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ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Misadventures of Margaret Finch in Books
May 20, 2023
Don’t let this book fool you like it did me. When I read the title and saw the cover, I was expecting something entirely different to what I got - and I wasn’t disappointed at all!
Margaret has escaped her controlling stepmother by working for the Mass Observation project in Blackpool. She becomes involved with the Vicar of Stiffkey (he was a big deal in the late 1930s - and no! She wasn’t involved like that!), and starts to observe him and his sideshows as part of her work.
Margaret is very good at what she does. She’s an expert at staying on the periphery, invisible, but I don’t think this does her any good in the long run. She starts to feel lonely and separate from everyone else, and she doesn’t know how to deal with it.
I though Margaret was fascinating, and her boss James, was lovely. The vicar was only interested in his own life and problems, which isn’t really something I’d expect from a vicar.
Oh, and my advice for reading this: DON’T GOOGLE ANYTHING! Really, you’ll spoil it for yourself.
It’s a fabulous book - you really should read it! Thanks to The Pigeonhole and to Claire for reading along with us.
Margaret has escaped her controlling stepmother by working for the Mass Observation project in Blackpool. She becomes involved with the Vicar of Stiffkey (he was a big deal in the late 1930s - and no! She wasn’t involved like that!), and starts to observe him and his sideshows as part of her work.
Margaret is very good at what she does. She’s an expert at staying on the periphery, invisible, but I don’t think this does her any good in the long run. She starts to feel lonely and separate from everyone else, and she doesn’t know how to deal with it.
I though Margaret was fascinating, and her boss James, was lovely. The vicar was only interested in his own life and problems, which isn’t really something I’d expect from a vicar.
Oh, and my advice for reading this: DON’T GOOGLE ANYTHING! Really, you’ll spoil it for yourself.
It’s a fabulous book - you really should read it! Thanks to The Pigeonhole and to Claire for reading along with us.

Merissa (12882 KP) rated Rejected Mate (Shifter World: Royal-Kagan #5) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
In book 1 of the Kagan Wolves series, we meet Nic and Riley. Nic is the alpha's son, primed to take over as Alpha when his father steps down. Riley is an honorary pack member as she is wholly human. She is also the Pack's Doctor, although she will treat any shifter that turns up.
I loved the twist in this book - that Nic the human loved and wanted Riley, but Nic the wolf saw her as weak because she couldn't give him pups! The frustration felt by Nic was tangible as you read through. Riley is a strong character and I honestly don't know if I could do what she did! I think I would have run at the first opportunity, but that's why the book isn't about me! lol
I enjoyed seeing Sean and Jenna again, and how they both helped Riley and Nic. This is what friends do for each other, even if you don't always agree with their decisions.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a wonderful full-length read into the world of the Kagan Wolves. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 9, 2016
I loved the twist in this book - that Nic the human loved and wanted Riley, but Nic the wolf saw her as weak because she couldn't give him pups! The frustration felt by Nic was tangible as you read through. Riley is a strong character and I honestly don't know if I could do what she did! I think I would have run at the first opportunity, but that's why the book isn't about me! lol
I enjoyed seeing Sean and Jenna again, and how they both helped Riley and Nic. This is what friends do for each other, even if you don't always agree with their decisions.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a wonderful full-length read into the world of the Kagan Wolves. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 9, 2016

Merissa (12882 KP) rated There Are No Vampires In This Book in Books
Jun 8, 2023
Taryn watched her parents murdered whilst she was still a young girl. She spent the whole summer in therapy trying to deal with what she saw and how she feels. Of course, she can't tell them what really happened, because they don't believe her. After a while, she pretends that she is okay, just so that she can go home. Her friends have always been there for her, and she is beyond thankful for them. But change is a-coming, and Taryn doesn't deal very well with change...
This is an emotion-filled book that shows the deep love that friends can have for each other, and the support that is given without question. Taryn has to face up to her past, as well as shocks in her present and an uncertain future, but throughout Aiden and Kenzie are there for her.
Very well-written, leaving you in no doubt about Taryn's feelings or state of mind. She is witty and sharp, as well as vulnerable. This is a winning combination. With a steady pace building up to the conclusion, this was a great read that I would recommend.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon - August 2015 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 13, 2016
This is an emotion-filled book that shows the deep love that friends can have for each other, and the support that is given without question. Taryn has to face up to her past, as well as shocks in her present and an uncertain future, but throughout Aiden and Kenzie are there for her.
Very well-written, leaving you in no doubt about Taryn's feelings or state of mind. She is witty and sharp, as well as vulnerable. This is a winning combination. With a steady pace building up to the conclusion, this was a great read that I would recommend.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon - August 2015 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 13, 2016

Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated Blackmailer’s Delight in Books
Feb 23, 2024
steamy in places but lacking in romance
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It's the first I've read of David Lawrence.
I liked Daniel and Luke, together and separately. I did think at points, Daniel was using his greater age over Luke to get what he wanted, but I don't think he was doing it deliberately, or maliciously.
It's steamy and smexy, plenty of that but I did find the romance element lacking. As a reader of romance, I do like a more in depth romantic element, to go along with the smexy stuff.
I did like the twist at the end! Clarence, Daniel's ex, was a thoroughly nasty piece of work, but he does come around to Daniel moving on, and does redeem himself somewhat.
Apart from the above mentioned, the story is well told and well written. I found the character development very good. It is a little long winded in the beginning, but it does pick up and then runs away with itself.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading.
I'd like to read something else by this author, he's on my radar now.
4 good stars
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It's the first I've read of David Lawrence.
I liked Daniel and Luke, together and separately. I did think at points, Daniel was using his greater age over Luke to get what he wanted, but I don't think he was doing it deliberately, or maliciously.
It's steamy and smexy, plenty of that but I did find the romance element lacking. As a reader of romance, I do like a more in depth romantic element, to go along with the smexy stuff.
I did like the twist at the end! Clarence, Daniel's ex, was a thoroughly nasty piece of work, but he does come around to Daniel moving on, and does redeem himself somewhat.
Apart from the above mentioned, the story is well told and well written. I found the character development very good. It is a little long winded in the beginning, but it does pick up and then runs away with itself.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading.
I'd like to read something else by this author, he's on my radar now.
4 good stars

Bethany Chiller
Book
The life of a young woman turns upside down when demonic forces control her, and a trail of...
horror supernatural bookbuzz

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Sky Full of Stars in Books
Jan 23, 2024
17 of 220
Book
A Sky Full of Stars
By Dani Atkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Alex married Lisa, she gave his life meaning. He no longer felt alone in the world – beneath his tough exterior she saw someone she could love. And soon, Alex, Lisa and their young son Connor made up a happy little universe.
But then Lisa dies unexpectedly, and their perfect world is destroyed. Alex is shattered by the loss, and overwhelmed by the difficulties of being a single father to a six-year-old. How can he and Connor carry on without Lisa guiding their way?
Just as Alex fears the darkness might overwhelm him, he discovers that his wife had a secret: there was a side to Lisa that he never knew. It seems that, even after she’s gone, Lisa is lighting the way for Alex… but is he brave enough to take it?
This was good I did enjoy it I wouldn’t have normally picked it up I had it in a subscription box but I’m glad I did. The story is so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. You see how all these lives are affected because of one accident. Really nice read.
Book
A Sky Full of Stars
By Dani Atkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Alex married Lisa, she gave his life meaning. He no longer felt alone in the world – beneath his tough exterior she saw someone she could love. And soon, Alex, Lisa and their young son Connor made up a happy little universe.
But then Lisa dies unexpectedly, and their perfect world is destroyed. Alex is shattered by the loss, and overwhelmed by the difficulties of being a single father to a six-year-old. How can he and Connor carry on without Lisa guiding their way?
Just as Alex fears the darkness might overwhelm him, he discovers that his wife had a secret: there was a side to Lisa that he never knew. It seems that, even after she’s gone, Lisa is lighting the way for Alex… but is he brave enough to take it?
This was good I did enjoy it I wouldn’t have normally picked it up I had it in a subscription box but I’m glad I did. The story is so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. You see how all these lives are affected because of one accident. Really nice read.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Pretty Lentil Liars in Books
Oct 9, 2024
Can Jackie Find the Truth in a Town of Liars
Jackie Norwood has landed in Holland, Washington, for their lentil festival. It quickly becomes evident that the organizer has exaggerated how big the crowds will be, but Jackie wonders what else the organizer is hiding after she receives a note claiming the organizer is a constant liar. Then she hears about the teen who vanished on prom night twelve years ago. Can Jackie find the truth about what happened that night?
I was thrilled to be back in Jackie’s presence for this book. The set up was fun, and I quickly got caught up in the story. I thought I had the villain pegged early on, but I turned out to be wrong. Still, everything made sense when I was done. The characters are great, new and old alike. One of the supporting characters gets a chance to shine, and I liked the growth we saw for Jackie. We also get some humor, including puns, which I enjoyed. There are 10 recipes at the end featuring lentils, from the traditional soups to the more creative. If you are looking for a great book that is a fast read, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I was thrilled to be back in Jackie’s presence for this book. The set up was fun, and I quickly got caught up in the story. I thought I had the villain pegged early on, but I turned out to be wrong. Still, everything made sense when I was done. The characters are great, new and old alike. One of the supporting characters gets a chance to shine, and I liked the growth we saw for Jackie. We also get some humor, including puns, which I enjoyed. There are 10 recipes at the end featuring lentils, from the traditional soups to the more creative. If you are looking for a great book that is a fast read, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.

