Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2450 KP) rated Crime and Parchment in Books
Oct 3, 2024 (Updated Oct 3, 2024)
This book received lots of praise when it came out, and I can see why. There’s a lot packed into the beginning, but I was able to follow it, and it pulled me into the story. It did make the book feel a little slower later, but maybe that was just my expectations. I was definitely intrigued the entire way through, and the ending answered my questions. I also appreciated that the author did a good job of making us believe that the treasure hunt Juniper found herself on was believable. The characters were good, and the subplot involving Juniper and her family felt realistic. I liked how that played out. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for these characters soon.
ClareR (6037 KP) rated The Glassmaker in Books
Sep 2, 2025
Murano comes across as a magical place, both in its ability to make beautiful pieces of art from glass, and also its ability to keep those who live there in a kind of time warp or stasis. If you live on Murano, you don’t age.
Such is the case with the main character, Orsola Rosso.
We join her family when she is 9 years old and her father dies suddenly. Her brother struggles with the responsibility and skills needed to run the business - that is until a rival matriarch teaches the Rosso women (via Orsola) how to make glass beads.
I loved how real people from history were brought into the story (Casanova and Josephine Bonaparte, amongst others), and how when time jumped hundreds of years, Orsola only aged a few in that time. We see how Italy changes over time, how it modernises and how climate change endangers both lives and livelihoods.
The story and characters felt as vibrant as the glass beads. This was such a refreshing, different read. Just outstanding 🤷🏼♀️
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Malicious ( The Whitethorn Society 1) in Books
Mar 30, 2024
Kindle
Malicious ( The Whitethorn Society 1)
By Rinna Ford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
On the outside, people see Viv as a spoiled little rich girl who lives for designer clothing and wild parties, not the strong, capable woman she tries so hard to be. But money and power don’t buy love and acceptance, and Viv has definitely learned that the hard way.
College was a taste of freedom from that life, but then, that freedom ends up being stripped away when Viv is expected to go back to the family she hates to embrace a destiny she doesn’t want. Only, she believes that her destiny is to slave away for her family business, not join an ancient society of magical beings that shouldn’t even be real. Secrets and danger lie around every corner, but so do answers and love that she so desperately craves.
With old friends and new, one seriously annoying brother, and an ex that won’t go away, not that she really wants him to, Viv has to face new challenges and become the Whitethorn she was born to be.
She is the key. Whatever that means.
This was really good. A concept I haven’t yet read It was really interesting and I’m looking forward to reading more. I do like this author though and it was a light enjoyable book.
Rebuilding Year (Reconstruction #2)
10.0
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Publisher Description Can two very different men fake a relationship for the sake of a...
Stanley's Christmas Redemption (Mission City #2)
8.0
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Stanley I have life figured out—a good job, a nice car, and an ex-boyfriend whose heart I...
ClareR (6037 KP) rated The Hungry Dark in Books
May 28, 2025
Ashley’s ghosts, the Heedful Ones, have a history of letting her know when something bad is going to happen, but they’ve been quiet/ not visible in recent times. But that’s about to change.
I did have to keep reminding myself that Ashley was a 30 year old and not a child, but her father is extremely controlling and coercive. He’s thoroughly unpleasant. Her brother makes himself unavailable, and has escaped to some degree, and her mother is clearly damaged in some way. My favourite character is probably Ashley’s best friend, and that only developed as the story went on and her true colours started to show.
This is enjoyably spooky, frustrating and takes some unexpected turns! The flashbacks are helpful in developing the story, and explain a lot of Ashley’s reasons for doing what she does. And an eerie, big old house will always be a winning addition to a ghost story! If you like thrillers with a side order of ghosts, then this will definitely appeal to you.
A Touch of Maple (Love in Maplewood #3)
10.0
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After being traded numerous times over the course of his pro hockey career, all Bellamy Jordan wants...
Contemporary MM Sports Romance Found Family Hockey
The Cunning Cruise Ship Caper
8.0
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It’s been years since Sandy Fairfax was a teen idol and starred in his hit ‘70s television...
Merissa (13495 KP) rated The Hitman's Omega Priest (River City Omegas #1) in Books
Jul 1, 2025
Kensley found out he was an omega when he was fourteen and was shipped to a monastery where he would spend the next fourteen years. He never quite forgave his brother or his brother's best friend, Bishop, whom Kensley had had a major crush on. When Kensley is threatened, Bishop turns back up in his life, and all hell is let loose.
The attraction between Bishop and Kensley is off the charts, not surprising considering they've been separated for over a decade. However, for me, it sort of took over the story a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I loved seeing how they fell for each other, but with everything else that went on...? I just feel as though I missed out on parts of the story.
We get a HFN ending with plenty of questions outstanding. I really hope some of them are answered in the next story - King and Malori's. Still, a great read and definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 1, 2025
Seven Hundred Beachfront
8.0
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Some places hold memories. Others have opinions. I didn't mean to run again. But when life...
Contemporary Romance Women's Fiction Magical Realism