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On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
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Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and...
Pizza Pizza
Food & Drink and Lifestyle
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WEBBY AWARD WINNER. Try the Pizza Pizza app for yourself! Pizza Pizza's iPhone App is the first of...
Grocery list. Easy shopping list
Shopping and Productivity
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"Happiness is not in money but in Shopping" said Marilyn Monroe. Comfortable and functional app ...
Her Sister's Lie
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In this riveting psychological thriller, the international bestselling author of The Bones of You...
mystery thriller
Finding Mrs Ford
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On a sunny summer morning by the sea in New England, Susan Ford’s cocoon of privilege is...
Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Successor (Tales of Pern Coen) in Books
Mar 24, 2023
THE SUCCESSOR is a standalone book in the Tales of Pern Coen series and, next to Wraidd Elfennol, Pern Coen is my favourite island to be on.
We leave the Wolf Clan and move to Ceffyl, the Horse Spirit's home. The villagers are suffering and Geraint isn't at all concerned. He sends his distant cousin, Torin, off to find his ex-wife, Briallen. She has something Geraint wants, and he isn't prepared to accept no as an answer.
I loved this story! Torin and Briallen are perfect together, the warrior and the healer. Their relationship takes time to build and it is all the stronger for it. Cleena, Geraint's current wife, could have just been a simpering fool but, instead, she comes into her own, using her own mind and not just accepting what she is being told. Siarl and Gwyn are the best friends and Maldwyn is the mother figure. And we can't forget the kids, Hywel, Aneirin, and Deidre. All of these characters simply MAKE this book.
I will admit, I wanted Briallen and Torin to have their cottage by the sea but, I'm hoping, they will still have it as a romantic getaway! LOL The ending was absolutely perfect for the story. It certainly made my eyes leak.
Another jewel in the crown of Pern Coen and HIGHLY 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
We leave the Wolf Clan and move to Ceffyl, the Horse Spirit's home. The villagers are suffering and Geraint isn't at all concerned. He sends his distant cousin, Torin, off to find his ex-wife, Briallen. She has something Geraint wants, and he isn't prepared to accept no as an answer.
I loved this story! Torin and Briallen are perfect together, the warrior and the healer. Their relationship takes time to build and it is all the stronger for it. Cleena, Geraint's current wife, could have just been a simpering fool but, instead, she comes into her own, using her own mind and not just accepting what she is being told. Siarl and Gwyn are the best friends and Maldwyn is the mother figure. And we can't forget the kids, Hywel, Aneirin, and Deidre. All of these characters simply MAKE this book.
I will admit, I wanted Briallen and Torin to have their cottage by the sea but, I'm hoping, they will still have it as a romantic getaway! LOL The ending was absolutely perfect for the story. It certainly made my eyes leak.
Another jewel in the crown of Pern Coen and HIGHLY 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
ClareR (5721 KP) rated Once There Were Wolves in Books
Oct 24, 2023
Animal protection, Climate Change and a mystery - perfect Clare reading fodder! The relationship between the two sisters, Inti and Aggie, was touching, and the relationship between the main character (Inti) and the townsfolk was tense, to say the least.
The idea of reintroducing wolves to the Highlands of Scotland in order to enrich and preserve the ecosystems there, is fascinating and exciting as a reader - and as someone who doesn’t have to farm under those circumstances. The writing was sensitive to every side of the story, but as Inti was leading the project to reintroduce wild wolves, the novel leant more in her favour - and I enjoyed that.
Aggie, Inti’s twin, has had a very traumatic experience, and she has severe depression along with other mental health problems. Inti hopes that by living in the wilds of Scotland, the isolation and wild country will begin to heal her.
But when one of the townsfolk is hurt, it’s hard to know who is safe - not the wolves, that’s for sure.
There are some really deep, involved themes in this: climate change, ecology, domestic abuse, violence, relationships.
Incidentally, I went on holiday in the Cairngorms this summer. We stayed in a cottage, away from all the other cottages on the estate (we couldn’t even see them), surrounded by fields containing alpacas and deer, with the odd buzzard, peregrine and even an osprey! I half expected to see a wolf-pack!! Sadly, there aren’t any wild wolves in Scotland now, but that estate was a weeks worth of heaven for me and my family - and would have fed a wolf pack for about that long, too!
The idea of reintroducing wolves to the Highlands of Scotland in order to enrich and preserve the ecosystems there, is fascinating and exciting as a reader - and as someone who doesn’t have to farm under those circumstances. The writing was sensitive to every side of the story, but as Inti was leading the project to reintroduce wild wolves, the novel leant more in her favour - and I enjoyed that.
Aggie, Inti’s twin, has had a very traumatic experience, and she has severe depression along with other mental health problems. Inti hopes that by living in the wilds of Scotland, the isolation and wild country will begin to heal her.
But when one of the townsfolk is hurt, it’s hard to know who is safe - not the wolves, that’s for sure.
There are some really deep, involved themes in this: climate change, ecology, domestic abuse, violence, relationships.
Incidentally, I went on holiday in the Cairngorms this summer. We stayed in a cottage, away from all the other cottages on the estate (we couldn’t even see them), surrounded by fields containing alpacas and deer, with the odd buzzard, peregrine and even an osprey! I half expected to see a wolf-pack!! Sadly, there aren’t any wild wolves in Scotland now, but that estate was a weeks worth of heaven for me and my family - and would have fed a wolf pack for about that long, too!
Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Secret of Drulea Cottage (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #1) in Books
Aug 20, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
THE SECRET OF DRULEA COTTAGE is the first book in the Betwixt the Sea and the Shore series and we arrive in Everton, a small town in Orkney, also known as the Orkney Islands, which is an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland.
Briony is the village midwife but that is the only time she is wanted. She is the illegitimate daughter of Bethany, who was also illegitimate. The villagers shun her and expect her to follow in her mother's footsteps. Briony is used to it and tries to keep out of their way, although she enjoys spending time with Adaira, her only friend. Her life changes when two men enter it.
The beginning of this story was a slow burn, gently leading you in with old terms and descriptions of Briony's life. It really gets going once Santiago and Niall turn up. Both men have a powerful effect on Briony, but with secrets galore, she has no idea just who or what they are.
This was a fascinating story of the Selkies, with some Portuguese political intrigue thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-described and fit neatly in their boxes. You immediately know who the good guys are, and who are the big bad, even if you don't know why.
A great start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 20, 2021
Briony is the village midwife but that is the only time she is wanted. She is the illegitimate daughter of Bethany, who was also illegitimate. The villagers shun her and expect her to follow in her mother's footsteps. Briony is used to it and tries to keep out of their way, although she enjoys spending time with Adaira, her only friend. Her life changes when two men enter it.
The beginning of this story was a slow burn, gently leading you in with old terms and descriptions of Briony's life. It really gets going once Santiago and Niall turn up. Both men have a powerful effect on Briony, but with secrets galore, she has no idea just who or what they are.
This was a fascinating story of the Selkies, with some Portuguese political intrigue thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-described and fit neatly in their boxes. You immediately know who the good guys are, and who are the big bad, even if you don't know why.
A great start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 20, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated A Novel Disguise in Books
May 18, 2023
How Long Can Tiffany Disguise the Danger She’s In?
When her half-brother dies unexpectedly, Tiffany Woodall quietly buries him and then assumes his identity. There is nothing else for her to do in 1780’s England, especially if she wants to stay in the cottage the two of them lived in. But she quickly finds that being two people is much more challenging than she expected, especially when she starts falling in love with the local book seller and has to dodge the marriage proposal of the local rector. But it’s taking over her half-brother’s job of the local duke’s librarian that puts her in the most danger when one of the servants dies. Might it tie to her brother’s death?
Obviously, there is a lot going on here, and it does mean the mystery takes a little time to become an important part of the story. But I didn’t care. I was quickly caught up in Tiffany’s life and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to her next. And make no mistake about it, the mystery here is strong. I loved how things were all pulled together for the climax. The characters are also wonderful, with plenty of them to love or love to hate. I always felt like I was transported back in time as I was reading. My only complaint was that we learned a little more than I felt necessary about the after effects of the poison, but that was a minor issue. I’m already looking forward to the sequel. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, don’t miss this one.
Obviously, there is a lot going on here, and it does mean the mystery takes a little time to become an important part of the story. But I didn’t care. I was quickly caught up in Tiffany’s life and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to her next. And make no mistake about it, the mystery here is strong. I loved how things were all pulled together for the climax. The characters are also wonderful, with plenty of them to love or love to hate. I always felt like I was transported back in time as I was reading. My only complaint was that we learned a little more than I felt necessary about the after effects of the poison, but that was a minor issue. I’m already looking forward to the sequel. If you are looking for a fun historical mystery, don’t miss this one.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated French Kiss (Flying into Love #1) by C.F. White in Books
Jun 1, 2022 (Updated Jun 13, 2023)
FRENCH KISS is the first book in the Flying Into Love series and, as the title suggests, the first country we land in is France. We have a tale of opposites as our two main characters try to figure out how to move forward.
It really is an opposites attract book! You have city vs. country, England vs. France, city slicker vs. lumberjack, and even easy-to-like vs. hard-to-like. Valentin saved this book for me as Dale was a little too contrary for me. He held onto his secret past for reasons, although explained, that still doesn't make 100% sense to me. He was completely self-centred and quick to jump to conclusions. Valentin, however, was a hardworking drifter with a strong work and personal ethic who wanted nothing more than to put down some roots. He managed to do that for a while caring for Dale's dad but that is in question with Dale wanting to sell the place.
The pacing was smooth, the story was sweet, and the bedroom scenes were steamy! The best bit for me was the descriptions of the cottage, plus the storm. It does make me laugh though as everyone in the city wants to 'escape to the country' and those who live there, usually want out.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to more stories in this series. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 28, 2022
It really is an opposites attract book! You have city vs. country, England vs. France, city slicker vs. lumberjack, and even easy-to-like vs. hard-to-like. Valentin saved this book for me as Dale was a little too contrary for me. He held onto his secret past for reasons, although explained, that still doesn't make 100% sense to me. He was completely self-centred and quick to jump to conclusions. Valentin, however, was a hardworking drifter with a strong work and personal ethic who wanted nothing more than to put down some roots. He managed to do that for a while caring for Dale's dad but that is in question with Dale wanting to sell the place.
The pacing was smooth, the story was sweet, and the bedroom scenes were steamy! The best bit for me was the descriptions of the cottage, plus the storm. It does make me laugh though as everyone in the city wants to 'escape to the country' and those who live there, usually want out.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to more stories in this series. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 28, 2022