The Red Dragon of Oxford (Wings over Albion #1)
Book
Dragons aren't real. Or so I used to think. Oxford isn't exactly what I'd imagined. Sure, the...
MM Paranormal Romance Dragons

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder at Glenloch Hill in Books
Nov 27, 2024 (Updated Nov 27, 2024)
Golf Clubbed to Death
It’s been six months since Stella and Lyndy have found a dead body, and they have enjoyed the break. But that is about to change when they travel to Scotland. The trip has two purposes – Stella gets to meet some distant cousins, and Ludy’s soon to be brother-in-law is playing in the nearby Open Championship. However, when they arrive, they find a weird tension they can’t figure out. Then, there’s an accusation from a maid. Finally, Stella finds a dead body, and Lyndy finds himself the prime suspect. Can they figure out what is happening?
It was great to be back with these characters once again. I really have come to love the regulars, so I missed those who weren’t here. But we saw more growth in those who did come along for the trip. The new characters were great as well. The mystery slowed down a time or two, but never for long, and the final third really grabbed me as I headed toward the logical climax. As always, the time period came to life. Those looking for a series with character they will love need to pick up these books. Those who are already fans will enjoy this entry.
It was great to be back with these characters once again. I really have come to love the regulars, so I missed those who weren’t here. But we saw more growth in those who did come along for the trip. The new characters were great as well. The mystery slowed down a time or two, but never for long, and the final third really grabbed me as I headed toward the logical climax. As always, the time period came to life. Those looking for a series with character they will love need to pick up these books. Those who are already fans will enjoy this entry.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Witness in Books
Feb 10, 2024
25 of 220
Kindle
Witness
By Caroline Mitchell
⭐️⭐️⭐️
To Rebecca it was a brave decision that led to her freedom from domestic abuse. To Solomon it was the ultimate betrayal.
It’s been ten years since Rebecca’s testimony saw Solomon locked away. Enough time for the nightmares to recede, the nerves to relax; enough time to rebuild her life and put the past behind her.
Then one day a phone rings in her bedroom—but it’s not her phone. Solomon has been in her home, and has a very simple message for her: for each of the ten years he has spent in jail, Rebecca must witness a crime. And, to make matters worse, she has to choose the victims.
Fail to respond and you get hurt. Talk to the police and you die. Ready to play? You have sixty seconds to decide…
As the crimes grow more severe, the victims closer to home, Rebecca is forced to confront a past she had hoped was gone forever.
This was good. Well written and an interesting story that kept you reading. Didn’t get me overly excited but I did enjoy the read. A new author for me. Does contain Domestic abuse and controlling behaviour.
Kindle
Witness
By Caroline Mitchell
⭐️⭐️⭐️
To Rebecca it was a brave decision that led to her freedom from domestic abuse. To Solomon it was the ultimate betrayal.
It’s been ten years since Rebecca’s testimony saw Solomon locked away. Enough time for the nightmares to recede, the nerves to relax; enough time to rebuild her life and put the past behind her.
Then one day a phone rings in her bedroom—but it’s not her phone. Solomon has been in her home, and has a very simple message for her: for each of the ten years he has spent in jail, Rebecca must witness a crime. And, to make matters worse, she has to choose the victims.
Fail to respond and you get hurt. Talk to the police and you die. Ready to play? You have sixty seconds to decide…
As the crimes grow more severe, the victims closer to home, Rebecca is forced to confront a past she had hoped was gone forever.
This was good. Well written and an interesting story that kept you reading. Didn’t get me overly excited but I did enjoy the read. A new author for me. Does contain Domestic abuse and controlling behaviour.