It seemed apropos to kick off 2024 with a review of a book that I haven't stopped thinking about since I read it late last year.
Drinker of Ink by ShanIt seemed apropos to kick off 2024 with a review of a book that I haven't stopped thinking about since I read it late last year.
Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton is a debut novel that reads like it has been penned by a seasoned (and exceptional) writer. Tender, lyrical, romantic and thought-provoking, I was enamoured by Vivienne and Peter, both their individual growth over the course of the book, and their journey towards each other. A coming of age story for Vivienne, and for Peter, an understanding of his place and purpose as his family and country are torn apart by war.
Vivid imagery, delicate prose, and evocative storytelling are hallmarks of this story. A love of literature is championed and complex family dynamics are revealed, all through journal entries, the medium Castleton uses with intelligence and emotion to convey the blossoming love story.
Heartbreak and tragedy lend authenticity and substance to this unique tale, set against the backdrop of the 1990s war in Yugoslavia.
This is a story to be savoured, unfolding with graceful elegance. Shannon Castleton has set the bar high, and I can't wait for more from this talented novelist....more
Mimi Matthews has an endearing habit of raising the bar with each story penned, and I’m here for it! The Siren of Sussex is an immersive read into theMimi Matthews has an endearing habit of raising the bar with each story penned, and I’m here for it! The Siren of Sussex is an immersive read into the complicated intricacies of a burgeoning love between two people on the margins of Victorian society, one an immigrant tailor, the other a woman of independence and intelligence.
The romantic tension is electrifying, the historical detail fascinating, and the gamut of human emotion is plumbed with sensitivity and grace. Matthews weaves insights into the societal demand and admiration for the skill of an exceptional tailor, while highlighting the lack of value placed upon his very humanity. Evelyn’s understanding of her expected place in society and her plan to circumvent it is delightfully told as she draws up and executes her battle plan!
As individuals finding their way in a rigid, intolerant society, Ahmad and Evelyn are equally captivating. As their courageous hearts begin to recognise each other, the romance is exquisitely slow and tender, the baring of their souls a beautiful stripping down and sweet restoration that is nothing short of delightful.
The first in the Belles of London series, The Siren of Sussex can be read as a standalone, but I do encourage readers to read the Parish Orphans of Devon series first, in particular the gorgeous A Modest Independence which first introduces the enigmatic and watchful Ahmad Malik.
I can’t wait for more of Mathews' Belles of London!...more
Inventing Vivian is my first introduction to Jennifer Moore, and what a delightful introduction it was. The premise (intelligent woman destined for spInventing Vivian is my first introduction to Jennifer Moore, and what a delightful introduction it was. The premise (intelligent woman destined for spinsterhood as Regency era males avoid a smart woman like the plague), and the characters (hark, there is one Regency male eschewing their bias against brains, plus our heroine has a cohort of equally daring and clever friends) are both warmly familiar, yet Moore puts her own stamp on both trope and protagonists, making for a fun and engaging read.
Benedict has returned from a long stay in China, reformed, sensitive, and hoping for more than the expectations placed on him by his father and the ton. Accompanied by his dear friend and mentor, Zhang Wei, trouble soon follows. Fascinated by Vivian’s clever mind and secretly supports her desire to exhibit her latest invention.
The story enables Moore to explore the attitudes of the era towards women, Chinese immigrants, child labour, and the abhorrent working conditions in manufacturing. The ease with which these challenges are resolved, while improbable for the time, provides a happily ever after tale sure to satisfy readers who devour sweet Regency romances. Inventing Vivian has piqued my interest in the Blue Orchid Society ladies and their adventures!...more
Lauded for her historical romance, the delectably chilling John Eyre confirms Mimi Matthews’ literary skill crosses genre boundaries with ease. EvocatLauded for her historical romance, the delectably chilling John Eyre confirms Mimi Matthews’ literary skill crosses genre boundaries with ease. Evocative prose ensures spine-tingling chills, gasp-worthy plot twists abound, and the characters are nothing short of divine!
Fierce, independent, and stalwart, Bertha Rochester is a force to be reckoned with, a heroine whose self-possession and vulnerability make her worthy of the name. John is circumspect and steady, the perfect foil to Bertha’s dark vibrancy and comes into his own in unexpected ways.
Matthews clearly cherishes the classic novels from which she has drawn from, handling them with respect while making the story her own.
Creepy, vivid, gothic, and captivating, beware stepping into John Eyre‘s pages as you will take a journey your heart and mind won’t soon forget!...more
Mimi Matthews is a rare talent, raising the bar with each new story she writes, then with the perfect meld of prose, characterisation, and historicityMimi Matthews is a rare talent, raising the bar with each new story she writes, then with the perfect meld of prose, characterisation, and historicity, leaving me in a puddle of readerly wonderment and delight.
Gentleman Jim is a glorious story! One that will leave you wondering if five minutes is a respectable time to wait before indulging a second time then answering ‘But, of course’ without hesitation.
Rollicking and romantic, passionate and intriguing, Matthews has delivered a gorgeous love story, rife with legendary romantic tension, a villain worthy of your disdain, with a hero and heroine, perfectly matched in tenacity, courage, and moxie!
