall, this was a great fall read.  It is spooky with the creepy house and gothic elements.  Slavic folklore is fascinating and it has great characters.  


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Monday, September 16, 2024

COVER REVEAL: Forever the Highlands by Samantha Young


Samantha Young has revealed the gorgeous cover for Forever the Highlands!


Releasing: December 5, 2024

Cover Design: Hang Le

Photographer: Wander Aguiar


He's her brother's best friend. She's totally off-limits. But when life takes an unexpected turn, she's the only one he wants at his side...


Fyfe Moray raised himself. His only real family is his best friend, Lewis Adair. For that reason, Lewis's sister Eilidh is totally off-limits. Fyfe is in deep denial about their intense attraction. Thankfully, Eilidh is a famous actor living in London while he runs his cyber security company from the Highlands. They're worlds apart. Until one day, Eilidh reaches out asking for a lifeline and Fyfe can't bring himself to turn her away.

Acting isn't what Eilidh Adair expected. As a kid, she wanted to be just like her famous uncles. But the double-edged sword of fame cuts deeper than expected. Afraid to admit she's made a mistake, Eilidh is spiraling. The only person who knows the truth is Fyfe, but her childhood crush has developed into a love he won't return. Yet when she comes home intent on starting over, Fyfe can't seem to stay away. His confused feelings might just be the end of them. Until a woman from Fyfe's past abandons the baby daughter he never knew he had.

Now a single father, Fyfe needs support. He just never expected Eilidh to be the one he needed most. Fyfe can't believe how quickly he falls for his child and how rapidly his world view changes. He's ready to admit the truth: he's madly in love with his best friend's sister. And Fyfe's done wasting time.


But someone else believes Eilidh belongs to them. Someone who has been watching her far longer than she realizes. Just when she thinks she might have everything she wants, Eilidh finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a person intent on destroying everything she holds dear.



Pre-order your copy today!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yHtrBz

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/ForevertheHighlands

Audio: Coming Soon!

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3WZKo1Z


Meet Samantha




Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She's been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.

She resides in Scotland.

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