If you are looking for some respite and joy in an otherwise annus horribilis, Mimi Matthews’ novels are a sure thing! Regency romance does not get any better than Gentleman Jim....more
My preparation for immersing myself in a Jennifer Rodewald novel is always the same. Time. Tissues. Peace and quiet. Check, check, check!
That preparatMy preparation for immersing myself in a Jennifer Rodewald novel is always the same. Time. Tissues. Peace and quiet. Check, check, check!
That preparation came in handy as Jen serves up another wonderfully redemptive story, when two strangers lose their minds momentarily and find themselves living with the complicated consequences of their foolish choices. As Jackson and Mackenzie’s stories unfold, how my heart ached for them and the circumstances that caused both their strengths and their vulnerabilities. There are some beautiful moments in this book, especially when Jackson steps up and follows God’s still small voice.
In Spite of Ourselves is an engaging and emotional read, and the way this couple grow as individuals as they draw closer together, despite their ignominious beginning, is beautiful. The Murphy Brothers have captured my heart and I’m excited for more to come....more
Louisa is the must read sequel to the forthright and raw journey of Lu Sololowski who captivated me in Lu.. UnlikReal faith. Real struggle. Real life.
Louisa is the must read sequel to the forthright and raw journey of Lu Sololowski who captivated me in Lu.. Unlike many novels that populate the Christian fiction market, this series exposes the authentic struggle of a woman wrestling over the existence of God, and the implications for her as she comes to believe and tries to seek meaning and belonging in world that chafes like an ill-fitting suit.
I was fortunate to read Lu. and Louisa back to back. In fact, as I turned the last page of Lu., I immediately opened Louisa because her faith and personal journey was so compelling. I devoured both stories within 48 hours and have been pondering every aspect of them since.
Troy kicks down a few barricades in both her writing style and content, and the story is better for it. Lu is flawed, frustrated, and her voice unceasingly honest. We will recognise ourselves in Lu, John, Nana Bea, Gracie, Roddy, and Jackson – in their kindness and selfishness, their compassion and ignorance, their generosity and defensiveness. As Lu’s people – her family, friends, former lover, and even the man she hopes for – respond to her new found faith in unexpected ways, another layer of believe-ability and heartfelt meaning are added to the tale.
Redemption stories are often constructed to a formula, straight lines from sinner to redeemed. Like every believer’s journey, Louisa’s path to redemption is littered with pot-holes, setbacks, and moments of unbelief that require arm-wrestling what we think she thinks she knows of God, the circumstances she finds herself in, and what He reveals to her through His word.
And I haven't even addressed the wit and charm of the dialogue, internal contemplation, and that added interest of some chapters in Jackson's point of view.
Beth Troy has penned a mesmerising love story, an authentic spiritual awakening, and a compassionate and profound journey of one woman’s search for belonging and purpose that is unmissable....more
What can I say about this utterly entrancing novella by Mimi Matthews? It's beautiful, poignant, heartfelt, moving and deeply romantic. Mimi Matthews What can I say about this utterly entrancing novella by Mimi Matthews? It's beautiful, poignant, heartfelt, moving and deeply romantic. Mimi Matthews has never impressed me more...and that's saying something. Every Matthews story is special - her heroines intriguing, each hero unique, the settings detailed and fascinating, so I don't play favourites. Fair as a Star is no different, but it touches on a subject that is personal to me, so it will forever take up a corner of my bookish heart.
Beryl's struggle with melancholy or low spirits, what we now recognise as depression, and her efforts to hide its effects from her family and friends is authentic and moving. Matthews writes with sensitivity and insight about mental health, a subject that still remains challenging for many to speak about with empathy and understanding. Despite the nature of Beryl's difficulties, this book overflows with hope, wit, and romance, as Mark Rivenhall honours his brother, despite his unrequited love for Beryl and the knowledge that she can never be his. His desire to understand Beryl's struggle leads him to young Dr. Black - whose moments on the page demand a story all his own - who discourages the harsh Victorian treatments Beryl fears. Despite entering the church as expected of the third son, Mark's faith is genuine and has helped shape him as a man of compassion and integrity, such a refreshing change from the often bumbling and inane caricatures Victorian and Regency romances make of men of the cloth, including Austen herself.
On a final note, Fair as a Star has romantic moments aplenty, sufficient to fill the pages of a full length novel, so don't let the page count dissuade you from adding this wonderful story to your shelf!...more
Cosy mysteries have never been a go-to read for me. I much prefer the faster pace and thrilling edge to a suspense novel, but as I know Heather Day GiCosy mysteries have never been a go-to read for me. I much prefer the faster pace and thrilling edge to a suspense novel, but as I know Heather Day Gilbert's talent as a writer, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to try the first book in her Exotic Pet Sitter Mysteries. For starters the cover is super fun, the series title unique, and the premise holds lots of appeal, and having turned the last page, I'm delighted to say it has endeared me a little more to the cosy mystery genre. Gilbert's writing style is warm, witty, and layered, and the mystery remains a mystery until the closing stages of the story which, of course, is essential to all the armchair sleuths. Belinda is a fun character, charming yet not without backbone, determined to forge her independence with her two businesses - exotic pets and gaming reviews. Add in a cast of characters, all of whom could be complicit in the murder, some hints of attraction and romance, and you have a story - and series - worth investing in! Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass is sure to please cosy mystery lovers everywhere!...more
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